Blue River
Below Dillon Dam
Recent Guide Reports
Forecast
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- PMD
- Mysis Shrimp
- Baetis Nymph
- Black Beauty
- Mercury Midge
- Juju Baetis
- Hare's Ear
- Zebra Midge
- Ant
- Griffith's Gnat
Current Conditions
Gauge Flow
High Water Warning
Gauge Height
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
Aug 11
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 3/5
Fishing on the Blue continues to improve with declining flows. In general, these trout are very selective, but this time of year they are not as much so dont worry too much about having the exact right fly and size. That said, do not go the water without some stonefly patterns. Trout are keyed in on brown/tan Pats Rubber legs and Yellow Sally nymphs. The heavy nymph rig will produce the most consistent results, but be prepared to fish some dry flies if you see trout actively rising. When nymphing, lead with a Pats or large search pattern like a Guides Choice Hares Ear followed by one or two smaller imitative midge or baetis patterns like an olive RS2 or Mercury Midge. Start by fishing the banks and as the day goes on, move on to the outer seams. Depth is key so make sure you have the appropriate amount of split shot. If you are getting stuck on occasion, that is a good thing. There are a number of hatches taking place so be prepared to fish dries. This time of year, we prefer the dry dropper rig as opposed to the exclusive dry fly set up.
Ideal Days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Go to flies:
Sub-Surface Flies: Pats Rubber Legs (#12), Zebra Midges (#22-24), Black Beauties (#22-24), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), WD 40's (#20-22), Sparkle Wing RS2's (#20-22), olive RS2s (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Sparkle Pupa (#16-18), Mysis Shrimp, SJ Worms.
Surface Flies: Parachute Adams (#20-22), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#12-14).
Fishing on the Blue continues to improve with declining flows. In general, these trout are very selective, but this time of year they are not as much so dont worry too much about having the exact right fly and size. That said, do not go the water without some stonefly patterns. Trout are keyed in on brown/tan Pats Rubber legs and Yellow Sally nymphs. The heavy nymph rig will produce the most consistent results, but be prepared to fish some dry flies if you see trout actively rising. When nymphing, lead with a Pats or large search pattern like a Guides Choice Hares Ear followed by one or two smaller imitative midge or baetis patterns like an olive RS2 or Mercury Midge. Start by fishing the banks and as the day goes on, move on to the outer seams. Depth is key so make sure you have the appropriate amount of split shot. If you are getting stuck on occasion, that is a good thing. There are a number of hatches taking place so be prepared to fish dries. This time of year, we prefer the dry dropper rig as opposed to the exclusive dry fly set up.
Ideal Days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Go to flies:
Sub-Surface Flies: Pats Rubber Legs (#12), Zebra Midges (#22-24), Black Beauties (#22-24), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), WD 40's (#20-22), Sparkle Wing RS2's (#20-22), olive RS2s (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Sparkle Pupa (#16-18), Mysis Shrimp, SJ Worms.
Surface Flies: Parachute Adams (#20-22), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#12-14).
Aug 07
The Blue Quill Angler
Clarity: Excellent
14 Day Forecast: Flows are beginning to shape up in town, but they are still very high on the lower river. Anglers should prepare for hatches of PMDs, Caddis, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, and sporadic Blue-Winged Olives
Tips and Other Information: Flows remain high from spring run-off! Dillon Reservoir is full to the brim right with the excess flowing over the spillway. In town, a Mysis pattern, red larva, dropped with and assortment of mayfly nymphs are your best bet right now. The lower river is blown out. The fishing on the Blue has been a bit of a disappointment as of late, other options might be a good decision.
Effective Patterns: #20 Juju Baetis, #20 Choc Foam Wing Emerger, #10 Pats Rubber Legs, #22 Stalcups Baetis, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #12 Hares Ear, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Barr Emerger, #20 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #16 Caddis, #14 Yellow Stimulator, #16 PMD, #20 Parachute Adams.
14 Day Forecast: Flows are beginning to shape up in town, but they are still very high on the lower river. Anglers should prepare for hatches of PMDs, Caddis, Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, and sporadic Blue-Winged Olives
Tips and Other Information: Flows remain high from spring run-off! Dillon Reservoir is full to the brim right with the excess flowing over the spillway. In town, a Mysis pattern, red larva, dropped with and assortment of mayfly nymphs are your best bet right now. The lower river is blown out. The fishing on the Blue has been a bit of a disappointment as of late, other options might be a good decision.
Effective Patterns: #20 Juju Baetis, #20 Choc Foam Wing Emerger, #10 Pats Rubber Legs, #22 Stalcups Baetis, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #12 Hares Ear, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Barr Emerger, #20 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #16 Caddis, #14 Yellow Stimulator, #16 PMD, #20 Parachute Adams.
