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The Blue below Green Mountain is running 6 CFS — painfully low. Clear water and medium angling pressure mean spooky trout, limited holding water, and very technical conditions. This is one of those stretches where stealth, long leaders, and micro bugs are non-negotiable.
If you fish it, expect a grind: tiny Tricos and BWOs in the mornings, small nymph rigs through seams, and the occasional trout willing to swipe at a micro-streamer in deeper pockets.
Listen to the Podcast
Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Blue River Dispatch
Flows are minimal, trout are tough, but we break down how to still pull fish from this challenging tailwater with stealth and precision.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 6 CFS — extremely low, technical fishing only
- Water Temp: High 30s°F mornings, creeping up slowly with sun
- Air Temp: Upper 30s°F dawn, climbing into 60s by afternoon
- Clarity: Crystal clear — trout spook easily
- Best Times: 7–10 AM for Tricos; 4–7 PM for BWOs if clouds roll in
- Fishing Pressure: Medium — low flows concentrate fish and anglers
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐ — very tough, but rewarding if you’re dialed in
Hatch Chart – September (Below Green Mountain)
| Insect Group | Presence |
|---|---|
| Tricos | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| BWOs | ⭐⭐ |
| Midges | ⭐⭐ |
| Caddis | ⭐ |
| PMDs | ⭐ |
Notes: Tricos are the main dry-fly play. BWOs appear on cloudy days; midges fill the gaps subsurface.
Flies to Tie On
Nymphs / Emergers
- WD-40 (#20-22)
- RS2 (#20-22, gray/olive)
- JuJu Baetis (#20-22)
- Zebra Midge (#22-24)
Dries / Terrestrials
- Trico Spinner (#22-24)
- Parachute Adams (#20-22)
- BWO Cripple (#20)
- Small Ant (#18, sparingly)
Streamers
- Slumpbuster (#8-10, black/olive)
- Mini Leech (#12, natural tones)
- RS2 Soft Hackle (#18 swung in seams)
Tactical Playbook
- Morning (7–10 AM): Focus on Trico spinners and micro-droppers in soft water.
- Midday: Nymph tiny baetis/midge patterns; keep weight light and drifts perfect.
- Evening (4–7 PM): BWOs on cloudy evenings, micro-streamers in deeper runs.
- Rig Note: 12–14 ft leaders with 6X–7X tippet; stealth is everything.
Access & Flow Zones
- Below the Dam: Most productive runs, though heavily pressured.
- Public pull-offs downstream: Skinny water, but sight-fishing opportunities.
- Deeper pockets & tailouts: Best bet for streamer swings.
FAQs – Blue River (Below Green Mountain)
Q: Is it worth fishing at 6 CFS?
A: Only if you like technical, sight-fishing challenges. Trout are concentrated but spooky.
Q: What’s the best fly right now?
A: Trico spinners early; WD-40s and RS2s carry the rest of the day.
Q: Can streamers work at these flows?
A: Yes, but keep them small and swing through the few deeper slots.
Q: Is wading safe?
A: Absolutely. At 6 CFS, you can cover water easily, but stealth is key.
Q: What rod/tippet setup?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt, 12–14 ft leader, 6X–7X tippet.
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