Breckenridge Fly Fishing Guide: Rivers, Hatches, and Local Tips

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Blue River tailwater	Year-round (fish 10am-2pm)	150-300 CFS ideal; 34-38°F water
Eagle River	June - October	400-800 CFS excellent
Alpine lakes	July - October	Ice-out varies by elevation
Spawning closure	Sept 1 - Dec 1	Upper Blue & Tenmile closed
Fly shop	Mountain Angler	(970) 453-4665, 311 S Main St

Overview

Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet in Summit County, surrounded by some of Colorado's most accessible high-country trout water. Within an hour's drive, anglers can reach five major river systems: the Blue River, Eagle River, Colorado River, Arkansas River, and South Platte River. The Blue River flows directly through town, making Breckenridge one of the few Colorado ski towns where you can walk from Main Street to Gold Medal water.

The area offers year-round fishing. The Blue River tailwater below Dillon Dam remains ice-free through winter, while summer brings productive hatches on freestone streams throughout the region. Add alpine lake options, Dillon Reservoir ice fishing, and you have a legitimate four-season fishing destination.

Best Bet If You Only Have 4 Hours

Go to: Blue River tailwater at River's Edge Park in Silverthorne

Why: Immediate water access, less crowded than the outlet stores stretch, and fish hold in predictable spots. Park at River's Edge Park (west of Blue River Parkway, just north of I-70), gear up, and you're fishing within 5 minutes.

What to bring: 9-foot 5-weight rod, 12-foot 5X fluorocarbon leader, small box with Zebra Midges (20-22), Black Beauties (20-22), RS2s (20-22), and a few Mysis patterns. That's it.

When to fish: Arrive by 10am, fish until 2pm. Earlier won't help - the cold water keeps fish dormant until midday.

Seasons and Conditions

Summit County rivers follow Colorado's typical high-country pattern, with local variations due to tailwater influence:

Season	Timing	Conditions	Best Bet
Winter	Dec-Mar	Blue River tailwater fishable, midge hatches daily, uncrowded	Blue River below Dillon, ice fishing on Dillon Reservoir
Spring	Apr-May	Runoff begins on freestones, tailwaters stay clear	Blue River tailwater only
Runoff	May-Jun	Freestones blow out, high flows	Blue River tailwater, alpine lakes after ice-out
Summer	Jul-Aug	Rivers clear, PMDs and Green Drakes, prime season	All waters fishable
Fall	Sep-Nov	Stable flows, BWO hatches, spawning closures in effect	Blue River (Silverthorne), Eagle River

Key timing notes:

• Blue River below Dillon fishes best 9am-6pm, with peak activity 10am-2pm due to cold water temps (34-38°F)
• Green Drake hatches peak late June through July
• Spawning closures: Blue River and Tenmile Creek above Dillon Reservoir closed September 1 through December 1
• High-country streams and alpine lakes may not clear until late July in big snow years

Blue River

The Blue River is Breckenridge's home water, flowing 65 miles from Hoosier Pass near Quandary Peak through town, into Dillon Reservoir, and eventually joining the Colorado River at Kremmling. The 38-mile stretch from Dillon Dam to Kremmling carries Gold Medal designation.

Upper Blue River (Above Dillon Reservoir)

The Stairsteps (Breckenridge section): The first quality public water on the Upper Blue, just north of downtown Breckenridge. A series of wing-dams create plunge pool after plunge pool - great "beginner water" for learning to read pocket water. Fish run 8-14 inches with the occasional larger brown.

Specific Access Points:

Access	Location	Parking	Notes
Watson Street	Downtown Breck	Free parking on Watson St, one block west of Main Street	Trail starts west side of river, walk north
Highway 9 Bridge at Tiger Road	3 miles north of Breck	Pull-off at bridge	Half-mile public water both sides
Swan Mountain Access	Near reservoir inlet	Signed parking	Fish stack up here pre-spawn (spring/fall)

Fish: Rainbow and brown trout. During spring and fall, fish migrate toward the Dillon Reservoir inlet - the Swan Mountain access can be productive when timing the pre-spawn.

