---
title: Blue RiverFishing Report near Dillon Dam 1/29/26
description: Blue River fly fishing report near Dillon Dam. Outstanding Winter Tailwater Strategy for One of Colorado’s Most Unique Trout Fisheries
image: https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(12).png
---

[Skip to content](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/blue-riverfishing-report-near-dillon-dam-1/29/26#main-content)

This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached.

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

[![Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/)

- [Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/articles/home) 
    - [All Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/articles/home)
    - [Real-Time App (Beta)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper)
    - [South Platte River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-fly-fishing-report) 
          - [Dream Stream (Charlie Meyers SWA)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/dream-stream-fishing-report)
          - [South Platte at Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-cheesman-canyon)
          - [South Platte at Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers-15)
          - [South Platte at Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/whispers-and-wind-late-fall-fly-fishing-in-waterton-canyon)
    - [Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/arkansas-river-report)
    - [Gunnison River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/gunnison-river-fishing-report)
    - [Colorado River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-upper-colorado-river-near-kremmling)
    - [Blue River at Silverthorne](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-silverthorne-dillon-dam)
    - [Eagle River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/eagle-river-fly-fishing-report-fly-fishing)
    - [Fryingpan River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/frying-pan-river-fly-fishing-report-april-modern-reports-for-modern-anglers)
    - [Roaring Fork](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/roaring-fork-river-fly-fishing-report)
    - [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs)
- [GuideBank](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank) 
    - [Book a Guide](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank)
    - [How it Works](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/book-a-fly-fishing-guide-colorado)
    - [Angler Guarantee](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/guidebank-deposit-terms)
    - [For Shops & Outfitters](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/join-guidebank)
    - [Guide Code of Conduct](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/legal/terms-guidebank-suppliers)
- [Shop](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) 
    - [Holiday Gifts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/frontpage)
    - [Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies) 
          - [Dry Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies)
          - [Nymphs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/nymphs)
          - [Terrestrials](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/hoppers)
          - [Streamers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/streamers)
    - [Clothing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-t-shirts) 
          - [Holiday Gifts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/frontpage)
          - [T Shirts](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-t-shirts)
          - [Hats](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-hats)
          - [Hoodies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-sweatshirts)
    - [Accessories](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-accessories) 
          - [Sock, Bags & Mugs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-accessories)
          - [Stickers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/rise-beyond-fly-fishing-stickers)
- Resources 
    - River Access Points 
          - [Colorado River Access Points](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-fishing-access-points)
          - [South Platte River Access Points](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-point)
    - Hatch Charts 
          - [Colorado River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-hatch-chart)
          - [South Platte River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-hatch-chart)
          - [Arkansas River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/arkansas-river-hatch-chart)
          - [Gunnison River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/gunnison-river-hatch-chart)
          - [Clear Creek Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/clear-creek-hatch-chart)
          - [Yampa River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/yampa-river-hatch-chart)
          - [Blue River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blue-river-hatch-chart-crack-the-code-on-the-blue-river-hatch)
    - Podcast 
          - [On iHeart](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rise-beyond-colorado-fly-f-260316777/)
          - [On Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/2PbYHzUT6GQH4jccF85Xs0)
    - [Win Free Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/win-free-flies)
    - [About Us](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/about-us)

- Search Search
  
  Search

- [Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/blue-river),
- [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report),
- [Western Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/western-colorado),
- [Breckenridge Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/breckenridge-fly-fishing),
- [Blue River Fly Fishing Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/blue-river-fly-fishing-report)

# Blue RiverFishing Report near Dillon Dam 1/29/26

- January 29, 2026

![Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(33).png)

[Tymothe Meskel](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel)

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.

 

**![unnamed (91)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/unnamed%20(91).png?width=810&height=810&name=unnamed%20(91).png)**

**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

Surgical\_Winter\_Nymphing\_Below\_Dillon\_Dam

4:45

 

---

## Conditions Summary

![rise beyond fly fihsing company in denver colorado a guide rating for a stream. Good is 5 trout. This rating is for 3 trout. So good or semi challenging fishing conditions.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Guide%20Ratings/Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png?width=600&height=131&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)

*(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

[SILVERTHORNE WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/39d63n106d07/silverthorne/?unit=us)

 

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](https://angryjamesbrewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SM409545.jpg)

**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**
> 
> [**Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior in Clear Tailwaters**](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/colorado-winter-trout-feeding-behavior-why-micro-nymphs-matter-in-cold-tailwaters)

 

 

 

 Blog Post

## Related Articles

[![Fly fisherman casting on the Upper Colorado River at the Pumphouse Recreation Area, surrounded by scenic canyon walls and clear, flowing water.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/2025%20Spring%20River%20Report%20Banners%20Cards/Colorado%20Riber%20Fly%20Fishing%20Report%20near%20Kremmling%20Colorado.png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-upper-colorado-river-near-kremmling)

[Colorado River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/colorado-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Western Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/western-colorado)

### [Thanksgiving Fly Fishing Report: Upper Colorado River Near Kremmling](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-upper-colorado-river-near-kremmling)

 November 26, 2025

 Welcome to the Upper Colorado Near Kremmling, where the trout are hungry, and the water’s as wild as your casting arm!

