| Tailwater | Approx. drive | Best for | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterton Canyon | 45–60 min | Closest trout, solitude past the first mile | No |
| Blue River (Silverthorne) | 1h 15m | Big mysis-fed trout | Leashed |
| Big Thompson | 1h 15–30m | Numbers of fish, solitude | Leashed |
| Deckers | 1.5–2h | Roadside access, hatches | Leashed |
| Cheesman Canyon | ~2h + hike | Sight fishing big trout | Leashed |
| Elevenmile Canyon | ~2.5h | Trophy water below the dam | Leashed |
| Dream Stream | ~2.5h | Lake-run fish, spring and fall | Check SWA rules |
| Fryingpan | ~3.5h | Mysis giants, famous hatches | Leashed |
What makes a tailwater different
A tailwater is the river below a dam. Water released from deep in the reservoir holds a steadier temperature year-round, so the bugs hatch consistently and the trout feed even in midwinter. That steady food supply grows big fish, and it also draws crowds.
Choosing one
Start from the drive you're willing to make and whether a dog is coming, then pick by what you want: the biggest fish (the Blue, the Fryingpan, the water below Elevenmile Dam), the most fish (the Big Thompson), or the most room (Cheesman past the first mile, upper Waterton).
Questions anglers ask
- What is the closest tailwater to Denver?
- Waterton Canyon on the South Platte, southwest of Littleton.
Read next
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Fly fishing the Blue River tailwater below Dillon Dam in Silverthorne: mysis shrimp, big trout, flows, access through town and winter tips.
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Fly fishing the Big Thompson below Olympus Dam near Estes Park: pocket water, lots of fish, the right flow gauge, flies and low-water tactics.
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Fishing Waterton Canyon on the South Platte near Littleton: walk or bike access, tailwater trout, best sections, the no-dogs rule and winter tips.
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Winter Fly Fishing Near Denver
A practical guide to winter fly fishing near Denver: which tailwaters stay open, the best time of day, midge rigs, safety and staying warm.
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