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The Blue River between Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir is a hidden gem for anglers who enjoy solitude, challenging water, and wild trout. Unlike the heavily fished tailwater below Dillon Dam, this stretch flows freely through private ranch land and open meadows, making access more limited but well worth the effort. With low winter flows and clear water, the fish are spooky, but they’re there if you can approach quietly and present small flies with precision.
This section offers a mix of riffles, deep runs, and undercut banks where brown and rainbow trout stack up for the winter. Nymphing is the go-to method, but on warmer afternoons, you might get lucky with a few midges popping off in slower-moving tailouts. The key? 6X tippet, long leaders, and stealthy wading—these fish don’t forgive sloppy presentations.
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Conditions Summary
- Flow Rate: 50-80 CFS (low, but steady)
- Water Temperature: 34-38°F
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Great scenery, but technical winter fishing)
River Flow Chart
Blue River Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| December (Previous Month) | Midges, Baetis | Black Beauty (#20-24), RS2 (#20-22) |
| January (Current Month) | Midges, Baetis, Scuds | Top Secret Midge (#20-22), Olive Scud (#16-18) |
| February (Next Month) | Midges, Baetis | Mercury Midge (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#20-24) |
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Top 3 Flies for the Week
- Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – If midges start clustering in slow water.
- Nymph: Jujubee Midge (#20-24) – The winter workhorse for picky trout.
- Streamer: Pine Squirrel Leech (#10-12) – Best fished dead-drifted or with subtle twitches.
Tips for Fly Fishing the Blue River (Silverthorne to Green Mountain)
Seasonal Tip
Winter trout aren’t moving much—focus on deep pools and slow runs, and make every cast count.
Dry Fly
Very limited action, but warmer afternoons may bring small midge hatches.
Nymphing
The most productive technique—stick with tiny midges and Baetis patterns under an indicator. Light tippet (6X) and natural drifts are key.
Streamer Fishing
Trout aren’t chasing streamers much in winter, but a dead-drifted leech can still pick up a hungry brown.
Access Points
Blue River State Wildlife Area (Public Access Sections)
- Description: A few designated access points where anglers can legally fish.
- Why Fish Here: Consistent winter flows and solid nymphing opportunities.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trough Road Access (Lower Section)
- Description: Harder to reach in winter but holds solid fish in deeper pools.
- Why Fish Here: Less pressured and holds some big browns.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Private Ranch Water (Limited Access)
- Description: Some sections are private property, but anglers can access certain stretches with permission.
- Why Fish Here: Low pressure and high-quality trout habitat.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
- Artificial flies and lures only—no bait fishing allowed.
- Private property is common—look for posted signs, fence lines, and riverbank markers.
- How to Stay Legal: Stay within public access points or obtain landowner permission if necessary.
- Winter conditions can be tough—be prepared for icy trails and cold water wading.
If you're looking for a quiet, challenging winter fishery, this stretch of the Blue River offers solitude, selective trout, and a rewarding experience for those willing to work for their fish.
