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The Blue River -
Where Blue
is Gold
by Karen Christopherson |
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more "Fish
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The Blue is one of my favorites. Why? It's just the right size, easy
to access, close to home, and a great place for fishing, canoeing or kayaking.
From the dam at Dillon Reservoir all the way to Kremmling (something
like 38 miles) the Blue is a Gold Medal Stream.
The Blue isn't a big river, which is part of its charm, and part of
its challenge. You can easily wade in most parts of it. But catching the
fish can be difficult. Our first visit this year is in early May and the
river is low - small Brookies nibble on nymph flies and that's about it.
There are always the large rainbows at the Dillon Dam
tailwater, teasing as they fake to chase a minute fly. But who cares, it's beautiful and it seems like Spring has finally arrived
in the mountains of Colorado.
This river is your quintessential mountain stream. The Gore Range rises
off to the west, parts reaching over 13,000 feet. These beautiful mountains
are home to the Eagles Nest Wilderness. To the east lies the Williams Fork
Mountains. Not as high as the Gore, but still respectable at almost 11,000
feet. Pines and firs line the section between Silverthorne and Green
Mountain Reservoir. Even though you're within a few minutes walk of Hwy
9, you are brought into the peace and quiet of the river, seeming to be
miles from anywhere. You'd think this part of the Blue would be packed,
but it never seems that crowded.
North of Green Mountain, the landscape changes to an arid country with
fragrant sage covering the land. It's a different kind of Colorado. Hawks
scout for their prey, and the occasional deer scrounge for food. You're
getting into ranching country here, which stretches north through Kremmling
and Middle Park. The quiet is easier to find, just harder to get to.
How to get there?
Take I-70 west from Denver, through the Eisenhower tunnel and exit at Colo.
Hwy 9 north (Silverthorne). If you're new to Colorado, watch for Bighorn
Sheep eating right along the highway. Amazing! For a prettier route, skip
the tunnel and take Hwy 6 over Loveland Pass. Here you travel to 11,992
feet and within a breath of a couple of 14'ers.
You can start fishing the minute you leave I-70, in fact you can fish
Gold Medal water right under the interstate. Fishing access is available
in Silverthorne - park at the Outlet Stores and you're there.
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Where else can you find such good fishing right under an interstate? |
The water level in the Blue varies a lot, due to release from the dam,
so check the stream flow level before you go. Waders are nice to have,
but not always necessary. This river never gets too deep, but it can get
darn swift when water levels are up.
The public land along the Blue is owned by BLM, USFS
or leased by the Colorado Div.
of Wildlife (DOW). There's quite a bit of private land, so watch your step!
There are several access points off Hwy 9, some marked by a big "P" for
Parking. Others aren't obvious from the road, but look like turn-outs and
have signs posted regarding fishing access and regulations. Once parked,
you can walk along a great part of the river, even though much of the land
is privately owned.
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Fishing on the Blue - upstream it's not deep, so you can get a decent cast from
the rocks |
As the valley opens up, you eventually reach Green Mountain Reservoir
(if you like lake fishing - not bad for Kokanee during certain times of
the year). On the west side of the reservoir is the town of Heeney, home
of the annual Heeney Tick Festival (serious!). The Blue leaves the reservoir
and runs north (with more restricted access) until meeting the Colorado,
near Kremmling. You can fish the tailwater below Green Mountain dam - access is
restricted during certain days of the week (for security) but
normally you can drive to the dam during weekends.
Rules:
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The waters from the dam downstream to the northern limits of Silverthorne
(about three miles) are catch and release only. After that, minimum size
is 16", and a max of two fish taken per day. Only artificial flies or lures
may be used. |
| From north inlet at Cnty Rd 3 (3 miles N.
of Breckenridge) to Dillon Res: artificial flies and lures
only, bag and possession is two fish, 16" or greater,
and fishing prohibited Oct 1 to Jan 31. |
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There is a big conservation effort underway to keep the Blue
the way it is, or better, with efforts (in part) by the Gore chapter of
Trout Unlimited. |
Shopping or Fishing?
You want to fish, your partner or kids want to shop? Not a problem - drop
them at the Silverthorne outlet stores - you can fish right there!
Or send them skiing at one of the numerous nearby
ski areasThere's a nice fly shop in Silverthorne (Cutthroat Anglers) and a great
bakery/bagel stop south of I-70 (Blue Moon Bakery). Almost any kind of
accommodation is available - from B&B's to condos to motels. There's
even a USFS campground right on the river, and called (surprisingly) Blue
River Campground.
 Tired
of fishing? Go to the Outlet Stores! |
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