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The Blue below Dillon Dam looks calm, but don’t let the glassy surface fool you; every trout in this stretch has a PhD in drag detection.
Flows are low and stable, clarity is perfect, and the town stretch through Silverthorne is fishing like a winter classroom in stealth and precision. The payoff is big fish that eat small flies.
“This isn’t where you test your patience , it’s where you sharpen it.”
Listen to the Podcast
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 95 cfs and steady
- Water Temperature: 39–42 °F
- Air Temperature: Lows in the 20s °F highs in the 40s °F
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Crowds: Moderate near the bridge light, further downstream
- Best Times to Fish: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Fly Fishing Type Scores:
- Dry Fly: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
5 Day Weather Forecast
Mild days, cold nights, and minimal wind ahead. Expect consistent sun and prime midday fishing conditions through the week.
Current Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs and Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges #20–24 | Feeding windows all day in the soft seams |
| Secondary | Blue Winged Olives #18–22 | Sporadic hatches mid to late morning |
| Tertiary | Scuds #14–16 orange grey | Year-round presence in tailwater zones |
Pro Rig of the Week
Guide setup: 10-foot 5x leader with a #20 Black Beauty as your lead Fly and a #22 Top Secret Midge 18 inches below on 6x. One micro shot 8 inches above the top Fly, and a small yarn indicator for a subtle presentation. Focus on slow walking-speed seams below the outlet and around the structure.
Pro Tip: These fish eat light. Watch for head turns instead of indicator movement.
Top 10 Flies for the Month
| Fly Pattern | Size | Color / Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Beauty | #20–22 | Black | Tailwater essential |
| Top Secret Midge | #22–24 | Brown / Cream | Consistent sub-surface takes |
| WD-40 | #20 | Grey | Perfect for BWO emergers |
| RS2 | #20 | Olive / Grey | Reliable anytime pattern |
| Zebra Midge | #22 | Red / Black | Productive near the bridge |
| JuJu Baetis | #20 | Red / Purple | Good midday option |
| Egg Pattern | #16 | Peach / Pink | Great when trout key on spawn drift |
| Scud | #16 | Orange / Grey | Year-round tailwater staple |
| Mini Leech | #12 | Black | Low-light or deep structure |
| Sparkle Sculpin | #8 | Olive | Swing through tailouts for big browns |
Tips for Fly Fishing on the Blue River
- Seasonal Tip: Target the warmest part of the day. The bite window is narrow but predictable.
- Presentation: Sight fish and make short, deliberate casts. Long drifts spook more than they produce.
- Wading: Stay back and low. Fish feed surprisingly close to the bank.
Access Points
- Below Dillon Dam Outlet Section, cold, consistent water and active trout ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Silverthorne Factory Outlets Stretch, public access, and sight fishing opportunities ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Blue River Trail Downstream longer runs and less pressure ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Local Regulations and Landowner Notes
Flies and lures only. Catch and release is strongly encouraged. Watch for private property signs below town limits and avoid redds in shallow gravel sections.
FAQ on This Spot
Q: What are current flows and clarity like?
A: Flows are steady at around 95 cfs with crystal-clear water throughout the tailwater.
Q: When is the best time to fish this stretch?
A: Midday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when sunlight and temps align for steady feeding.
Q: What flies are producing right now?
A: Black Beauty, Top Secret Midge, and WD-40 are dominating under an egg or scud lead fly.
Q: Can I wade or should I float?
A: This is a wade-only section. Stay shallow and fish edges first.
Q: What species can I expect here?
A: Rainbows and browns, with the occasional cutbow mixed in.
Q: Any local shops or guides nearby?
A: Silverthorne’s local fly shops provide updated flow data and access details daily.
Stop Here After the River
When your fingers stop working, head straight to Angry James Brewing in Silverthorne. Locals fill the bar with fleece and fish stories, and the food holds its own. Order the Green Chile Pork Stew and a Furious James IPA— it’s as close as you’ll get to defrosting happiness.
https://angryjamesbrewing.com
