Blue River
Hatch Chart 2025
The Blue River tailwaters are legendary for their consistent hatches. Whether you're nymphing below Green Mountain Reservoir or swinging dries near Silverthorne, knowing when insects hatch is crucial. Use our refreshed 2025 Blue River hatch chart to time your trips, select the right flies, and fish confidently month by month.
Know what’s hatching, when it’s happening, and what flies to tie on—month-by-month intel from the heart of Colorado trout country. Hatches by month and type are below.
The South Platte River is Colorado’s overachiever: part tailwater, part freestone, all attitude. From Cheesman Canyon’s spooky trophies to Deckers’ weekend rodeo, this river makes you earn every trout—but man, does it pay off. The fish are smart. The bugs are picky. And if you think you can just toss any old fly out there, well… better pack a lunch.
That’s why knowing the hatch matters. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of the most reliable bug activity on the South Platte, plus our top fly picks for matching the hatch. Whether you’re stalking sipping rainbows or dredging for grudging browns, this chart is your river-side cheat sheet. Blue River fly hatches tailwater are a gem. Blue River Silverthorne hatch timing is tricky so download our hatch chart and have them at your finger tips.
View the Blue River Fly Fishing Report Here.
Month | Main Hatch | Secondary Bugs | Tertiary Bugs | Guide Tip |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Midges (#20–#26) | Winter Stoneflies | Micro BWOs | Slow drifts, long leaders, light tippet. Fish deep. |
February | Midges (#22–#26) | Stoneflies | Micro Baetis | Pair midges with egg patterns. Trout stay low. |
March | BWOs (#18–#22) | Midges | Early Stones | Cloudy days = swinging soft hackles goldmine. |
April | BWOs | Early Caddis | Midges | Focus on pods of risers. Delicate dry fly work. |
May | Mother's Day Caddis | BWOs | Early PMDs | Skittering caddis and emergers dominate the hatch. |
June | PMDs (#16–#18) | Caddis | Yellow Sallies | Dry + emerger combos are deadly in pocket water. |
July | Tricos (#20–#24) | Caddis | Hoppers | Start early. Switch to terrestrials after the spinner fall. |
August | Tricos | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers | PMDs | Prospect with a beetle + midge dropper mid-morning. |
September | BWOs | Fading Tricos | Late Caddis | RS2s and emergers shine on cloudy fall afternoons. |
October | BWOs | Midges | Streamers | Start with dries. Switch to meat if the clouds roll in. |
November | Midges | BWOs | Eggs | Mix midge nymphs with an egg pattern for depth. |
December | Midges | Winter Stones | Baetis | Drift small midge larvae slow and deep in tailouts. |
Matching the hatch doesn’t mean being a bug nerd (though we fully support it). It means noticing size, silhouette, and how those little guys behave in the water. Presentation > Perfection. Want to fish better tomorrow? Start by tying one better knot today.
Month | Hatch Type | Best Flies | Sizes |
---|---|---|---|
January | Midges | Zebra Midge, RS2 | 20–26 |
April | BWO | Sparkle Dun, Juju Baetis | 18–22 |
June | Caddis, PMD | Elk Hair Caddis, Barr’s Emerger | 14–18 |
August | Blue-Winged Olives | Sparkle Dun, BWO Spinner | 18–20 |
October | Midge & PMD | Zirdle Midge, RS2 Emerger | 20–24 |
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Q: When do Blue River midges hatch most consistently?
A: Midge activity on the Blue River is strong from January through April, especially early in the morning and late afternoon. -
Q: Where does the Blue River have the best flows for hatches?
A: Tailwaters below Green Mountain Reservoir and six-mile canyon near Heeney offer year-round hatches, thanks to stable flows. -
Q: Should I fish dries or nymphs on the Blue River?
A: During peak hatches (May–July), dries like Sparkle Duns and Juju Baetis work best. In winter and early spring, midging with nymphs like RS2 and Zebra Midge is more effective.
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