Weekly Report
It is business as usual on the Blue. Flows have held steady and are above average for this time of year. Additionally, water clarity is high and trout are spreading out during the day. Sight fishing will make the difference between a good and great day on the water so do your best to locate holding trout before aimlessly casting. The next few days will be mostly sunny and trout will be fairly spooky so move with caution. In the mornings, trout will favor the slack water as well as the banks. During this time a hopper dropper or dry dropper will be a great option as it will make for a clean presentation and trout will be looking up for fallen terrestrials. As the day goes on, trout will seek refuge in the deep and slow water (slow runs, deep pools, pockets) given increased exposure induced by the sun. A heavy nymph rig will garner the best results during this time. With the exception of Friday (9/17) and Saturday (9/18), trout will feed opportunistically on bigger bugs so make sure to lead with something of size like a stonefly, mysis or worm. Otherwise, small and simple is the name of the game. Tube Midges, Demon Midges, Manhattan Midges, RS2s, Darth Baetis and Stalcup’s Baetis are a few of our go-to’s on this tricky tailwater. If you’re in need of a slump buster, throw an attractor like a Perdigon, Rainbow Warrior or red Copper John their way. Hatch activity continues to dwindle, but we’re still seeing midges surface and a few sipping trout. Don’t expect a lights out dry fly day, but if you see trout actively rising, don’t hesitate to rig up some dries. A Parachute Adams followed by a Griffith’s Gnat, Matt’s Midge or Crystal Midge is a good place to start.
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
- Parachute Adams (#18-20)
- Matt's Midge (#18-20)
- Griffiths Gnat (#18-20)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-18)
- Resting Caddis (#14-18)
- PMD Extended Body (#18-20)
- Parachute PMD (#18-20)
- Hi-vis Comparadun (#16-18)
- Para Wulff (#18-20)
- CDC PMD (#18)
- Chubby Chernobyl (#12-14)
- Amy's Ant (#12-14)
- Hippie Stomper (#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.