Character: Classic small mountain stream - pocket water, runs, plunge pools. The river stays shallow most of the year; hip waders often sufficient.

Blue River Tailwater (Below Dillon Dam) - Gold Medal

The section below Dillon Dam through Silverthorne is Gold Medal water - one of only three Colorado tailwaters with Mysis shrimp, which is why the fish grow so large. This is technical fishing: clear water, educated trout, and cold temps that dictate feeding windows.

Flow Windows (USGS Gauge 09050700):

CFS	Conditions	Wading
50-100	Typical winter/fall flows - very technical, long leaders (12ft+) essential	Easy wading everywhere
100-200	Good fishing, fish more active	Comfortable wading
150-300	Ideal walk-and-wade range	Safe for most anglers
200-400	Higher flows, nymphing productive	Exercise caution
300+	Dangerous to wade	Not recommended

What to Expect:

• Large fish - rainbows to 24+ inches exist, though fish this size are not common
• Very cold water (34-38°F year-round) from bottom releases
• Midday fishing window: 9am-6pm, with peak feeding 10am-2pm. This is NOT a morning fishery - cold water suppresses early feeding
• Fish hold in slower runs, deeper pools, and along structure
• Highly pressured - these fish have seen every fly in the box

Specific Parking & Access:

Parking Location	Details	Walk to Water
Silverthorne Outlet Stores	Large free lot off I-70, open to anglers	Yes, it's strange to gear up next to shoppers, but the fishing is right there. Walk north toward I-70 underpass.
River's Edge Park	West of Blue River Parkway, just north of I-70 interchange. Built 2012, has paths, benches.	Immediate access to multiple pools - our recommended starting point
Blue River Bicentennial Park	In Silverthorne proper, several pools and runs	Fully accessible, good beginner water
Blue River Recreational Trail	Multiple access points along bike path from dam to Hamilton Creek Rd bridge (~2.5 miles)	Walk as far as you want - less pressure farther from parking
Highway 9 Pull-offs	Look for "P" parking signs heading north from Silverthorne	Public water marked by DOW signage

Key Sections:

• Dam to Silverthorne (3 miles): Catch-and-release only, flies/lures only. Biggest fish but heaviest pressure. The outlet store stretch sees the most anglers.
• Below Silverthorne: Two-fish limit, 16" minimum, flies/lures only. More water to spread out on.

Where Fish Hold:

• Slow seams below the outlet: Look for walking-speed current lines where Mysis shrimp concentrate
• Deep pools: Browns grow large in the deepest water; they're predatory and can exceed 10 pounds
• Structure: Fish stack around boulders, logs, and bank features
• Note: These fish get smart to split shot and strike indicators. Consider ditching both and using small, inconspicuous indicators or tight-line nymphing. Fish spook easily but settle back quickly - stay persistent.

Regulations:

• Dam downstream to northern Silverthorne limits: Catch and release only, artificial flies/lures only
• Below that: 2-fish limit, 16" minimum, artificial only
• From Iron Bridge downstream to the Forest Service Building is all public water

Tip: These fish spook at shadows. Approach from downstream, keep a low profile, and make your first cast count. Fluorocarbon tippet (5X-6X, or 6X-7X for BWOs) is essential in crystal-clear water.

Blue River (Below Green Mountain Reservoir)

The lower Blue between Green Mountain Reservoir and the Colorado River confluence offers classic mountain stream character with significantly less pressure than Silverthorne.

Access Points:

Access	Notes
Blue River Campground	~14 miles north of Silverthorne, popular put-in for rafters
Sutton Unit	DOW access, less crowded
Eagles Nest	Marked parking off Highway 9
Palmer Gulch	Walk-in access
Blue River State Wildlife Area	Crystal clear pools, pocket water, quiet runs

Regulations: Flies/lures only, catch and release from Green Mountain dam to Colorado River confluence.

