Blue River - Below Green Mountain Reservoir

About Blue River - Below Green Mountain Reservoir

The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir offers a distinct tailwater experience. This section of the Blue River gets significantly larger below the dam, carving through Green Mountain Canyon, an area designated "Gold Medal" and "Wild Trout" waters. The canyon is lined with conifer forests and steep cliffs, creating a dramatic backdrop for fishing. Habitat improvements have introduced deep pools, oxbows, and side channels that hold fish. While a trail runs along the river, access involves an incredibly steep 150-foot hike from the parking lot, sometimes requiring a rope for descent. Float fishing is the primary access method here, as 70% of the surrounding land is private. Public float access begins at the Green Mountain Dam "Put-In," which is a 50-foot steep, unimproved ramp that also requires ropes for rafts. Anglers can take out at the Yust site, a private access point 12.7 miles downstream, or continue another 2.5 miles to the Confluence, a BLM site. It's critical to remember that wading or anchoring while floating through private water is illegal; stay in your boat and keep moving in these sections. When public access allows, wading is effective for casting. This section of the Blue River holds a good population of medium-sized trout. Wild brown trout are abundant in the canyon, with some reaching over two feet. Below the canyon, rainbow trout dominate and are known to grow large, with some specimens reaching twenty-five pounds. Anglers might also encounter cutthroat trout, brook trout, and whitefish. Midges are important year-round, especially from fall through spring, with recommended sizes #16-#24 in various colors. Mayflies are active from spring through summer, including Blue Wing Olives (#16-#24, green/olive) and Pale Morning Duns (#14-#20, white/yellow). Caddis hatch from spring into fall, typically in sizes #10-#20. Stoneflies, including Golden Stones (#8-#14, yellow/tan) and Yellow Sallies (#12-#18, yellow/tan), are present from late spring into early fall. Terrestrial activity, such as Ants, Beetles, Hoppers, and Flying Ants, occurs from mid-spring through early fall. When targeting these fish, delicate nymphing presentations behind rocks and riffles are effective. Dead-drifts in runs can also catch larger fish. Stonefly and mayfly imitations are recommended patterns. Begin the season with larger stonefly patterns and downsize them by early fall. Given the steep access and extensive private land, plan your float trip carefully and ensure you have the necessary gear for both the challenging put-in and navigating private water responsibly.