Blue River Fly Fishing Report – Late OCT Conditions, Hatches & Best Flies

  • October 21, 2025

Blue River Fly Fishing Report near Green Mountain Resevior

It’s the kind of cold that makes your fingers clumsy - and your line tight.
The Blue below Green Mountain is fishing like it always does in October: slow, deep, and mean. The trout are hungry, but they’re not giving anything away for free.


Listen to the Podcast

6X_Tippet_and_Tiny_Flies__Cracking_the_Technical_Blue_River_Oct
6:45

 

 


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.

Flows are stable near 110 CFS with classic fall clarity. Expect chilly mornings, sunny mid-days, and trout that prefer stealth over flash. BWOs are hatching mid-day with strong midge activity in slower seams. The post-spawn browns and rainbows are active, and this stretch continues to produce some of the most consistent fall fishing in Summit County.

  • Flow: ~110 CFS ⬇ slightly
  • Water Temp: 44–49 °F
  • Air Temp: 32–63 °F
  • Clarity: Very clear
  • Pressure: Moderate
  • Best Times: 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐☆
  • Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Streamer Score: ⭐⭐⭐☆

Conditions Note:
This is small-fly season. Bring your patience, and your 6X. Slow, methodical drifts through deeper lanes are the name of the game.

SILVERTHORNE WEATHER

October Hatch Chart

Hatch Size When to Fish How to Fish
Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) #20–22 11 AM – 3 PM Fish emergers mid-column or duns in soft seams.
Midges #22–26 All day Light rigs in slow water and tailouts.
Caddis (fading) #18–20 1–3 PM Swing soft hackles across riffles.

 

Download the Blue River Hatch Chart

 


Top 3 Dry Flies for October

  1. Parachute BWO #20–22 – Drift mid-day under cloud cover in smooth tailouts.
  2. Griffith’s Gnat #22–24 – Use on calm, bright mornings.
  3. Parachute Adams #20 – Versatile searching pattern for sporadic risers.


Top 3 Nymphs for October

  1. RS2 (Gray/Olive #20–22) – Essential trailer behind a small BWO emerger.
  2. Zebra Midge (Black #22–24) – Consistent producer in clear water.
  3. Barr’s Emerger #20–22 – Use mid-column when BWOs hatch under cloud cover.


Streamer of the Month

Mini Leech (Olive/Black #12) – Slow swing through deeper runs; hold tension during the pause - that’s when they eat.

 

 

Tips Fly Fishing the Blue River Below Green Mountain

  • Approach quietly - fish can see everything in this water.
  • Short, accurate casts beat long sloppy ones.
  • Mid-day BWOs are your best dry-fly window.
  • Fish small and natural; bright beadheads spook trout here.
  • After 2 PM, switch to small leeches or emergers near structure.
Access Winter south platte

Access Points

  • Tailwater Section (Below Dam): Easy access, deeper pools, consistent flows.
  • Meadow Run Area: Flat gradient, technical sight fishing.
  • Downstream Riffles: Less pressure, great nymphing and streamer water.


Local Regulations & Notes

  • Artificial flies and lures only.
  • Catch-and-release encouraged for wild browns and bows.
  • Stay off redds - active spawners visible in gravel pockets.


FAQ on the Blue River Below Green Mountain

Q: When’s the best time to fish this stretch in October?
A: Late morning to mid-afternoon (10 AM – 3 PM) when water temps creep into the high 40s.

Q: What’s the best two-fly rig?
A: RS2 to Zebra Midge on 6X tippet under a tiny indicator or dry-dropper.

Q: Can you fish streamers here?
A: Yes - slow and small works best. Think leech or bugger on a swing.

Q: Are browns still spawning?
A: Yes, but most are in post-spawn feeding mode. Avoid clean gravel.

Q: What weight rod should I bring?
A: 9’ 5-wt for nymphs and streamers, 4-wt for dries if the wind dies down.





Animas River (1600 x 900 px) (12)

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