Blue River

The Blue River flowing out of Dillon Reservoir below Silverthorne is one of Colorado's premier tailwater fisheries — a technically demanding, year-round trout stream that holds extraordinary densities of large rainbow and brown trout fed by cold, nutrient-rich releases from the reservoir. Gold Medal designated for its entire tailwater section, the Blue River challenges anglers with clear water, finicky fish, and presentations that must be nearly perfect to fool its well-educated trout population.

The Dillon Dam creates a consistent, cold-water environment below Silverthorne that maintains trout populations far exceeding anything a comparable freestone stream could support. The primary tailwater section spans roughly eight miles from the dam to its confluence with the Colorado River near Kremmling, though the most productive — and most pressured — stretch runs through Silverthorne itself, where large fish hold in the channels and pools adjacent to town. Mysis shrimp flushed through the dam constitute a significant portion of the trout's diet, creating fish that grow to impressive sizes but can be frustratingly selective.

Fishing the Blue requires a different mindset than most Colorado rivers. Standard attractor patterns rarely work here. Anglers need to come prepared with an extensive midge and BWO selection in sizes #20-28, Mysis shrimp patterns, San Juan Worms, and small nymphs in natural colors. Tippet in 5X to 7X is standard — going lighter is often necessary on the clearest days. Sight fishing to visibly feeding fish is one of the Blue's great pleasures, with multiple pools offering opportunities to observe and stalk individual target fish.

The tailwater runs year-round with remarkably stable flows compared to freestone rivers. Winter fishing is genuinely productive, with midge hatches on warm afternoons drawing fish to the surface even in January and February. Spring brings elevated flows from reservoir management but the water remains clear enough to fish. Summer PMD hatches in July and August occur in the slower runs above and below town. Fall BWO hatches on overcast afternoons are the season's highlight — predictable, heavy, and capable of bringing even the river's most cautious residents to the surface.

Access is excellent throughout the Blue's tailwater section. A network of trails and fishing paths follows the river through Silverthorne, with the Factory Outlets stretch offering walk-in access to some of the most productive water. Additional access exists downstream along the Blue River Trail and near the Green Mountain Reservoir tailwater. The Blue is a classic Gold Medal tailwater and a must-fish destination for any serious Colorado fly angler.