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The Blue River at Dillon Dam is a classic winter tailwater that rewards precision and restraint. Clear water, cold temperatures, and heavy mysis-driven trout behavior define this stretch during January. While crowds can concentrate near easy access, the river fishes consistently for anglers who focus on depth, drift, and subtle presentation.
Updated: January 7, 2026
The Blue River at Dillon Dam is running clear and cold under stable winter releases. Trout are holding deep in slow seams and tailouts, with movement increasing slightly during midday when sunlight hits the water. Feeding activity is deliberate and subtle, not aggressive.
This week’s Blue River fly fishing report emphasizes accuracy. Mysis shrimp patterns paired with small midges are producing best results. Clean drifts matter more than fly changes, and lighter weight often outperforms heavier rigs when trout are suspended just off the bottom.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
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Flow: Stable winter tailwater release
Water Temperature: Cold, consistent dam-controlled temps
Air Temperature: Teens to low 30s
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Medium near parking areas, lighter with short hikes
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with mysis shrimp and midges
Weather
Expect cold mornings and brief midday warming. Calm, sunny days fish best. Wind or heavy cloud cover significantly reduces feeding activity and shortens the window.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 20 to 22
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
- RS2 (black or gray) 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Juju Baetis 20 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: Dillon Dam Tiny Water Column Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn or ultra-sensitive pinch-on
- Lead Fly: Mysis Shrimp 16 to 18
- Dropper: Black Beauty or Zebra Midge 22 to 24
- Weight: One small BB placed 10 to 12 inches above the lead fly
- Target Water: Slow tailouts, inside seams, and deeper winter troughs
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 20 to 26 | Primary winter insect activity |
| Mysis Shrimp | 16 to 18 | Dominant food source below Dillon Dam |
| Baetis Nymphs | 20 to 22 | Minor movement on mild afternoons |
Download the Blue River Hatch Chart
Access Points
Silverthorne Town Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classic floodwall water with consistent winter trout holding lanes.
Rating: Five gold stars
Blue River Trail Pullouts ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Long glides and deep seams with slightly less pressure.
Rating: Four gold stars
Lower Corridor Access ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Broader winter lanes and productive seams when flows are steady.
Rating: Four gold stars
Stop Here After the River
Angry James Brewing Co. (Silverthorne)
A relaxed post-river hangout with warm food-truck meals, mountain-town energy, and reliably good beer.
What to order: The Resolute IPA with a rotating hot entrée from the food truck lineup.
Local Regulations and Notes
- Tailwater flows change; always check the release before fishing
- Extremely clear water requires long leaders and 6X tippet
- Sight-fishing is possible but demands quiet wading
- Respect town pathways and private property along the corridor
FAQ
Is the Blue River Below Dillon Dam Good for Fly Fishing in Winter?
Yes. The Blue River below Dillon Dam offers consistent winter trout fishing due to stable tailwater flows. Trout hold predictably in deeper seams and feed during short midday windows when conditions align.
How Technical Is Fly Fishing the Blue River Below Dillon Dam?
Very technical. Ultra-clear water, steady flows, and heavy angling pressure require precise drifts, small flies, and careful depth control. This stretch rewards patience and punishes sloppy presentations.
Q: Is the Blue River below Dillon Dam good in winter?
A: Yes. Cold but consistent flows make it one of Colorado’s most predictable winter tailwaters.
Q: What weight rod should I bring?
A: A 4 or 5 weight with a long leader setup is ideal for this technical water.
Q: Are dries an option?
A: Rarely, but on the warmest calm afternoons you might find isolated midge clusters.
Q: What is the biggest mistake anglers make here?
A: Heavy footsteps and heavy rigs. Everything here requires subtlety.
Q: Does the flow matter more on a tailwater?
A: Yes. Even small changes from the dam can shift where trout stack.
Q: When is the best time of day?
A: Midday, when water temps rise the most.
Q: Is the Blue River good in winter?
A: Yes. It is one of the most consistent winter tailwaters in Colorado, but it is very technical.
Q: What is the biggest mistake anglers make here?
A: Fishing too heavy or too fast. Subtle depth control matters more than fly changes.
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: Does wind ruin the fishing?
A: It can. Wind makes precise drifts extremely difficult on this stretch.
Q: When does the bite shut down?
A: Typically mid-afternoon once shadows and colder air settle into the corridor.
Companion Article
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