Located approximately 60 miles west of Denver, Colorado,
the Blue River is a quality freestone and tail-water
fishery consisting of enormous rainbow trout below Dillon
Reservoir. The Blue also has a good population of brown
and some brook trout. Mysis shrimp and prolific hatches
provide a superb food source for the trout in this "Gold
Medal" fishery. Be sure to check the special
regulations before heading out.
Above Dillon Reservoir the river is a freestone fishery
while below it is a tail-water. The Blue averages from
80-100 feet across, flowing through the Gore Mountains
on its course to where it meets the Colorado
River near Kremmling. The rivers entire length is
paralleled by Route 9, which provides ample access to
this fine fishery. |
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Flowing north as a small stream, the Blue River passes
Breckenridge and the famous ski slopes associated with
this town, on its way to Dillon Reservoir. This is high
terrain at over 8,000 feet above sea level. With this
in mind you can imagine the scenery found along certain
stretches of the river. In this upper stretch, which
is approximately 10 miles in length, the river boosts
an excellent population of trout averaging 12-14 inches
with some in the 16-20 inch range. Deep runs, pools,
and classic riffles characterize this section along with
consitant, quality hatches. |
Below Dillon Reservoir the river flows through urban
Silverthorne on its way to Green Mountain Reservoir which
is located approximately 20 miles downstream. Just below
the dam Interstate 70 crosses the river. This section
of the Blue is where you will find some of the largest
trout in the state, competing with the trout of the Fryingpan
and South Platte Rivers, which also reach immense size.
Rainbows here average 16-17 inches with fish 4-6 pounds
not uncommon. In fact, rainbows to 10 plus pounds exist
below Dillon Reservoir. The large trout of the Blue River
are mainly concentrated in the first couple of miles
below Dillon Dam, where special regulations have made
this area catch-and-release. These trout gorge themselves
on the thousands upon thousands of mysis shrimp that
spill into the river from the reservoir.
Downstream from the catch-and-release area the size of
the trout diminishes although there are still hefty trout
to be found to 18 inches and sometimes larger. The hatches
below the catch-and-release area increase in intensity. Green
Drakes hatch with enthusiasm during the summer months
of July and August while pale morning duns, red
quills, terrestrials, stoneflies and caddis all fill
their share of the action. During the spring and fall, baetis (blue-wing
olives) and midges bring trout to the surface. Access
is abundant along Route 9 all the way to Green Mountain
Reservoir. Deep runs, classic riffles, and beautiful
pools all characterize the river from Dillon Reservoir
to Green Mountain Reservoir. Boulders, bends and depressions
in the river bottom account for the variety of seams
and excellent holding habitat for the trout. Quality
angling can be found all the way to where the Blue meets
the Colorado River below Green Mountain Reservoir.
Overall, the Blue River is a fine fishery. Large trout,
quality hatches and beautiful water are all here. If
you're planning a trip or going to be in the Denver vicinity,
consider fishing the Blue River. |
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