Blue River

About Blue River

The Blue River, a 65-mile tributary of the Colorado River, flows from its headwaters in the Ten Mile Range near Quandary Peak, through Summit County, and eventually joins the Colorado at Kremmling. This river offers varied fishing experiences across its distinct sections. The headwaters, a small freestone river, feature a mix of plunge pools, runs, riffles, and beaver ponds, with simple roadside access. Below Lake Dillon, the tailwater section is known for its larger fish. Further downstream, the Green Mountain Tailwater opens up and widens, characterized by pine trees lining its banks, rocks, riffles, and runs. Access to this lower tailwater section involves a steep 150-foot descent from the parking lot, potentially requiring a rope, though a trail eases movement along the river once you're down. Numerous public access points are available between Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir, including the "Steps" section by Colorado Mountain College. Below Green Mountain Reservoir, the river is largely private, but some public access exists directly below the dam. The Blue River holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Cutbow Trout. Small fish are common in the headwaters, while the Green Mountain Tailwater holds medium-sized trout. The tailwater below Lake Dillon is where anglers find larger fish. Midges are active year-round, with colors spanning black, white, gray, cream, olive, red, brown, blue, and purple, in sizes #16 to #24. Mayflies are present from spring through late summer, including Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) in green/olive, sizes #16-24, and Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) in white/yellow, sizes #14-20. Caddis hatches begin in spring, and drakes emerge in mid-summer. Mysis shrimp are a key food source in the Lake Dillon tailwater during reservoir turnover. In the Green Mountain Tailwater, stoneflies and mayflies are abundant. For the Green Mountain Tailwater, delicate nymphing presentations are effective, especially behind rocks and in riffles, along with dead-drifts through runs. This section is a technical tailwater, and wading is recommended for proper casting and presentation. In the headwaters, both dry flies and nymphs are productive techniques. Fishing peaks in mid-summer across the system. Excellent spring and fall fishing target spawning Rainbow and Brown Trout near Lake Dillon. The Lake Dillon tailwater and Green Mountain Tailwater remain fishable throughout the year, while the headwaters are best fished from spring through fall. When approaching the Green Mountain Tailwater, be prepared for the steep hike down to the river. Once on the water, focus on reading seams and current breaks to present your flies effectively. A sturdy wading staff can be invaluable in the Green Mountain Tailwater's varied bottom structure and currents. Always carry appropriate layers, as mountain weather can change quickly, regardless of the season.