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The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir is a true winter tailwater. Cold, clear releases, steady flows, and trout that expect you to get everything right. This stretch does not give away free eats, but if you slow down and fish with intent, it will absolutely produce.
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Updated: January 29, 2026
The Blue River below Green Mountain is holding in a stable winter tailwater pattern. Flows are steady, water clarity is excellent, and trout are holding deep along seams, inside bends, and slower walking-speed lanes. Feeding activity is subtle but dependable during short midday windows.
This week’s Blue River fly fishing report below Green Mountain emphasizes precision. Trout are present and feeding, but sloppy depth control or rushed drifts shut things down quickly.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
(Real-time USGS data from site USGS-09057500)
Flow (CFS): ~120 cubic feet per second as of Jan 29, 2026 — a solid winter tailwater flow for this stretch
Water Temperature: Not reported in real-time, but typically upper 30s to low 40s °F this time of year based on local winter patterns and similar gauges
Air Temperature: Generally low 20s to mid-30s in the canyon corridor on clear days (weather patterns)
Clarity: Clear (tailwater below major reservoir, typical winter clarity)
Crowds: Light to moderate near the dam access and canyon trailheads
Best Window: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — midday warmth triggers more active feeding
Fishing Focus: Winter nymphing with midges, baetis, and mysis-style subsurface patterns
Weather
Expect hard overnight freezes and limited early sunlight. Calm, sunny afternoons fish best. Wind shuts down feeding quickly on this stretch.
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 imitation #16–20
Mini Leech #12–14 (for deeper water)
Small and precise patterns win here — especially under winter conditions with low light and cold water.
Pro Rig of the Week: Green Mountain Deep Slot Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or tight-line presentation
- Lead Fly: Small Pheasant Tail or WD-40 18 to 20
- Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 20 to 22
- Weight: Light and precise, adjusted often
- Target Water: Inside bends, slow tailouts, and deep winter seams
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18–26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18–22 | Limited but effective on mild afternoons |
| Mysis shrimp | 16–20 | Tailwater staple when present |
Download the Blue River Hatch Chart.
Access Points
Blue River Below Green Mountain Dam ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The premier tailwater stretch with deep seams, canyon structure, and consistent winter flows. Ideal for technical nymphing with small patterns.
Rating: Five gold stars
BLM Access – Canyon Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Mixed pocket water and longer troughs that hold trout during the coldest months. Less pressured than the dam section and excellent for mobile anglers.
Rating: Four gold stars
Confluence Area Downstream ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Where the river flattens and widens slightly, offering soft edges and slower winter lanes. Productive on days with light cloud cover.
Rating: Four gold stars
Stop Here After the River Angry James Brewing Co.
Angry James Brewing Co. (Silverthorne)
A warm, relaxed local brewery perfect after a day in the cold canyon. Expect big mountain vibes, community tables, and comfort-focused après energy.
What to order: The Resolute IPA and the rotating food truck’s signature warm dish.
Local Regulations and Notes
- Watch for changing dam release flows before entering canyon water
- Shelf ice can form along shaded edges
- Wading is technical; use caution on slick canyon rock
- Keep distance from other anglers due to narrow channel geometry
Companion Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior in Clear, Low-Flow Rivers
FAQ
Is the Blue River Below Green Mountain Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir offers consistent winter trout fishing for anglers willing to fish slowly and precisely. Feeding windows are short but reliable during calm midday conditions.
How Technical Is the Blue River in Winter?
Moderately to highly technical. Trout are selective, and success depends on depth control, clean drifts, and small flies rather than aggressive tactics.
Q: Is the Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir good in winter?
A: Yes. Stable tailwater flows make it one of the most reliable cold-season fisheries in Colorado.
Q: What flies catch the most fish here?
A: Small midges, baetis nymphs, and subtle emergers are the bread and butter.
Q: Do streamers work?
A: Occasionally. Small leeches can move fish in deep slots on overcast days.
Q: How technical is this section?
A: Very. Clear water and slow current require stealth and precision.
Q: What is the best time of day?
A: Midday, when sunlight and slight temperature bumps activate midges.
Q: Can I sight-fish?
A: Yes in many sections, but trout spook easily in winter clarity.
Q: Is the Blue River below Green Mountain good in winter?
A: Yes. It is one of the most consistent and least crowded winter tailwaters in Colorado.
Q: How technical is this stretch compared to Dillon Dam?
A: Slightly less pressured, but still technical. Depth control and drift quality matter.
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: Do scuds matter here in winter?
A: Yes. Scuds are an important secondary food source in this tailwater.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Typically mid-afternoon once shadows and colder air settle into the canyon.