Fishing Report For: Blue River
May 2. 2023

Tailwaters are great this time of year.

The Blue River has three distinct sections that are very different from each other.  The upper section begins on top of Hoosier pass and winds its way through Breckenridge into the Dillon reservoir.  this upper section is a freestone fishery with smaller browns and rainbows that are easily caught on dry flies.

The Middle Blue River runs from below Dillon reservoir to Green Mountain reservoir.  This section is probably the most popular because of it’s very easy access (including behind the Silverthorne Outlet stores). This section of the blue below Dillon is a Tail water fishery that sees a lot of fishing pressure throughout the Year.  Midges, Mysis shrimp and annelids are the predominant food source for these rather large and elusive Trout.

Better fishing down stream of Silverthorne along HWY 9 headed towards Kremmling.  There are numerous DOW access points along the stretch headed to Green Mountain.  The Lower river begins below Green Mountain reservoir and confluences with the Colorado river 15 miles downstream, this lower section is best known for its “Jurassic Park” section that is only accessible by raft and a competent oarsman.  There is wading access just below the Green Mountain dam.

5/2/2023- The Blue River is one of Colorado’s best known tailwater fisheries.  And is a great wintertime fishery. Consistent water temps mean Trout are feeding more regularly.  We guide this river on Full walk/wade trips.  It is an urban type of fishery, but who cares when your catching fish like that. Flows below Dillon Reservoir have are running at 100 CFS,  which is a great level for fishing below the dam at this time of year. Rainbows are in full spawn so, please “Respect the Redds”. If you enjoy sight fishing to large Trout then this river is right in your wheelhouse. I prefer to fish down stream of the Outlet stores. There’s plenty of access down by the library…

The Blue below Dillion and Green Mountain reservoirs are excellent fisheries, although the Trout can be finicky and small flies and light tippets are required. However there are VERY large trout in this section. The fishing here is done with mostly small Midges, BWO’s, Annelids, and Mysis shrimp.

If you haven’t wade fished the Blue below Green mountain reservoir you are missing out!  It can be a bit of a steep hike in and out, but the fishing is well worth the effort. There is very limited public access except right below the dam. Flow below Green Mountain Reservoir is just under a 100CFS right now. This is a great time to wade down there.

Recommended Patterns:

Nymphs: Barr Emerger BWO #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Black Brook Sprout Midge size #20-22, Tungsten BH Zebra Midge red, purple and black #18-24, Mysis Shrimp size 16-20. Eggs, RS-2 Black and Grey #18-24,  Squirminators #12 Fly Formerly #14-18, BH Pheasant Tail #16-22, Disco Midges red/green #18-22, Ju Ju Beatis #16-20

Dries: Parachute Adams/Blue Wings #18-22, I can see it Midge #22-24, Giffith’s Gnat #22-26, Sprout midge…

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Maps are highly detailed including all Federal, State, County and City public fishing access lands along with boat put-ins, take-outs, river miles, insect hatch charts and more.  Drop pins/placemarks to mark your favorite locations or fishing holes. Add notes to your pins like insect hatches, water clarity, water temperature and more. Snap photos with your camera and geo-tag to one of your pins/placemarks.

Click here to download the free Avenza PDF Map App for Iphones
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Discounted Bundles available.

After downloading and installing the free Avenza Map App, open the app, store tab, in the Location, Keywords, Activity grey search bar type FFO and enter.  You will now see all of the mobile fishing maps available for purchase and download.

  • Follow the blue GPS dot to the access points!
  • Drop pins on your favorite spots
  • Public access are highlighted GREN.Private in RED
  • Detailed locations and descriptions of all public access points
  • Boat luanch locations,rapid names and float mileages.

GPS means no cell signal neededGet the Free Map App the river maps are only $1.99 each. Blue River Map coming very soon.