Weekly Report
Stable and healthy flows coupled with comparatively mild weather should make for a productive week and weekend on the water. Keep in mind, however, that water clarity is high and trout are skittish and selective. Cold morning temps will limit movement about the water with trout spending most of their time in the pronounced pools, runs and pockets so as to conserve energy. As such, it will be especially important to fish the warmest hours of the day when trout are feeding more heavily. This is not to say that you won't see results in the early hours, but rather, productivity will be lower and you’ll need to work harder for it. At this point, nymphing will produce the best results, but you’ll want to keep an eye out for hatch activity and surface feeding. As far as bugs go, midges remain the only active hatch at the moment so you’ll want to cater your rigs accordingly. However, don’t hesitate to mix in some bigger lead flies in the searcher or attractor variety. Mysis shrimp, eggs and worms have also been good slump busters so keep that in mind as well.
Recommended Flies
Sub-Surface Flies
- Perdimidge (#20-22)
- Mercury Midge (#20-22)
- Mercury Black Beauty (#20-22)
- Top Secret Midge (#20-24)
- Chocolate Foam Back Emerger (#20-24)
- RS2 (#20-24)
- WD 40 (#18-22)
- Darth Baetis (#18-22)
- Shot Glass Baetis (#18-22)
- Stalcup's Baetis (#18-22)
- Mini Leech (#14-16)
- Mysis Shrimp (#16-18)
- Flashback Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
- Guide's Choice Hare's Ear (#16-18)
- Perdigon (#14-16)
- Rainbow Warrior (#16-18)
Surface Flies
- Parachute Adams (#20-22)
- Cluster Midge (#20-22)
- Matt's Midge (#20-22)
- Griffith's Gnat (#20-24)
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River Flow
Detailed River Info
Background
Below Dillon Dam is a prized section of the Blue River that runs 19 miles until it meets the Green Mountain Reservoir. The stretch of river that runs through the town of Silverthorne is one of the most sought after tail waters in Colorado. Dillon Reservoir is one of the few Colorado reservoirs that was stocked with Mysis Shrimp and as a result, when water is released from the dam, shrimp trickle into the river. This calorie-rich meal is the trout equivalent to a body builders training supplement and results in some beefy fish! This section of the Blue is unique in that it runs through the tourist heavy town of Silverthorne. Therefore, if you are looking for a fishing experience full of spectators touting Tommy Hilfiger bags with a shot at landing a trophy trout, the section through Silverthorne is for you. If you are seeking more solitude and less materialism, head north down Highway 9 and pull off at one of the designated parking areas for fishing access.
Angling
The Silverthorne stretch of the Blue is a pocket water paradise. Anglers can leave their “A River Run’s Through It” casts at home and instead focus on short and tactical casts. Anglers can expect to find Rainbow, Brown and Brooke trout along this stretch with the highest concentration of trophy Rainbows being located below the dam. With the exception of Mysis Shrimp, the fly selection for the Blue is relatively consistent with the other popular Colorado tail waters. Size 18 – 24 Midge and Baetis nymphs produce year round. In the warmer months, this stretch of the Blue experiences quality Green Drake and BWO hatches. The Blue River is an accessible year round fishery and can easily be coupled with a half ski, half fish day or a family trip to the outlet malls where you drop the family and you seek much needed alone time on the water.
River Access
The tail water section of the Blue River below Dillon Reservoir has several miles of public water access between the town of Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir. The most popular section runs behind the Silverthorne Outlets and can be accessed very easily. If you're looking for more solitude, wander north on Highway 9 towards Green Mountain Reservoir. While there is sporadic stretches of private water, the public water sections can be easily identified by parking and Department of Wildlife signage.