Colorado Fishing Reports ยท Colorado Basin
Below Dillon Dam, the Blue River runs through Silverthorne as one of Colorado's best-known tailwaters, with very large trout that feed on Mysis shrimp.
Looking for the latest Blue River Silverthorne river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Blue River โ Silverthorne.
Current flows
Wind forecast
Silverthorne fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Flows were about 150 cfs at the end of October, clear, with water in the 40s to low 50s.
Midges, Mysis shrimp and small BWOs are on the menu. Nymph under a small indicator with a little extra weight, using a Mysis, RS2, small midge or Pheasant Tail. Sight fishing to individual fish works best.
Mornings to early afternoon have been the best window.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Silverthorne, bring: Mysis Shrimp #16-18, RS2 Emerger #22-24, Zebra Midge #20-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #18-22, Parachute Adams #20-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Silverthorne river details
| Access | In town. Walk in from the outlet malls and town paths. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 8,750 ft |
| Drive from AvidMax | About 81 miles, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes from our Centennial shop |
| Best season | All year |
| Fish | Rainbow and brown trout, some very large |
| Regulations | Gold Medal Water with special artificial-only and bag rules. Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the current rules. A Colorado fishing license is required. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 to 12 ft leaders, 6X to 7X fluorocarbon |
| Camping | Heaton Bay and Prospector campgrounds on Dillon Reservoir (seasonal) |
| Kids | Yes. Paved paths, though the fish are very picky. |
| Good to know | The biggest fish eat Mysis right below the dam. |
Fishing by season
Winter
The best open water in Summit County.
Spring
Midges and BWOs.
Summer
Caddis and PMDs.
Fall
BWOs.
How to get there
Park near the outlet malls in Silverthorne and walk to the river.