The Blue through Silverthorne is the easiest big-fish water near Denver. It's a tailwater, so it stays cold and clear and fishes all winter, and you can park at the outlets and be on the water in two minutes. Here's a day that works most of the year.
Right now
Live from USGS gauge 09050700 and National Weather Service.
- Drive
- About 1 hour 15 minutes from Denver on I-70
- Water
- Tailwater below Dillon Dam; fishable all year
- Fish
- Big rainbows that eat mysis shrimp, plus browns
- Best months
- Year-round; fall and winter are less crowded
- Fees
- None to park at the outlets or the Highway 9 lots
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs on the river path; patio-only at most restaurants
The plan
The day
- MorningDrive up I-70. Stop at the fly shop on Blue River Parkway for mysis patterns, midges and the current report.
- Late morningFish right behind the outlets. Look for big rainbows holding in the slower water and sight-fish them with small flies under a light indicator.
- Early afternoonIf it's crowded, drive north on Highway 9 and use the P lots along the road. Access is limited to one bank in a few spots, so read the signs.
- Late afternoonPatio beer and food in Silverthorne, then beat the I-70 traffic home.
Adjust for the season
- Spring: Midges and blue-winged olives. Flows can jump when Denver Water changes releases, so check the gauge above before you leave.
- Summer: Busiest season at the outlets. Go early, or head north of town where it's quieter. Caddis and PMDs in the afternoon.
- Fall: Fewer people and active fish. Same rigs as spring, plus small streamers on cloudy days.
- Winter: Mysis shrimp and midges below the dam. The water stays open in town. Fish midday and dress for real cold.
Where to park
Outlets at Silverthorne
- Park behind the stores and walk to the river. The most-fished stretch of the Blue.
Highway 9 P lots, north of town
- Look for the P signs along Highway 9 north of Silverthorne. Some stretches only allow access from one bank.
Blue River State Wildlife Area
- About 17 miles north of Silverthorne on Highway 9. Bigger, quieter water.
All public access along the river is signed. Between signs, assume it is private.
Fly shops
- Cutthroat Anglers Fly shop and guide service on the Blue in Silverthorne since 1999. Wade and float trips. Directions
Where to eat after
- Angry James Brewing Brewery with a grilled-cheese kitchen. Dogs welcome on the beer garden patio, open year-round. Directions
- Timberline Craft Kitchen & Cocktails Local restaurant with a dog-friendly patio. Directions
- Pug Ryan's Brewery Brewery a few minutes away in Dillon. Dog-friendly patio. Directions
If the river is blown out
The Blue below the dam rarely blows out, but releases can change fast. If flows are way up or the outlets are packed, try the Highway 9 lots north of town or the Blue River State Wildlife Area. A guided float on the Colorado River is another good option in summer.
Want a guide?
A local guide puts you on the right water fast, and a float covers miles you can't wade. Tell us your dates and we'll match you with a local guide.
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