Fish: Rainbow and brown trout averaging 9-15 inches, with occasional fish to 20 inches. Kokanee salmon run through in fall (snagging permitted Sept 1-Dec 3 from Highway 9 bridge downstream to reservoir inlet).

Note: Weekend access available below Green Mountain dam; weekday restrictions may apply for dam security. Check before driving.

Blue River Hatches and Flies

The Blue River has exceptional insect diversity for high-country water:

Year-Round:

• Mysis Shrimp (18-22): The tailwater's secret weapon - only three Colorado rivers have them. Tim's Mysis, Craven's Mysis, Will's Epoxy Mysis. Fish these near the dam.
• Midges (20-26): Essential year-round. Black Beauties, Zebra Midges, Mercury Midges, Griffith's Gnat for clusters, Top Secret Midge, WD-40

Spring/Fall:

• Blue-Winged Olives (18-22): April-May and August-October. Parachute Adams, Sparkle Duns, RS2, Juju Baetis

Summer:

• Pale Morning Duns (16-18): June-August. Cannon's Bunny Dun, Sparkle Dun
• Green Drakes (10-14): Late June-August. Quigley Cripple, Hen Wing Green Drake - the signature summer hatch on the Blue
• Caddis (14-18): May-September. Elk Hair Caddis, Beadhead Breadcrust
• Yellow Sallies (14-16): June. Yellow Stimulator

Late Summer/Fall:

• Red Quills (14-16): Late August-September. A.K.'s Red Quill Parachute
• Terrestrials: Hoppers, beetles, ants when fish are looking up

Nymphing Setup: A common approach: small egg or scud pattern as lead fly, Black Beauty or Top Secret Midge trailing. Jig leeches also produce.

Terminal Tackle:

• Tippet: 5X-6X standard, 6X-7X for BWO hatches and picky fish
• Leaders: 9-12 feet minimum, longer (12-15 ft) in ultra-clear conditions
• Fluorocarbon essential in the tailwater

Tenmile Creek

A lesser-known gem running from Copper Mountain to Frisco along I-70. Eight miles of public water hold wild trout with significantly less pressure than the Blue River. The creek follows the interstate with a bike/hiking trail alongside - easy access, but the fish see fewer anglers.

Access Points:

Exit	Location	Notes
Exit 201 (Frisco)	Park on Main Street's south side	Walk south to water
Exit 198 (Officers Gulch)	Parking area east of overpass	Good access to middle section
Exit 195 (Copper Mountain/Wheeler Junction)	Access via frontage road off Hwy 91	Upper reaches, plunge pools

Fish: Mostly browns, with Snake River cutthroats, rainbows, and brookies mixed in. Most fish run smaller (8-12 inches), but larger trout migrate from Dillon Reservoir during spawning season - head to the Frisco Marina in spring or fall for bigger fish.

Character: Small mountain stream with variable gradient. Lower gradient, rocky streambeds near Frisco give way to plunge pools and pocket water upstream. Wild trout strike readily but spook in clear sections.

Fishing Approach:

• Cautious approaches - you can often sight-fish in clear pools
• Light casts above holding fish
• Pocket water and plunge pools produce well
• Try beaver ponds for variety (though not specifically marked, they exist along the creek)
• Dry-dropper rigs work throughout

Why Fish Here: When you want solitude. Tenmile gets a fraction of the pressure the Blue River sees. It's easy to access, holds wild fish, and makes for a pleasant afternoon when you don't want to deal with crowds at the outlet mall.

Seasonal Closure: Fishing prohibited September 1 through December 1 from West Tenmile confluence downstream to Dillon Reservoir (brown trout spawning protection).

Alpine Lakes

Summit County has dozens of high-country lakes within hiking distance of Breckenridge. These offer solitude and scenery that river fishing can't match, though fish tend to run smaller.

