Right now
Live from USGS gauge 09050700 and National Weather Service.
What to tie on now
- Flies
- BWO nymphs and dries #18–22 (best on overcast days), Mysis shrimp #16–18, midge #22–26
- Rig
- Mysis on point with a midge dropper. Dead-drift right below the dam outflow, 5x–6x.
Best flow range here: about 50 to 150 cfs. The live flow above tells you where today sits.
Flies checked against local shop reports on Nov 15. Ask at the local fly shop for what hatched this morning. They know before we do.
- Water
- Blue River tailwater below Dillon Reservoir
- Drive from Denver
- About 1.25 hours via I-70
- Access
- In-town paths and parks in Silverthorne
- Best for
- Big trout eating mysis shrimp
- Season
- Year-round
- Gauge
- USGS 09050700, Blue River below Dillon
- Dogs
- Town paths generally allow leashed dogs
Where to park
Outlets at Silverthorne
- Park at the outlets and walk to the river. It runs right behind the stores.
- North of town, look for the P signs along Highway 9. Some stretches only allow access from one bank, so read the signs.
Lots, fees and hours change. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Overview
Dillon Reservoir releases water from deep in the lake, and with it come mysis shrimp, a rich food source that grows big trout in the first stretch below the dam. The river runs right through Silverthorne, past the outlet mall, so you can fish big water steps from the parking lot.
Fishing the mysis
Close to the dam, a small white or translucent mysis pattern dead-drifted near the bottom is the standard. Fish here have seen everything, so a natural drift on light fluorocarbon beats switching patterns. Farther downstream, mysis matter less and midges and Baetis take over.
Flows and winter
The dam keeps flows steady through winter, which is why the Blue fishes all year. I-70 decides the trip as often as the river does, so check road conditions over the tunnel before you leave.
Flies
- Mysis #16–18
- Midges #22–24
- Baetis #20 in spring and fall
- Small streamers in low light
Regulations
Gold Medal water with special regulations near the dam. Read the exact stretch in the CPW Atlas.
Where to fish in town
The river runs through Silverthorne, with access from public paths and parks. The water closest to the dam holds the most mysis-fed fish, and the most anglers. Farther downstream, the river spreads out with more room and more varied water, where midges and Baetis matter more than mysis.
Making a day of it
The Blue is an easy add-on to a Summit County day: fish the midday window, then warm up in town. In winter, plan your drive around I-70 traffic and weather, not just the fishing.
Know before you go
- Check the live gauge the morning you go. A release change can turn a good day into a slow one.
- Read the exact stretch's rules in the CPW Fishing Atlas, since special regulations vary within a river.
- Carry a current Colorado fishing license. Annual licenses run April 1 through March 31.
- Check the road: COtrip for I-70, US-285 and US-24 in winter.
- Pack for the season: in cold months, gloves, hand warmers, a thermos and traction for icy banks.
Where to eat and gear up
Stops in Silverthorne. Dog-friendly means leashed dogs on the patio; call to confirm, especially in winter.
| Stop | Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Angry James Brewing | Dogs welcome on patio | Partly covered patio |
| Syndicate Brewing | Dogs welcome on patio | Dogs welcome |
| Sauce on the Blue | Food | Dinner over the river |
| Blue Moon Bakery | Food | Picnic lunch for the trail |
| Cutthroat Anglers | Fly shop / tackle | River runs behind the shop |
| The Colorado Angler | Fly shop / tackle | Second Blue River shop |
Questions anglers ask
- What do Blue River trout eat?
- Right below Dillon Dam, mysis shrimp washed out of the reservoir. Farther down, midges and mayflies.
- Is the Blue River good in winter?
- Yes. Steady releases from the dam keep it fishable. Check I-70 conditions first.
- How far is the Blue River from Denver?
- About 1 hour 15 minutes via I-70 in normal traffic and weather.
- Are there dog-friendly restaurants near Blue River (Silverthorne)?
- Yes. In Silverthorne, Angry James Brewing, Syndicate Brewing welcome leashed dogs on their patios. Patios are seasonal, so call ahead in winter.
- Where can I buy flies or tackle near Blue River (Silverthorne)?
- Cutthroat Anglers is the closest shop. River runs behind the shop.
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