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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: February 3, 2026
The Blue below Green Mountain fishes nothing like its upstream cousin. Broader runs, softer seams, and lower pressure define this stretch in winter. Trout spread out more than below Dillon, but they are still locked into depth and slow water where energy costs stay low.
This is water that rewards patience and coverage over precision. Move methodically, fish deeper seams thoroughly, and do not abandon a run too quickly. Ignore shallow riffles entirely. When the sun hits the water late morning, trout slide into feeding lanes and provide steady, understated action.
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Conditions Summary
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(Real-time USGS data from site USGS-09057500)
Flow: 340 CFS. Stable winter releases below Green Mountain create broad seams and consistent holding water.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 41 °F
Wind: 5 to 10 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Quiet winter tailwater fishing with room to move
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
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
Fish deep through broad winter seams.
Black Beauty 20 to 24
Dead drift tight to bottom in tailouts.
RS2 gray 18 to 22
Use when fish suspend slightly.
Mercury Midge 20 to 22
Effective in clear, steady tailwater flows.
Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
Drift through softer inside edges.
Secondary Hatch: Baetis
Barrs Emerger 18 to 20Fish mid column late morning.
Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Dead drift through deeper runs.
Split Case BWO 18 to 20
Use during calm afternoons.
Attractor and Streamer
Mini Leech black or olive 10 to 12Slow strip through deeper winter runs.
Woolly Bugger olive 8 to 10
Short swings near softer banks.
Blue River Hatch Chart – February
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Secondary on mild afternoons |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Present in slower tailwater 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
Download the Blue River Hatch Chart.
Access Points
Below Green Mountain Dam | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Consistent tailwater access with broad winter seams.
Heeney Reach | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Defined runs with low winter pressure.
Blue Valley Ranch Access | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Long seams and varied winter structure.
Trough Road Pull-Offs | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Productive water requiring careful access.
Lower Blue Valley Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.0
Less consistent holding water.
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.