Best Options Near Breckenridge:

Lake	Hike	Fish	Trailhead & Parking
Lower Mohawk Lake	7 miles RT, 1,700 ft gain	Native cutthroat	Spruce Creek TH: From Breck, take Hwy 9 south 2.5 miles, turn right on Spruce Creek Rd. 2WD parking at 1.1 miles (~30 spots, fills by 8am weekends). 4WD can continue to upper lot, saving 2 miles RT.
Blue Lakes	2 miles RT, 344 ft gain (easy)	Cutthroat, brook trout	Blue Lakes TH: Hwy 9 south ~8 miles, right on CR 850, follow to end. Road is rough but 2WD-passable if taken slowly. Limited parking - arrive by 7am on weekends.
Lower Cataract Lake	~1 hour drive + short walk	Cutthroat	Edge of Eagles Nest Wilderness, 4-fish daily limit
Sawmill Reservoir	Short hike	Trout	Serene high alpine setting

Mountain Goats: Blue Lakes has a resident mountain goat population - you'll likely see them. Do not approach, touch, or feed them.

Timing: June-October, depending on snowpack. High lakes may not be ice-free until late June or July in big snow years. Blue Lakes Road closes in winter (typically November-April) - you'll need to hike an extra 2 miles from the lower parking area.

Tactics: Mornings and evenings are best when wind is calm and fish rise. Small dries (Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, terrestrials) and basic nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear) cover most situations. These aren't selective fish - presentation matters more than fly selection.

Safety: Afternoon thunderstorms arrive quickly above treeline. Lightning is the primary threat, and shelter options are limited at 12,000+ feet. Plan to be below treeline by early afternoon in summer.

Ice Fishing

Summit County transforms into legitimate ice fishing territory from late November through early April.

Dillon Reservoir: Over 5 square miles of surface area freeze into a sheet of ice supporting anglers targeting rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and Arctic char - one of the few places in the lower 48 outside Maine to catch char.

Season: Typically November through early April. Wait for at least 4 inches of solid ice (experts recommend more for safety).

What to Know:

• Location: 20 minutes from Breckenridge, 10 minutes from Keystone
• Marina access at Frisco
• Guides available: Big Ed's Fishing (longest-running ice fishing outfitter in Summit County) and Alpine Fishing Adventures offer heated huts, all gear, and expertise
• Dress like you're skiing - waterproof layers, warm base layers, good gloves

License: Required for ages 16+. Available at Walmart, City Market, or online through CPW. $9 for a one-day license.

Blue River: Parts of the Blue River below Dillon Dam remain open (ice-free) through winter, offering year-round fly fishing while the reservoir freezes over.

Nearby Rivers Worth the Drive

Eagle River (30-45 minutes via I-70 West)

A freestone river not controlled by a dam - it runs when it wants to run. Some of Colorado's best freestone fishing when you time it right.

Location: Highway 24 and I-70 corridor from Red Cliff through Avon, Eagle, and Dotsero (Colorado River confluence).

Flow Windows (USGS Gauge 09064600 - Eagle River near Minturn):

CFS	Conditions
200-400	Good wade fishing
400-800	Excellent - mix of wading and floating
800-1,200	Float fishing preferred
1,200+	High water - experienced paddlers only

Best Times: Early summer (June-July) when water runs high and fish feed actively. Mid-July water levels typically drop and fish get more selective. Fall fishing productive through freeze-up.

Fish: Browns and rainbows predominate, averaging 12-18 inches. Upper river (Red Cliff area) holds mostly browns; lower river (Edwards to Dotsero) is rainbow-dominant with some trophy browns mixed in.

Access: Numerous marked pull-offs along Highway 24 and I-70. Good access at Wolcott and above Edwards. Public access points are well-marked from Dowd Junction west to Wolcott.

Float Fishing: Possible June through August on the lower sections beginning at Edwards. Abundant wild brown and cut-bow trout averaging 12-20 inches.

Key Flies: Stoneflies, caddis, attractor patterns (Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyls) in summer. Streamers for trophy browns.

Colorado River (45-60 minutes north)

The Upper Colorado near Kremmling offers premier summer float fishing.

