RIVER REPORT
Blue River | Dillon
The Blue River near Dillon, Colorado, is a renowned tailwater fishery offering spectacular year-round fly fishing opportunities in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This section of the river, flowing just below Dillon Reservoir, is known for its cold, clear waters, making it an ideal habitat for large rainbow and brown trout. Anglers are drawn to this location for its consistent flows, abundance of aquatic insect life, and stunning mountain scenery. With convenient access points and well-regulated conditions, the Blue River provides a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.
CONDITIONS
Flow Data Reported From OpenWeather and USGS
Recent Reports
Blue River near Dillon – April Fly Fishing Report: As of early April, the Blue River near Dillon, Colorado, is presenting technical fishing conditions due to low flows and cold water temperatures. Recent reports indicate that outflows below Dillon Reservoir are below their normal historic levels, resulting in technical fishing conditions. Anglers can expect to see sporadic hatches of midges throughout the day. Effective fly patterns include red larvae and micro eggs trailed by small black or brown midge pupae. The best stretch to fish is between Town Hall and Dillon Dam. Sight fishing is recommended, focusing on slower pools and tailouts. Stealthy approaches, light tippets, and precise presentations are essential to avoid spooking fish in these clear water conditions. Overall, the Blue River near Dillon offers rewarding opportunities for anglers prepared to tackle 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 near Dillon offers exceptional tailwater fishing, where cold, clear water and a healthy trout population create an inviting destination for fly anglers seeking year-round action.
Fish Species
The Blue River below Dillon Reservoir is home to large populations of rainbow and brown trout, with the occasional kokanee salmon during the fall run, and the presence of mysis shrimp in the tailwater section helps sustain the river’s healthy trout population.
Unique Fishing Conditions
As a tailwater fishery, the Blue River experiences consistent flows and cold temperatures year-round, making it ideal for nymphing with mysis shrimp patterns and small midge and BWO nymphs. The river can get pressured, so presenting small flies and using light tippet (5x or 6x) is often necessary for success.
Access and Regulations
This stretch of the river is easily accessible near the town of Silverthorne, with various parking areas and river walkways. Anglers should be aware of strict catch-and-release regulations for trout and the use of artificial flies and lures only to preserve the quality of the fishery.
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 Arkansas brings unique joys and challenges for AvidMax anglers:
Spring
Spring brings higher flows with snowmelt, making wading trickier, but the fishing remains good with nymphing patterns like BWO nymphs, midges, and mysis shrimp. Focus on the deeper runs and slow pockets where trout shelter during increased water levels.
Summer
During summer, the Blue River runs clear and cold, offering great dry fly action with caddis and PMD patterns in the mornings and evenings. Nymphing during the day with small midges and mysis shrimp remains highly productive, especially in well-oxygenated water.
Fall
Fall brings more aggressive brown trout as they move into spawning mode, making streamers a go-to method for larger fish. The cooler temperatures also lead to excellent BWO hatches, particularly in the afternoons, providing great opportunities for dry fly anglers.
Winter
Despite cold weather, the Blue River remains fishable due to the tailwater effect, with trout concentrating in deeper, slower sections. Nymphing with small midge patterns and mysis shrimp works best, especially during the warmest part of the day.
REMEMBER
The Blue River near Dillon offers excellent fly fishing opportunities, especially for anglers targeting large trout in the tailwater section below the Dillon Reservoir. However, the river’s cold water and frequent changes in flow make it crucial for anglers to stay informed about conditions before heading out.
Water Conditions
The water releases from Dillon Reservoir can fluctuate, impacting fishing conditions—check the flow reports to plan your approach and fly selection accordingly.
Regulations
This section is designated as Gold Medal Waters, requiring artificial flies and lures only, with catch-and-release recommended for larger trout to preserve the fishery.
Safety
The cold, clear water can be deceptively deep and fast, so use caution when wading, especially during periods of increased flow from the dam.
COMMENTS
We want to hear from you! Have you fished this River or have any advice for fellow anglers?
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