The river is comprised of about a 70:30 ratio of Rainbow to Brown trout, but many of the browns that live in these waters possess a notoriously beautiful red tail that will quickly identify them as Blue River trout. Anglers are still catching a few pike but mostly stocker trout. Friends of the Dillon Ranger District. There was a huge caddis hatch last week that provided great surface action.
For our trip, we stopped into Cutthroat Anglers and met with Shop Owner, Ben Mccormick, as well as local guides Matt Weiler, and Harlan Kimball. RS2 (olive or gray #20-24). Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. The trail is primarily used for walking, trail running, and road biking and is best used from July until September. Fish: Some Medium-Sized Fish. UPDATED: 12/30/2022. The Blue River is an extremely popular spot amongst anglers, and while we're all entitled to enjoy a day on the water, it's important to remember that it's just as much our job to respect each other, as it is to respect the water. Non-Resident License. Yellow river and blue mountains. Blue River Trip Planning Tips. All tackle will be provided and no personal tackle or pets will be allowed. Anglers who are on the hunt for brook trout and the occasional brown should seek the northern waters of the Blue River closer to the Gore Range. Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) – Flowing low and clear out of the dam and fishing well. While I do absolutely agree that Cheesman trout are never easily fooled, I think that with the proper setup, a solid game plan, and decent execution, wonderful days in the canyon can certainly be achieved. North Fork below Paonia.
Dry fly fishing is usually not very productive in that area. During seasonal peaks, streamflow on this section of the Blue River can reach levels as high as 3, 380 cfs. It starts to hatch about the same time as the PMDs and the Dark Red Quills or around the first of June. Uncompahgre near Delta. The water was gin clear and 44 degrees F when we started fishing. The river here transforms into a typical free stone style river. Industry Partner Program. Evergreens and cobble-stone-banks frame crystal clear pools, pocket water, and quiet runs. Blue River - Below Green Mountain. The water level in the Blue varies a lot, due to release from the dam, so check the stream flow level before you go. This is landscape level conservation. Based on the input of biologists, hydrologists, engineers and land planners significant improvements to the physical river habitat have been implemented on private land along the lower reaches of the Blue River. Stream Conditions: Rate: 37. During this time, they explained to us the issues facing the health of the river such as mine runoff, improper handling of hydropower, single-use plastic pollution, and unfortunately, unethical angling.
The lower river below Carbondale is high and muddy, flowing at 1, 610 cfs and unfishable. We, the State, and other reservoir operators will continue responding to Colorado River flows as best we can throughout this water year. Green Mountain Canyon. It is important to carry a variety of midge patterns from larva all the way to dries. Do not block any of the gates. Waders are nice to have, but not always necessary. Busk-Ivanhoe Tunnel. Top flies: green or black Woolly Buggers, gray or brown Chironomids, San Juan Worms and Blood Worms with an egg.
But who cares, it's beautiful and it seems like Spring has finally arrived in the mountains of Colorado. West of the Blue are the peaks of the Gore Range, some of which climb to altitudes of 13, 000 feet. Yampa River near Maybell. Wild brown trout are found throughout the lower Blue and can reach well over two feet long. The dam release can influence flows as well. The float is very technical and combined with long stretches of private water; this section of river should only be tackled by seasoned oarsmen. The remainder of the shore access, all the way to Kremmling, is mostly private property. Tailwater Tales: Your Guide to Exploring the Blue River. Thank you to Colorado Tourism for this incredible opportunity to explore our backyard. When fishing the Blue, avoid crowds.
Use the hatch chart above to know what flies you will want to have in your fly box during your adventure on the river and then select the flies here 30 days before your trip to get them at a great price.