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-upper-colorado-river-near-kremmling)

[![Get the latest Blue River fly fishing report with up-to-date water conditions, recommended flies, and tips for nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing in Colorado’s clear tailwaters.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(12).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-silverthorne-dillon-dam)

[Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/blue-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Western Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/western-colorado), [Breckenridge Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/breckenridge-fly-fishing), [Blue River Fly Fishing Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/blue-river-fly-fishing-report)

### [Blue River Fishing Report near Dillon Dam - Outstanding Winter Tailwater Strategy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-silverthorne-dillon-dam)

 February 5, 2026

 The Blue River below Dillon Dam is a classic Colorado tailwater that stays open and fishable all winter. Water is cold,...

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-silverthorne-dillon-dam)

[![Winter fly fishing on the Blue River near Green Mountain Reservoir offers technical challenges, clear waters, and the chance to catch sizable brown trout.](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(Instagram%20Post).png)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-silverthrone-colorado-3)

[Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/blue-river), [Lower Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/lower-blue-river), [River Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/river-report), [Western Colorado](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/western-colorado), [Breckenridge Fly Fishing](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/breckenridge-fly-fishing), [Blue River Fly Fishing Report](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/tag/blue-river-fly-fishing-report)

### [Winter Fly Fishing Tips for Blue River: Silverthorne to Green Mountain in March](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-silverthrone-colorado-3)

 March 11, 2025

[Read more](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-silverthrone-colorado-3)

 Check all articles

[![Rise Beyond Logo 10.29.24 300x100px (3)](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png?width=300&height=100&name=Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png "Rise Beyond Logo 10.29.24 300x100px (3)")](https://www.risebeyondflyfishing.com)

#### Wonder | Wander 

At Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, our mission is to equip you with the tools and expertise to confidently traverse the beautiful Colorado waters. Tread lightly, pack out your shit, and leave it better than it was without changing how it's supposed to be. Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Moderation is for cowards. Enjoy the Rise. 

### Colorado Fly Fishing Spots & Hatch Charts

- [See Today’s River Reports](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper)
- [South Platte Access](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-points-archive)
- [Colorado River Access](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fishing-access-points-archive)
- [South Platte Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/south-platte-river-fly-box)
- [Colorado River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/colorado-river-hatch-chart)
- [Clear Creek Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/clear-creek-hatch-chart)
- [Blue River Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blue-river-hatch-chart-crack-the-code-on-the-blue-river-hatch)
- [Yampa Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/yampa-river-hatch-chart)
- [Arkansas Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/arkansas-river-hatch-chart)
- [Gunnison Hatch Chart](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/gunnison-river-hatch-chart)

#### Colorado Fishing Reports

- [Waterton Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/south-platte-river-at-waterton-canyon-modern-reports-for-modern-anglers)
- [Cheesman Canyon](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cheesman-canyon-fly-fishing-report)
- [Clear Creek](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-clear-creek-colorado)
- [Deckers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-south-platte-river-at-deckers)
- [Dream Stream](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/dream-stream-fishing-report)
- [Poudre River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/cache-la-poudre-river-fishing-report)
- [Yampa River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/yampa-river-fly-fishing-report-near-steamboat-springs)
- [Blue River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-blue-river-colorado-green-mountain)
- [Arkansas River](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/fishing-report-arkansas-river-middle-basin)

### Company & Resources

- [River Report Sign Up](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/the-river-report)
- [River Whisper App](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/river-whisper)
- [About Us](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/about-us)
- [Privacy Policy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/privacy-policy)
- Terms and Conditions
- [Colorado Parks and Wildlife Resources](https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/Fishing.aspx)
- [Spotify Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/2PbYHzUT6GQH4jccF85Xs0)
- [Audible Podcast](https://www.audible.com/podcast/Rise-Beyond-Colorado-Fly-Fishing-Report/B0DTQZWTB2)
- [iHeart Radio Podcast](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-rise-beyond-colorado-fly-f-260316777/)

#### Shop Small Batch Flies

- [Subscription Fly Boxes](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/fly-box-subscription)
- [Nymphs](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/nymphs)
- [Dry Flies](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/dry-flies)
- [Terrestrials](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/hoppers)
- [Streamers](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/collections/streamers)

---

- Terms and Services
- [Privacy Policy](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/privacy-policy)
- [Bantam.Digital](https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/blue-riverfishing-report-near-dillon-dam-1/29/Bantam.Digital)

 Powered by Bantam.Digital [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/risebeyondflyfishing/) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://risebeyondflyfishing.shop/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.pinterest.com/risebeyondflyfishing/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Tymothe Meskel",
    "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/author/tymothe-meskel"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-02-05T16:33:40.142Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-01-29T09:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Blue RiverFishing Report near Dillon Dam 1/29/26",
  "image" : [ "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Colorado%20Stream%20Fly%20Fishing%20Reports%20(12).png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/blog/blue-riverfishing-report-near-dillon-dam-1/29/26",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://risebeyondflyfishing.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png"
    },
    "name" : "Rise Beyond"
  }
}
```