Chasing Trout and Capturing Moments: Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River

Fly Fishing Photography Print & Licensing — Big Thompson River, Colorado

Authentic fly-fishing photography from one of Colorado’s most underrated rivers

The Big Thompson River has always felt like one of Colorado’s more underrated fisheries - quiet, accessible, and full of character. On this particular fall day, I was out on the water with a couple guides from Front Range Anglers - John Brown and Charlie Schaeffer, documenting what turned into a textbook session of Euro-nymphing. No setups, no staging, just real moments of passionate fly fisherman doing what they do best.

The river was clear and low, which made for sharp visuals and technical fishing. Golden leaves clung to the canyon walls, and every part of the vibe was a reminder of why people fall in love with fall fly fishing in Colorado.

Why These Photographs Matter

Fly-fishing has always carried a mythology of patience and solitude, but for me, it’s the honest, working rhythm that’s most powerful. Shooting on the Big Thompson wasn’t about chasing a hero shot — it was about capturing how the river feels. The pace, the texture of the current, the breath between casts.

These are the kinds of moments that brands and publications can’t fake. They come from time on the water, earned through cold mornings, missed casts, and small successes. That’s what I want every image to carry — the truth of place and process.

Fine Art Prints

Select photographs from this series are available as museum-quality fine art prints, made with archival inks on heavyweight cotton paper. Each print is produced to highlight the depth and tonal range of the original negative — the way it was meant to be seen.

Perfect for homes, cabins, hospitality spaces, or offices that connect to the American West, these prints bring the stillness and authenticity of the outdoors inside.

Editorial & Commercial Licensing

For outdoor brands, magazines, or tourism boards seeking authentic visual storytelling, this collection is available for editorial and commercial licensing. The images offer an unfiltered look at fly fishing in Colorado’s high country — natural light, real anglers, and an atmosphere that can’t be staged.

Licensing is available directly through the studio. Please reach out to discuss usage and rates:
📩 rob@robhammerphotography.com

Click here to view my photo essay on Colorado fly fishing artist Martin Gerdin

Black and white photograph of fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River

Colorado Fly Fishing Photography

Photograph of fly fisherman and guide on the Big Thompson River

Fly fishing guides on the Big Thompson River

Colorado fly fishing photo for licensing

Fly Fishing in fall color in Colorado

Fly fishing in fall foliage

Fly fisherman walking through fall colors in Colorado

Black and white photo of a fly fisherman in Big Thompson Canyon

Fly fishing a canyon section of the Big Thompson River

Photograph of trout jumping out of the Big Thompson River

Rainbow trout jumping out of the river

Fly fishing photograph for licensing

Netting a Rainbow Trout on the Big Thompson River

Black and white portrait of a fly fishing guide

John Brown of Front Range Anglers having a laugh during a day on the river

Black and white photo of two fly fisherman walking up a river - available for licensing

Fly fishing guides from Front Range Anglers

Photograph of a fly fisherman and guide walking up a river in beautiful light

Looking for trout on the Big Thompson River

Photograph of a tree growing out of a rock along the Big Thompson River

Tree roots growing out of a rock

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a large trout in a rugged setting on a river in Colorado

Charlie Schaefer netting a trout on the Big Thompson River outside Loveland, Colorado

Photograph of a fly fisherman holding a trophy trout on the Big Thompson River

A beautiful Rainbow Trout

Two fly fisherman walking through fall foliage on the Big Thompson River in Colorado

Fall colors in the river in Colorado

Black and white photograph of a fly fisherman holding a rod and reel on the river

Hardy fly rod and reel

Black and white photograph of a fly fishing guide in Colorado available for licensing

One handed

Photograph of a large trout in a net caught by a fly fisherman

Netting a large Rainbow Trout

A fly fisherman smiles while holding a trophy Rainbow trout

Trophy Trout - Colorado

Fly fisherman on the Big Thompson River in Colorado - Black and White Photography

Big Thompson River Fly Fishing

Close-up photograph of a fly fisherman's arm setting the hook on a trout

Setting the hook

Photograph of a Boulder, CO fly fishing guide on the Big Thompson River

A proper bend in the rod

Close-up photograph of a fly fisherman's hand holding a trophy rainbow trout

Won’t forget this one

Photograph of a Colorado fishing guide available for licensing

Charlie Schaefer - Front Range Anglers

Photograph of a fly fisherman trying to net a fish on the Big Thompson River

The big ones put up a good fight

Photograph of a beautiful rainbow trout caught on the Big Thompson River in Colorado

Textbook Rainbow Trout

Aerial view of a fly fisherman walking up river

Fly fisherman moving up river

Photograph of a fly fisherman netting a trout surrounded by fall colors in Colorado

Fly Fishing the Big Thompson River surrounded by fall color in Colorado