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Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~580 CFS
- Water Temp: 47°–52°F
- Air Temp: 60s early, low 80s mid-day
- Clarity: Clear to slightly green — 3 ft visibility
- Best Times: 7:30–11:30 AM and 6 PM to dusk
- Crowds: Low. This is work-for-it water.
- Overall Rating: Consistent flows, active fish, and solitude make this a top-tier week—if you're willing to hike for it.
Blue River Hatch Chart (Below Green – July)
| Insect Hatch | Status | Guide Tip |
|---|---|---|
| PMDs | Peaking | Look for mid-morning risers in soft buckets |
| Caddis | Active | Twitch dries through glides in the afternoon |
| Yellow Sallies | Strong | Midday riffle runs – try a soft hackle dropper |
| Midges | Early/late | Fish deep early, switch to dries by 9 AM |
| Terrestrials | Beginning | Ants and beetles on the bank after 11 AM |
Top 3 Flies for the Week
| Type | Pattern | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | PMD Sparkle Dun | 16–18 | Use in slower seams between boulders |
| Nymph | Frenchie or Pheasant Tail | 16–18 | Tight-line rig with a soft dropper |
| Streamer | Sculpzilla or Thin Mint | 6–8 | Swing through deeper tailouts early and late |
Tips for Fly Fishing Below Green Mountain
Seasonal Tip
This water is moving. Depth and current changes fast. High-sticking and tight-line methods rule. Dry-dropper works too, but expect short drifts and picky eats.
Dry Fly
PMDs are hot right now. Fish will rise mid-morning in seams and glides. Long tippet, slack-line casts, and stealth are key.
Nymphing
Tight-line or euro rigs dominate. Pair a size 16 anchor fly with a size 20 dropper. Use 5X fluoro and stay close to structure.
Streamer Fishing
This is a streamer river—if you fish smart. Early morning or post-storms are best. Short strips, long pauses, swing wide.
Access Points
| Access Spot | Why Fish Here | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gore Canyon Trailhead | Deep water, structure, low pressure | ★★★★★ |
| Confluence with Colorado | Big fish potential, mixed water types | ★★★★☆ |
| BLM Pull-offs (Heeney Rd) | Lesser known, pocket water and slots | ★★★★☆ |
| Below Reservoir Access | Steep hike, but strong tailwater flows | ★★★☆☆ |
Local Regulations + Notes
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Watch for private land boundaries — BLM maps recommended
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Barbless hooks and artificial flies only
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Long hike-ins = pack smart, don’t overgear
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Bring bear spray. This isn’t suburbia.
FAQ – Below Green Mountain Edition
1. What’s the hatch window right now?
PMDs start popping by 9 AM and taper by noon. Caddis after 4 PM.
2. Is this section wadeable at 580 CFS?
Yes, but cautiously. Stick to inside bends, side channels, and tailouts.
3. What’s the best rig for this section?
Tight-line nymph with a Frenchie up top and RS2 or soft hackle below.
4. How far do I have to hike in?
Anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes depending on the access point.
5. Can I fish streamers here?
Yes—and you should. But target shade, low light, or weather shifts.