Blue River (below the Dam) Fly Fishing

The Blue River below Silverthorne is a short tailwater section that runs out of Dillon Reservoir and flows down through the town before meeting the Colorado River. It’s a compact system, heavily influenced by reservoir releases, with cold, clear water and a mix of pocket water, deeper runs, and urban-influenced structure. Despite its size, it can fish surprisingly well when flows stabilize and fish spread out.

This is mostly a wading river, with access points scattered along bike paths and roadside pullouts. Floating is not really part of the equation here. The river’s character changes quickly over short distances, so you can cover a lot of different water types in a single walk—fast riffles above town, slower runs through town, and deeper holding water downstream.

Hatches include midges year-round, with BWOs providing the most reliable dry fly opportunity in shoulder seasons. In summer, terrestrials can come into play in quieter stretches, and there are occasional caddis pushes. The water is cold and stable, so insect life is consistent, but fish tend to key on small, natural presentations rather than anything overly flashy.  Near the dam, mysis are a huge food source for some very selective but large rainbow trout.

This is a river that rewards careful observation in a very public setting. Trout often hold in obvious seams but can be surprisingly selective given the amount of foot traffic and pressure. It’s not a wilderness experience, but it does offer very fishable water within minutes of town—something that keeps it relevant even when bigger rivers are running high or off color.

Below you will find a hatch chart for the Blue River, as provided by IdentaFly

Why choose IdentaFly?  Their mobile app will help providing the hatch chart information on the Blue River, while you are on the water so you can identify what bugs may be hatching while you are fishing!