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The Blue River below Dillon Dam is a classic Colorado tailwater that stays open and fishable all winter. Water is cold, clarity is clear, and trout rely on a consistent diet of midges, small baetis, and mysis shrimp when conditions allow. Right now, flows are low and water temps are near winter lows — meaning the feeding window is condensed and technical precision is rewarded.
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Updated: January 25, 2026
This week, the Blue River below Dillon Dam is on the lean side for winter flows, but still fishable if you adjust your tactics. Flows are low for a tailwater, and water temperatures are cold — both factors that concentrate fish into predictable winter seams and feeding windows.
The pace is slow and deliberate; trout are present but selective. This is winter nymphing at its finest.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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(Data from USGS streamgage #09050700)
Flow (CFS): ~54 cubic feet per second (latest instantaneous stage ~53.9 cfs)
Water Temperature: ~2.5 °C (~36.5 °F) around Jan 25, 2026
Air Temperature: Expect low-to-mid 20s to mid-30s (based on weather patterns for Summit County)
Clarity: Clear to very clear (typical for the winter tailwater)
Crowds: Light to moderate near developed access points (Silverthorne / Dillon)
Best Window: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (midday warmth & insect activity)
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing — midges, mysis-focused subsurface tactics
Weather
Winter weather around Summit County remains cold, with strong overnight freezes and muted daytime warming. Calm, sunny days near or above freezing are the best for triggering midge activity and trout response. Wind can shorten the bite window quickly, especially on clear days.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Black Beauty #20–24
Top Secret Midge #20–22
Zebra Midge (black or red) #20–22
RS2 (gray or black) #20–22
Mysis Shrimp patterns (white/pearl #16–20)
Mini Leech (#12–14) as a support pattern when fish are deeper
Pro Rig of the Week: Dillon Dam Tiny Water Column Rig
Indicator: Very small yarn or minimal micro indicator
Lead Fly: Zebra Midge #22
Dropper: Top Secret Midge #22–24
Weight: One micro split shot just enough to tick bottom occasionally
Target Water: Edges, seams, and slower “walking speed” water very near structure
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18–26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18–22 | Limited — best on mild afternoons |
| Mysis Shrimp | 16–20 | Key tailwater staple |
| Mini Leeches | 10–14 | Optional in deeper water |
Download the Blue River Hatch Chart
Access Points
Silverthorne Town Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classic floodwall water with consistent winter trout holding lanes.
Rating: Five gold stars
Blue River Trail Pullouts ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Long glides and deep seams with slightly less pressure.
Rating: Four gold stars
Lower Corridor Access ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Broader winter lanes and productive seams when flows are steady.
Rating: Four gold stars
Stop Here After the River
Angry James Brewing Co. (Silverthorne)
A relaxed post-river hangout with warm food-truck meals, mountain-town energy, and reliably good beer.
What to order: The Resolute IPA with a rotating hot entrée from the food truck lineup.
Local Regulations and Notes
- Tailwater flows change; always check the release before fishing
- Extremely clear water requires long leaders and 6X tippet
- Sight-fishing is possible but demands quiet wading
- Respect town pathways and private property along the corridor
FAQ
Is the Blue River Below Dillon Dam Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. The Blue River below Dillon Dam offers consistent winter trout fishing due to stable tailwater flows. Trout hold predictably in deeper seams and feed during short midday windows when conditions align.
How Technical Is Fly Fishing the Blue River Below Dillon Dam?
Very technical. Ultra-clear water, steady flows, and heavy angling pressure require precise drifts, small flies, and careful depth control. This stretch rewards patience and punishes sloppy presentations.
Q: Is the Blue River below Dillon Dam good in winter?
A: Yes. Cold but consistent flows make it one of Colorado’s most predictable winter tailwaters.
Q: What weight rod should I bring?
A: A 4 or 5 weight with a long leader setup is ideal for this technical water.
Q: Are dries an option?
A: Rarely, but on the warmest calm afternoons you might find isolated midge clusters.
Q: What is the biggest mistake anglers make here?
A: Heavy footsteps and heavy rigs. Everything here requires subtlety.
Q: Does the flow matter more on a tailwater?
A: Yes. Even small changes from the dam can shift where trout stack.
Q: When is the best time of day?
A: Midday, when water temps rise the most.
Q: Is the Blue River good in winter?
A: Yes. It is one of the most consistent winter tailwaters in Colorado, but it is very technical.
Q: What is the biggest mistake anglers make here?
A: Fishing too heavy or too fast. Subtle depth control matters more than fly changes.
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: Does wind ruin the fishing?
A: It can. Wind makes precise drifts extremely difficult on this stretch.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Typically mid-afternoon once shadows and colder air settle into the corridor.
Companion Article
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