Weekly Report
After a substantial increase last week, flows on the Blue have stabilized. Water clarity suffered initially, but has since cleared up. Nymphing will continue to produce the best results, but keep an eye out for surface activity and if you see trout actively rising don’t hesitate to rig up some dries. When nymphing, you’ll want to lead with bigger bugs as air pressure will be on the lower end of normal and the water will be stained. Start with a mysis shrimp as they are high in numbers given the recent bump in flows. Otherwise, Pat’s, Mini Leeches, Buckskins, or San Juan Worms will be a good option as well. However, you might try your luck at a searcher pattern like a Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear, Flashback PT or Copper John (red or green). Otherwise, think small and imitative midge pupa, baetis emergers or caddis pupa for your trailer flies. Trout will sit along the banks and in the slack water in the early hours, but as the day goes on look for them to stack up in the slow and deep runs, pools and pockets. In the afternoon, look for trout to migrate into the faster water like the riffles and seams. During this time, you'll want to focus on emerger patterns.
Recommended Flies
Sub-Surface Flies
- Tube Midge (#18-22)
- Money Midge (#18-22)
- Mercury Midge (#18-22)
- Zebra 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)
- Electric Caddis (#14-16)
- Buckskin Caddis (#14-16)
- Sparkle Pupa (#14- 16)
- Pat's Rubber Legs (#8-10)
- Barr's Tungstone (#16-18)
- Mysis Shrimp (#18-20)
- San Juan Worm
- Flossie Worm
- Eggs
- Flashback Pheasant Tail (#16-18)
- Guide's Choice Hare's Ear (#16-18)
- Perdigon (#14-16)
- Rainbow Warrior (#18)
Surface Flies
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-16)
- Parachute Adams (#18-20)
- Matt's Midge (#18-20)
- Griffiths Gnat (#18-20)
- Para Wulff (#18-20)
- Parachute BWO (#18-20)
- BWO Comparadun (#18-20)
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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.