.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")
.png)
🎧 Listen to the Podcast!
The Blue River from Silverthorne to Green Mountain Reservoir is waking up after a long winter. With clear, cold flows and longer days, trout are starting to shake off their sluggishness. That said, this stretch still requires a technical touch—light tippet, small bugs, and a slow approach.
Midges and Baetis are your bread and butter right now. Fish in the town section are sipping tiny dries in the afternoons, while the mid- and lower sections favor small nymphs drifted through soft seams. With the occasional mysis shrimp in the mix near the dam and some late-day streamer chases in deeper holes, variety is on the menu. But make no mistake—this stretch is still more brains than brawn.
%20(3).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)
Conditions Summary
Flow Rate: 80–100 CFS (Clear and stable)
Water Temperature: 37–41°F
Clarity: Crystal clear—stealth is a must
Fishing Pressure: Moderate in town, light upstream and down
Wind: 5–15 mph, gusts up to 20 in the afternoons
Best Times: 11 AM to 3 PM
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Technical but rewarding, especially for patient anglers)
📈 River Flow Chart
Source: Colorado DWR River Station Reports
Blue River Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| February (Previous Month) | Midges, Baetis, Mysis Shrimp | Zebra Midge (#20–24), RS2 (#20–22), Mysis Shrimp (#16–18) |
| March (Last Month) | Midges, Baetis (BWO), Small Stones | Black Beauty (#20–24), Blue Wing Olive (#18–22), Pheasant Tail (#16–20) |
| April (Current Month) | Baetis, Caddis (late), Midges | Blue Wing Olive (#18–20), Barr's Emerger (#18–22), Sparkle Caddis (#16–18) |
🪶 Top Flies for the Week
- Dry Fly: Blue Wing Olive (#18–20) – Rising fish on overcast afternoons, especially near Silverthorne.
- Nymph: Pheasant Tail (#16–20) – An essential Baetis imitation—deadly in slower seams.
- Streamer: Mini Leech (#10–12) – Low and slow through the deeper holes near the inlet and mid-river.
🎣 Tips for Fly Fishing the Blue River in Early April
Seasonal Tip
Afternoons bring more bug activity—don’t rush to the water too early. Focus on soft water and tailouts.
Dry Fly
Expect risers in town during cloudy weather. Try a CDC BWO emerger or parachute BWO pattern.
Nymphing
Still the name of the game. Double rigs with midge/Baetis combos and a small split shot are productive.
Streamer Fishing
Sporadic but worth a try near Green Mountain. Drift and jig, don’t strip—think finesse over flash.
.png?width=1200&height=300&name=Deckers%20(3).png)
🚗 Access Points
Silverthorne Public Access (Below Dillon Dam)
Description: Classic tailwater with consistent temps and flows.
Why Fish Here: Trophy rainbows and mysis shrimp buffet.
Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Hot Spots
- Behind the Outlet Malls: Slow seams and risers on overcast days.
- Beneath the I-70 Bridge: Prime mysis zone—watch for suspended fish.
- Upstream near the pedestrian bridge: Shallow runs, great for sight fishing.
Blue River State Wildlife Area (Mid-Section)
Description: More wild, less polished. Slower water and bigger rocks.
Why Fish Here: Fewer anglers and more natural flows.
Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Hot Spots
- Blue River Campground Access: Deep bend pools with structure.
- Pull-offs along Hwy 9: Pocket water with surprising depth—ideal for dry-dropper setups.
- Cattle gate bend: Less pressured water; sneaky good on overcast days.
Green Mountain Reservoir Inlet
Description: Transition zone with deeper water and pre-spawn staging.
Why Fish Here: Great for targeting big browns or lake-run rainbows.
Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Hot Spots
- Where the river fans into the lake: Look for cruisers in the shallows.
- Deeper eddies on the west bank: Great for streamer and jig nymph presentations.
- Above the inlet channel: Fish stack up here before running into the lake.
⚠️ Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
- Artificial flies and lures only—bait is prohibited.
- Barbless hooks required in town and near the dam—watch for signage.
- Respect private property boundaries, especially in mid-river zones.
- Flows are controlled by dam releases—always check gauges before planning your trip.
April on the Blue River rewards focus and finesse. Come prepared with your tiny flies, be ready to adjust throughout the day, and you'll find yourself in the good graces of some picky but beautiful Colorado trout.
https://www.silverthorne.org/discover-silverthorne/visitor-s-guide
