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It’s the kind of cold that makes your fingers clumsy - and your line tight.
The Blue below Green Mountain is fishing like it always does in October: slow, deep, and mean. The trout are hungry, but they’re not giving anything away for free.
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Conditions Summary
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Flows are stable near 110 CFS with classic fall clarity. Expect chilly mornings, sunny mid-days, and trout that prefer stealth over flash. BWOs are hatching mid-day with strong midge activity in slower seams. The post-spawn browns and rainbows are active, and this stretch continues to produce some of the most consistent fall fishing in Summit County.
- Flow: ~110 CFS ⬇ slightly
- Water Temp: 44–49 °F
- Air Temp: 32–63 °F
- Clarity: Very clear
- Pressure: Moderate
- Best Times: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐☆
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆
Conditions Note:
This is small-fly season. Bring your patience, and your 6X. Slow, methodical drifts through deeper lanes are the name of the game.
October Hatch Chart
| Hatch | Size | When to Fish | How to Fish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) | #20–22 | 11 AM – 3 PM | Fish emergers mid-column or duns in soft seams. |
| Midges | #22–26 | All day | Light rigs in slow water and tailouts. |
| Caddis (fading) | #18–20 | 1–3 PM | Swing soft hackles across riffles. |
Top 3 Dry Flies for October
- Parachute BWO #20–22 – Drift mid-day under cloud cover in smooth tailouts.
- Griffith’s Gnat #22–24 – Use on calm, bright mornings.
- Parachute Adams #20 – Versatile searching pattern for sporadic risers.
Top 3 Nymphs for October
- RS2 (Gray/Olive #20–22) – Essential trailer behind a small BWO emerger.
- Zebra Midge (Black #22–24) – Consistent producer in clear water.
- Barr’s Emerger #20–22 – Use mid-column when BWOs hatch under cloud cover.
Streamer of the Month
Mini Leech (Olive/Black #12) – Slow swing through deeper runs; hold tension during the pause - that’s when they eat.
Tips Fly Fishing the Blue River Below Green Mountain
- Approach quietly - fish can see everything in this water.
- Short, accurate casts beat long sloppy ones.
- Mid-day BWOs are your best dry-fly window.
- Fish small and natural; bright beadheads spook trout here.
- After 2 PM, switch to small leeches or emergers near structure.
Access Points
- Tailwater Section (Below Dam): Easy access, deeper pools, consistent flows.
- Meadow Run Area: Flat gradient, technical sight fishing.
- Downstream Riffles: Less pressure, great nymphing and streamer water.
Local Regulations & Notes
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Catch-and-release encouraged for wild browns and bows.
- Stay off redds - active spawners visible in gravel pockets.
FAQ on the Blue River Below Green Mountain
Q: When’s the best time to fish this stretch in October?
A: Late morning to mid-afternoon (10 AM – 3 PM) when water temps creep into the high 40s.
Q: What’s the best two-fly rig?
A: RS2 to Zebra Midge on 6X tippet under a tiny indicator or dry-dropper.
Q: Can you fish streamers here?
A: Yes - slow and small works best. Think leech or bugger on a swing.
Q: Are browns still spawning?
A: Yes, but most are in post-spawn feeding mode. Avoid clean gravel.
Q: What weight rod should I bring?
A: 9’ 5-wt for nymphs and streamers, 4-wt for dries if the wind dies down.
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