RIVER REPORT
Blue River | Below Green Mtn Res
The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir is a popular tailwater fishery known for its cold, clear flows and healthy populations of trout. This section of the river offers consistent year-round fishing, with rainbow and brown trout being the most common species. The cold water released from the bottom of the dam creates ideal conditions for aquatic insects, leading to prolific hatches of midges, mayflies, and caddisflies. Anglers often use small nymphs, midges, and streamers to target the trout, particularly in the deep pools and runs. The scenic canyon setting adds to the appeal, making it a favorite destination for fly fishing enthusiasts.
CONDITIONS
Weather & Flow Data Reported From OpenWeather and USGS
Recent Reports
Blue River Below Green Mountain Reservoir – April Fly Fishing Report: As of early April, the Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir is experiencing low flows, approximately 190 cubic feet per second (CFS), creating technical fishing conditions. Water temperatures remain cold, typically in the 40s°F, sustaining a diet primarily composed of midges, Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs), stoneflies, and eggs for the resident trout. Anglers have found success using small nymph patterns such as TDJ Golden Stone (size 14–18), Pat’s Rubber Legs in olive and brown (size 10–12), and various Baetis imitations (sizes 18–22). Given the river’s clarity and the trout’s wariness, sight fishing with light tippets (6x or 7x) and precise presentations is essential. Focusing efforts during the warmest parts of the day, typically late morning to mid-afternoon, can enhance success rates. Overall, the Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir offers rewarding opportunities for anglers prepared to meet its challenges this April.
Water Flow Data
5 Day Outlook
BUGS
The Blue River’s insect life provides a smorgasbord for hungry trout. AvidMax recommends these key fly patterns:
THE FISHERY
The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir is a productive tailwater fishery, offering anglers consistent flows and prime opportunities to target large trout in a beautiful mountain setting.
Fish Species
The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir is home to brown and rainbow trout, with browns being more dominant. This tailwater section also provides the chance to catch kokanee salmon during their fall spawning run, adding variety to the fishing experience. The trout here tend to range from 12-18 inches, with the potential for larger fish, especially closer to the dam.
Unique Fishing Conditions
The Blue River below Green Mountain is a tailwater fishery with consistent, cold flows, making it fishable year-round. The water can be clear and technical, requiring delicate presentations and light tippets, especially in low flows. Nymphing with small midges, blue-winged olives, and caddis patterns (sizes 18-22) is effective, particularly in deeper runs and seams. During the fall, streamers and egg patterns can be highly productive as browns enter their pre-spawn phase.
Access and Regulations
Public access is available in multiple areas along the river, particularly at the Green Mountain Reservoir tailwater parking lot, and downstream through BLM land. This section of the Blue River is managed as Gold Medal Waters, which means strict regulations, including catch-and-release for rainbows, and anglers should practice responsible fishing to maintain the health of the fishery. Be mindful of fluctuating water releases from the reservoir, which can impact both fishing conditions and wading safety.
TACTICS
AvidMax encourages anglers to explore their full repertoire on the Blue River:
Nymphing
Nymphing allows anglers to target trout feeding below the surface, with or without an indicator, making it an effective technique for covering deep runs and slow pools where fish are actively feeding on subsurface insects.
Dry Fly Fishing
Fishing with dry flies provides the ultimate surface experience, imitating adult insects and offering exciting visual strikes, particularly during hatches when trout are feeding on the water’s surface.
Streamer Fishing
Using streamers mimics baitfish and other larger prey, offering an aggressive approach that can entice bigger, predatory trout, especially when fishing deeper water or fast-moving currents.
SEASONS
Each season on the Blue River brings unique joys and challenges for AvidMax anglers:
Spring
Spring runoff can increase flows, but the tailwater below Green Mountain Reservoir provides consistent fishing conditions, with nymphing using stoneflies, baetis, and mysis shrimp patterns being effective. Focus on deeper runs and seams where trout seek refuge.
Summer
Summer offers excellent dry fly action with hatches of caddis, PMDs, and terrestrials like hoppers. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for surface action in riffles and along the banks.
Fall
Fall is prime for targeting aggressive brown trout as they prepare to spawn, with streamers and egg patterns working well. Fish deeper pools and near structure for the best chance at larger trout.
Winter
Winter fishing can still be productive thanks to the tailwater releases, with small midges and mysis shrimp patterns being highly effective. Focus on the warmest part of the day in slower, deeper water where trout hold during colder months.
REMEMBER
The Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir is a reliable tailwater fishery offering consistent flows and productive trout fishing, but its clear, cold waters and technical conditions require careful attention to detail for success. Respect the river’s delicate ecosystem by practicing catch-and-release and following local regulations.
Water Conditions
As a tailwater, the Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir maintains steady flows, but releases from the dam can fluctuate. Always check flow rates before heading out, especially during spring runoff or scheduled water releases.
Regulations
This section of the river has specific regulations, including catch-and-release areas with artificial flies and lures only. Make sure you are familiar with these rules to help maintain the health of the fishery.
Safety
The rocky riverbed can be slick and wading can be tricky, especially during higher flows. Use caution when wading and wear proper wading boots with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
COMMENTS
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