.png?width=300&height=100&name=Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(2).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
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The Blue River near Silverthorne is a catch-and-release fishery, and anglers are encouraged to use barbless hooks. Respect the private property boundaries along certain sections and use designated public access points. Always carry a valid Colorado fishing license and practice responsible fishing to protect this unique tailwater environment.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast!
The Blue River tailwater below Dillon Dam in Silverthorne is one of Colorado’s most well-known and frustrating fisheries. It’s a playground for technical anglers and a heartbreaker for those not ready to adapt. In April, this section becomes a microcosm of precision—tiny flies, light tippet, and quiet footwork.
Flows remain low and steady, keeping the water gin-clear and cold. Trout are spooky, selective, and smart. The good news? They’re also feeding—on midges, Baetis, and those famed mysis shrimp flushed through the dam. If you want your ego checked and your skills sharpened, the Blue in town is calling.
Conditions Summary
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Flow Rate: 85–95 CFS (Tailwater release)
Water Temperature: 36–39°F
Clarity: Crystal clear — sight fishing possible
Fishing Pressure: Heavy on weekends, moderate midweek
Wind: Mild mornings, 5–15 mph gusts in the afternoon
Best Times: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 – Challenging, but with serious payoff if you’re dialed)
📈 River Flow Chart
Source: USGS Gauge: Blue River Below Dillon
Blue River Hatch Chart (Tailwater Below Dillon Dam)
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| February (Previous Month) | Midges, Mysis Shrimp | Black Beauty (#22–24), Top Secret Midge (#22), Mysis Shrimp (#16–18) |
| March (Last Month) | Midges, Baetis | RS2 (#20–22), Blue Wing Olive (#18–22), Zebra Midge (#20–24) |
| April (Current Month) | Baetis, Midges, Caddis (late), Mysis Shrimp | Barr’s Emerger (#18–20), BWO CDC Emerger (#20–22), Mysis Shrimp (#16–18) |
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🪶 Top Flies for the Week
- Dry Fly: Blue Wing Olive CDC Emerger (#20–22) – Especially on overcast afternoons in slow eddies
- Nymph: Mysis Shrimp (#16–18) trailed by an RS2 or JuJu Baetis (#20–22)
- Streamer: Small Slump Buster (#10) — if flows bump and cloud cover sets in
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🎣 Tips for Fly Fishing the Blue at Dillon Dam in April
Seasonal Tip
Stealth is everything. Fish are sitting in shallow, slow-moving water, and they'll spook at shadows or heavy footfalls. Long leaders (12–14 ft), 6X tippet, and slow casting are key.
Dry Fly
Look for afternoon risers near soft seams and structure, especially on cloudy days. Parachute BWOs and CDC emergers are the go-to patterns.
Nymphing
Use a double nymph rig with a mysis shrimp or small tungsten point fly and a Baetis or midge trailer. Focus on slow seams, the edges of the deeper slots, and tailouts.
Streamer Fishing
Not the most productive approach, but worth a try near dusk or after a bump in flows. Drift, don’t strip.
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🚗 Access Points
Silverthorne Tailwater (Directly Below Dillon Dam)
Description: Classic, highly pressured tailwater with big, smart trout.
Why Fish Here: Mysis shrimp buffet, sight-fishing for trophy rainbows.
Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Hot Spots
- Behind the Outlet Malls: Slow seams and trout actively feeding mid-column.
- Under the Pedestrian Bridge: Great structure and depth — excellent mysis water.
- The Cement Wall Run (upstream side): Fish sit deep in soft water here, perfect for double nymph rigs.
⚠️ Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
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Artificial flies and lures only.
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Barbless hooks required — check CPW signage.
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Stay below the high-water mark — respect private property boundaries upstream.
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Tailwater flows are highly regulated — always check gauges before heading out.
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Catch-and-release is encouraged due to high pressure and sensitive habitat.
If you’re up for a technical challenge and want to chase trophy trout in crystal-clear water, the Blue River in Silverthorne is hard to beat. Just come ready to think like a trout—and lose a few flies in the process.
