Weekly Report
Flows on the Blue have held steady for some time now and are on the lower end of normal for this time of year. Water clarity is generally good. However, it can be hit or miss given ongoing construction near the I70 bridge. It is our understanding that they are adding a third lane to the interstate and a new section to the bridge. Consequently, they are digging a new utility line across the river which has led to clarity impairments on days when they are digging or when it rains. The water upstream of the bridge remains in decent shape. However, downstream sections are hit or miss. With this in mind, we’d encourage you to have a contingency plan until construction wraps up in the coming weeks. Either way, nymphing with small and simple imitations will continue to produce the most consistent results. Hit the slack water along the banks in the early hours and look to the deeper pools and slow runs as the day goes by. Upon hatch activity, trout will move in and out of the faster riffles and seams to feed on emerging bugs so be sure to lighten the load and fish an emerger as your trailer fly. Hatch activity has been consistent. However, surface action can be hit or miss. Expect midges to kick things off first thing in the morning followed by BWOs and the occasional red quill. Last but certainly not least, dry droppers or hopper droppers are both viable options right now. Not only have trout been keen to terrestrials along the banks, but the lighter rig will make for a clean and splash free presentation which is especially important on this trick tailwater.
Recommended Flies
Sub-Surface Flies
- Perdimidge (#18-22)
- Mercury Midge (#18-22)
- Mercury Black Beauty (#18-22)
- Top Secret Midge (#18-22)
- Chocolate Foam Back Emerger (#18-22)
- RS2 (#18-22)
- WD 40 (#18-22)
- Darth Baetis (#18-22)
- Shot Glass Baetis (#18-22)
- Stalcup's Baetis (#18-22)
- Sparkle Pupa (#16)
- Electric Caddis (#14-16)
- Pat's Rubber Legs (#8-10)
- 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 (#18-20)
- Cluster Midge (#18-20)
- Sparkle Dun (#16-18)
- Parachute BWO (#18-20)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#12-18)
- Amy's Ant (#12-14)
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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.