Aug 04
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 3/5
Fishing on the Blue continues to improve as flows come down from peak runoff a few weeks ago. Water levels are still higher compared to historical norms for this time of year, but trout are now able to spread out to some degree. You are going to want to spend most of your time focusing on the banks and slower eddies as this is where trout will feed most heavily. The double or triple nymph rig will be the most consistent mode of fishing. Good lead flies include: Pats Rubber Legs (brown/tan), San Juan Worms, Eggs, Flashback Pheasant Tails or Guides Choice Hares Ears. Trail any of the aforementioned lead flies with one or more imitative patterns like a Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge, Jujubaetis, or RS2. Remember, keep it simple when it comes to your nymphs. Dry fly action has improved, but can be hit or miss. Trout will feed predominantly along the banks and in areas with cover. Consider using either a dry dropper or double dry fly rig upon hatch activity and actively rising trout.
Ideal Days: Monday through Wednesday & Sunday
Go to flies:
Sub-Surface Flies: Pats Rubber Legs (#12), Zebra Midges (#22-24), Black Beauties (#22-24), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), WD 40's (#20-22), Sparkle Wing RS2's (#20-22), olive RS2s (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Sparkle Pupa (#16-18), Mysis Shrimp, SJ Worms.
Surface Flies: Parachute Adams (#20-22), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#12-14).
Fishing on the Blue continues to improve as flows come down from peak runoff a few weeks ago. Water levels are still higher compared to historical norms for this time of year, but trout are now able to spread out to some degree. You are going to want to spend most of your time focusing on the banks and slower eddies as this is where trout will feed most heavily. The double or triple nymph rig will be the most consistent mode of fishing. Good lead flies include: Pats Rubber Legs (brown/tan), San Juan Worms, Eggs, Flashback Pheasant Tails or Guides Choice Hares Ears. Trail any of the aforementioned lead flies with one or more imitative patterns like a Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge, Jujubaetis, or RS2. Remember, keep it simple when it comes to your nymphs. Dry fly action has improved, but can be hit or miss. Trout will feed predominantly along the banks and in areas with cover. Consider using either a dry dropper or double dry fly rig upon hatch activity and actively rising trout.
Ideal Days: Monday through Wednesday & Sunday
Go to flies:
Sub-Surface Flies: Pats Rubber Legs (#12), Zebra Midges (#22-24), Black Beauties (#22-24), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), WD 40's (#20-22), Sparkle Wing RS2's (#20-22), olive RS2s (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Sparkle Pupa (#16-18), Mysis Shrimp, SJ Worms.
Surface Flies: Parachute Adams (#20-22), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#12-14).
Jul 29
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 3/5
Youre in for another productive week on the Blue. Flows have held steady over the last week, but remain higher than historical averages for this time of year. Trout are holding in the slack water near the banks in the early hours and as the day progresses are moving out to the deeper runs, pools and pockets. Start off by using a double/triple nymph rig and fish deep. Bigger lead flies like a Pats, San Juan Worm, or mysis shrimp have been productive when followed by one or two smaller midge, baetis or caddis patterns. Hatch activity is expected to be consistent with last week as moisture in the air will trigger a variety of bugs. PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Stoneflies, Caddis, and Red Quill patterns are all fair game. The dry dropper can be an effective set up as well. Lead with bigger dry flies followed by one or two smaller nymphs and focus on the banks.
Ideal Days: Wednesday through Friday
Go to flies:
Sub-Surface Flies: Pats Rubber Legs (#12), Zebra Midges (#22-24), Black Beauties (#22-24), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), WD 40's (#20-22), Sparkle Wing RS2's (#20-22), olive RS2s (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Sparkle Pupa (#16-18), Mysis Shrimp, SJ Worms.
Surface Flies: Parachute Adams (#20-22), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#12-14).
Youre in for another productive week on the Blue. Flows have held steady over the last week, but remain higher than historical averages for this time of year. Trout are holding in the slack water near the banks in the early hours and as the day progresses are moving out to the deeper runs, pools and pockets. Start off by using a double/triple nymph rig and fish deep. Bigger lead flies like a Pats, San Juan Worm, or mysis shrimp have been productive when followed by one or two smaller midge, baetis or caddis patterns. Hatch activity is expected to be consistent with last week as moisture in the air will trigger a variety of bugs. PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Stoneflies, Caddis, and Red Quill patterns are all fair game. The dry dropper can be an effective set up as well. Lead with bigger dry flies followed by one or two smaller nymphs and focus on the banks.
Ideal Days: Wednesday through Friday
Go to flies:
Sub-Surface Flies: Pats Rubber Legs (#12), Zebra Midges (#22-24), Black Beauties (#22-24), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), WD 40's (#20-22), Sparkle Wing RS2's (#20-22), olive RS2s (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Sparkle Pupa (#16-18), Mysis Shrimp, SJ Worms.
Surface Flies: Parachute Adams (#20-22), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Amy's Ant (#12-14).