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The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir is a true winter tailwater. Cold, clear releases, steady flows, and trout that expect you to get everything right. This stretch does not give away free eats, but if you slow down and fish with intent, it will absolutely produce.
Updated: January 15, 2026
The Blue River below Green Mountain is holding in a stable winter pattern. Flows are steady, water clarity is clear, and trout are stacked in predictable tailwater lanes. Feeding activity centers almost entirely on midges, with mysis shrimp showing up as a secondary influence closer to the dam.
This week’s Blue River report is about patience and precision. Long leaders, controlled depth, and disciplined drifts matter more here than anywhere else in the system.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: ~139 CFS, stable winter tailwater release
- Water Temperature: Cold, tailwater-controlled
- Air Temperature: Low teens to upper 20s
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Medium, heavier near easy access
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Technical winter nymphing with small midges and occasional mysis patterns
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Weather
Expect cold mornings with brief midday warming. Calm, sunny days fish best. Wind or heavy cloud cover shortens feeding windows significantly and pushes trout tighter to the bottom.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 20 to 22
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- Juju Baetis 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Scud (olive or gray) 14 to 18
Pro Rig of the Week: Green Mountain Deep Slot Rig
Indicator: Small yarn or ultra-sensitive pinch-on
Lead Fly: Mysis Shrimp 16 to 18
Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 22 to 24
Weight: One small BB placed 10 to 12 inches above the lead fly
Target Water: Slow seams, inside bends, and deep mid-river troughs
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Mysis Shrimp | 16 to 18 | Important near the dam and deeper tailwater runs |
Download the Blue River Hatch Chart.
Access Points
Blue River Below Green Mountain Dam ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The premier tailwater stretch with deep seams, canyon structure, and consistent winter flows. Ideal for technical nymphing with small patterns.
Rating: Five gold stars
BLM Access – Canyon Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Mixed pocket water and longer troughs that hold trout during the coldest months. Less pressured than the dam section and excellent for mobile anglers.
Rating: Four gold stars
Confluence Area Downstream ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Where the river flattens and widens slightly, offering soft edges and slower winter lanes. Productive on days with light cloud cover.
Rating: Four gold stars
Stop Here After the RiverAngry James Brewing Co.
Angry James Brewing Co. (Silverthorne)
A warm, relaxed local brewery perfect after a day in the cold canyon. Expect big mountain vibes, community tables, and comfort-focused après energy.
What to order: The Resolute IPA and the rotating food truck’s signature warm dish.
Local Regulations and Notes
- Watch for changing dam release flows before entering canyon water
- Shelf ice can form along shaded edges
- Wading is technical; use caution on slick canyon rock
- Keep distance from other anglers due to narrow channel geometry
Companion Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior in Clear, Low-Flow Rivers
FAQ
Is the Blue River Below Green Mountain Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir offers consistent winter trout fishing for anglers willing to fish slowly and precisely. Feeding windows are short but reliable during calm midday conditions.
How Technical Is the Blue River in Winter?
Moderately to highly technical. Trout are selective, and success depends on depth control, clean drifts, and small flies rather than aggressive tactics.
Q: Is the Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir good in winter?
A: Yes. Stable tailwater flows make it one of the most reliable cold-season fisheries in Colorado.
Q: What flies catch the most fish here?
A: Small midges, baetis nymphs, and subtle emergers are the bread and butter.
Q: Do streamers work?
A: Occasionally. Small leeches can move fish in deep slots on overcast days.
Q: How technical is this section?
A: Very. Clear water and slow current require stealth and precision.
Q: What is the best time of day?
A: Midday, when sunlight and slight temperature bumps activate midges.
Q: Can I sight-fish?
A: Yes in many sections, but trout spook easily in winter clarity.
Q: Is the Blue River below Green Mountain good in winter?
A: Yes. It is one of the most consistent and least crowded winter tailwaters in Colorado.
Q: How technical is this stretch compared to Dillon Dam?
A: Slightly less pressured, but still technical. Depth control and drift quality matter.
Q: Are dry flies an option right now?
A: Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns dominate winter success.
Q: What leader and tippet setup works best?
A: Long leaders with 5X to the lead fly and 6X to the midge dropper.
Q: Do scuds matter here in winter?
A: Yes. Scuds are an important secondary food source in this tailwater.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Typically mid-afternoon once shadows and colder air settle into the canyon.