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The Slate River, located just north of Crested Butte, Colorado, offers some fantastic small-stream fly fishing for brown, rainbow, and brook trout. Known for its classic pocket water and stunning mountain views, the Slate River is ideal for anglers who enjoy both wade fishing and solitude. With fall in full swing, the river is running clear, and the trout are feeding aggressively ahead of the colder months.
Blue River Fly Fishing Report – Below Green Mountain (August 18, 2025)
Cold Tailwater, Summer Pressure
The Blue below Green Mountain is still one of the best bets in Colorado right now. Flows are holding around 380–400 CFS, with cold releases from the reservoir keeping trout active through midday.
PMDs are still the headliner, with Tricos early and caddis filling in the late afternoon. Terrestrials are coming on strong—ants and beetles are producing opportunistic eats along shady seams and grassy banks.
Fishing pressure is steady but not overwhelming; expect company on weekends, quieter weekdays if you’re willing to walk.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
August 18 Blue River update: cold flows below Green Mountain, PMDs still hatching strong, Tricos early, and terrestrials heating up. Here’s how to fish it right now.
Conditions Summary – Aug 18, 2025
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- Flow Rate: ~390 CFS — stable, wadeable with caution
- Water Temp: ~52°F mid-morning
- Air Temp: 60–82°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Best Times: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Fishing Pressure: Moderate (lighter midweek, busy weekends)
- Wind: Light AM, gusts possible in the canyon after lunch
- Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blue River Hatch Chart
| Month | PMDs | Tricos | Caddis | Midges | Ants/Beetles | Hoppers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| July | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| August | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
Flies to Try – Blue River Below Green Mountain (August 18)
Nymphs
TDJ Sunken Trico 20–22 | Sparkle Wing RS2 (gray/olive) 20–24 | Barr’s Emerger PMD 18–20 | Frenchie 18 | Pheasant Tail 18–20 | Juju Baetis 20–22 | UV Midge 20–22
Pro Tip: Trico and PMD emergers high in the column are getting eaten daily—rig light and short during hatch windows.
Dries
CDC Biot Trico Spinner 22–24 | Parachute Adams 20–22 | Matthews Sparkle Dun (PMD/BWO) 18–22 | Amy’s Ant 14 | Black Beetle 16 | Parachute Hopper 12–14
Pro Tip: Afternoon terrestrials are pulling fish from banks and shady cuts—don’t skip the ant bite.
Streamers
Baby Gonga (olive, brown) | Mini Dungeon 8–10 | Thin Mint 8–10 | Slump Buster 6–8
Streamer Note: Low light and overcast skies are best—midday streamer runs are tough.
Tips for Fishing the Blue – Mid-August
- Seasonal Tip: PMDs are consistent late morning—time your trip to overlap the hatch.
- Dry Fly: Terrestrials are now as important as mayflies—carry ants, beetles, and hoppers.
- Nymphing: Fish emergers shallow during hatches, then drop to mid-column once the bugs taper.
- Streamer Fishing: Stick to dawn/dusk; keep retrieves slow.
Access Points
| Spot | Description | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Tailwater Access | Classic runs, easy access, reliable hatches | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Bridge Pool | Deep, cold water—strong PMD activity | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Downstream Riffles | Pocket water with fewer anglers | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
FAQs on Fishing the Blue River Below Green Mountain
Q: Is the Blue River below Green Mountain wadeable at ~390 CFS?
A: Yes, but pick your crossings carefully. Most runs are fishable, but stay alert in deeper riffles and seams.
Q: What’s the best time of day right now?
A: Early to late morning (8 AM–1 PM) when PMDs and Tricos overlap. Afternoons slow down unless you’re fishing terrestrials tight to the banks.
Q: Do terrestrials work this time of year?
A: Absolutely. Ants and beetles are pulling fish from shady cuts and grassy edges by mid-afternoon. Don’t leave them out of the box.
Q: How pressured is it in August?
A: Moderate. Weekdays are manageable, but weekends get crowded. Walk downstream from the main lot for more solitude.
Q: What’s the best rig setup for August?
A: A dry-dropper with a CDC Trico Spinner up top and a Sparkle Wing RS2 or Barr’s Emerger 20–22 below is deadly during hatch windows. For prospecting, try Amy’s Ant with a small Frenchie dropper.
Q: Can you fish streamers here in summer?
A: Yes, but keep it small and subtle. Baby Gongas or Thin Mints fished at dawn, dusk, or under cloud cover are your best shot.
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