Blue River Fly Fishing: Cold Tailwater Gold and Midday PMD Action

  • August 13, 2025

Blue River Fly Fishing Report near Green Mountain Resevior

Blue River Below Green Mountain Fly Fishing Report – August 6, 2025


Cold Water, Hot Window

The Blue below Green Mountain is a tailwater that rewards persistence—and right now, it’s in prime summer form. Flows are around 400 CFS, keeping water temps in the sweet spot and trout feeding steadily through late morning and early afternoon.

PMDs are the main event mid-morning, with Tricos making an early showing and caddis filling in the gaps. Terrestrials are starting to pull fish from the edges, especially ants and beetles in the softer seams.

The clarity is excellent, the crowds are moderate, and this stretch is fishing better than most in Colorado right now.


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16:52

 


Conditions Summary

  • Flow Rate: ~400 CFS — stable
  • Water Temp: ~52°F mid-morning
  • Air Temp: 58–78°F
  • Clarity: Clear
  • Best Times: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Fishing Pressure: Moderate
  • Wind: Light and variable

 



Blue River Hatch Chart

Month PMDs Tricos Caddis Midges Ants/Beetles Hoppers
June ✅✅ ✅✅ ✅✅
July ✅✅✅ ✅✅✅ ✅✅ ✅✅ ✅✅ ✅✅
August ✅✅ ✅✅✅ ✅✅ ✅✅✅ ✅✅✅

 

DOWNLOAD THE BLUE RIVER HATCH CHART

 

 

Flies to Try – Blue River Below Green Mountain (August)

Nymphs

TDJ Sunken Trico 20–22 | Sparkle Wing RS2 (gray) 20–24 | Barr’s Emerger PMD 18–20 | Frenchie 18 | Pheasant Tail 18–20 | UV Midge (black) 20–22 | Juju Baetis (gray) 20–22

Pro Tip: Fish PMD emergers just under the surface mid-morning for the most consistent eats.


Dries

CDC Biot Trico Spinner 22 | Matthews Sparkle Dun (BWO) 18–20 | Amy’s Ant 14 | Black Beetle 16 | Parachute Hopper 12–14 | X-Caddis 14–18

Pro Tip: Prospect the edges with ants and beetles after the hatch dies down.


Streamers

Mini Dungeon (olive) | Baby Gonga (brown/olive) | Thin Mint 8–10 | Slump Buster (natural or black)

Streamer Note: Keep retrieves slow and close to structure; this is a precision game here.

 

 

Tips for Fishing the Blue Below Green Mountain

  • Seasonal Tip: PMDs run the show—time your trip to the hatch window.
  • Dry Fly: Long leaders (12–14 ft), 5X–6X tippet, and soft presentations.
  • Nymphing: Light rigs with emergers high in the column during the hatch.
  • Streamer Fishing: Low light is best—dawn or dusk for bigger fish.


Access Points

Spot Description Rating
Tailwater Access Main parking, easy walk to runs and pools ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bridge Pool Deep, cold water with steady hatch activity ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Downstream Riffles Productive pocket water with fewer anglers ⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 

Local Regulations

  • Artificial flies and lures only
  • Catch-and-release encouraged
  • Respect private property boundaries


FAQs – Blue River Below Green Mountain Fly Fishing

Q: What’s the prime hatch right now?
A: PMDs mid-morning, with Tricos early and terrestrials in the afternoon.

Q: Is streamer fishing worth it?
A: Yes, but it’s a low-light play—keep patterns small and natural.

Q: How crowded is it?
A: Moderate; weekends draw more pressure.

Q: Can I wade here safely at 400 CFS?
A: Yes, but pick your crossings carefully.

Q: What tippet size works best?
A: 5X for dries, 6X for emergers and nymphs.

Q: Is the tailwater always cold?
A: Yes—flows come from deep in Green Mountain Reservoir.

 

Animas River (1600 x 900 px) (12)

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