Best Section: Pumphouse Recreation Site to State Bridge (14 miles, 4-6 hours depending on flow). See our Upper Colorado summer guide for detailed put-in/take-out info.

Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
800-1,500	Relaxed float, watch for shallow spots
1,500-3,300	Ideal - good current, Class II rapids run clean
3,300-5,500	Faster, more technical
Over 5,500	High water - bridge clearance issues at second bridge

Hatches: Famous for springtime Giant Stonefly (salmonfly) emergence and prolific summer mayfly hatches. BWO hatches near the Williams Fork confluence draw fish to the surface.

Character: Big water floating with healthy trout populations. Less technical than tailwaters but requires basic boat skills. One of Colorado's classic summer float trips.

Arkansas River (60-90 minutes south via Highway 9)

Colorado's longest Gold Medal stretch - over 102 miles from Leadville to above Royal Gorge.

Why Go: After August 15th when augmented rafting flows end, the river drops to highly wadeable levels (~275 CFS) with excellent clarity. The stretch near Salida is particularly productive for wade fishing. Water temps settle into the upper 40s to low 50s - ideal for trout.

Key Flies: Caddis (14-18), Yellow Sallies (14-16), Stoneflies (8-12), Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears

For Rafters: Browns Canyon National Monument offers 8 miles of Class III rapids. Multiple commercial outfitters in Buena Vista.

South Platte River (90 minutes east via I-70)

The legendary Cheesman Canyon and Deckers sections offer Colorado's most technical trout fishing.

Why Go: To test yourself against the most educated trout in the state. Crystal clear water, long leaders (12-15 ft), fine tippet (6X-7X), and small flies (20-24).

Key Flies: Zebra Midges, RS2, Mercury Midges, Juju Baetis, Trico patterns, small Pheasant Tails

Warning: Heavy weekend pressure. Parking fills by 8am at Cheesman trailhead in summer. Fish weekdays if possible.

Dillon Reservoir (Stillwater Fishing)

Not a river, but worth mentioning for Breckenridge-based anglers.

Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, and Arctic char. Dillon is one of only a handful of public fisheries in the lower 48 outside Maine where anglers can target Arctic char (stocked periodically since 1990).

Regulations:

• Bag limit: 2 trout, 16 inches minimum
• All brown trout over 14 inches must be released immediately (protecting spawning population)

Best Approach:

• Shore fishing or boat/float tube from Frisco Marina
• Spring and fall: fish concentrate near tributary inlets (Blue River inlet, Tenmile Creek inlet)
• Trolling effective for larger rainbows and char

Regulations Summary

Summit County has specific regulations designed to protect spawning brown trout:

Blue River and Tenmile Creek (above Dillon Reservoir):

• Brown trout over 14 inches must be released immediately
• Seasonal closure: September 1 through December 1 - no fishing from Coyne Valley Road (3 miles north of Breckenridge) downstream to Dillon Reservoir, and on Tenmile Creek from West Tenmile confluence downstream to Dillon Reservoir
• Proposed 2025 change: closure may shift to September 15 through December 1

Blue River (Silverthorne/Tailwater):

• Dam to Silverthorne city limits: Catch and release only, artificial flies/lures only
• Below Silverthorne: 2 fish, 16" minimum, artificial only
• Below Green Mountain dam to Colorado River: Catch and release, flies/lures only

Dillon Reservoir:

• 2 trout limit, 16" minimum
• All brown trout over 14" must be released

Always verify current regulations with Colorado Parks & Wildlife before your trip. Regulations change, and fines for violations are significant.

Local Fly Shops and Guides

Mountain Angler

Summit County's most experienced fly shop, founded in 1985 by Jackson Streit. Located in Breckenridge with access to exclusive private water on the Colorado River (Yellow Dog Ranch).

• Address: 311 S. Main Street, Breckenridge
• Phone: (970) 453-4665
• Hours: 8am-9pm daily
• Full-service fly shop with current fishing reports
• Year-round guided trips on Blue, Eagle, Colorado, Arkansas, and South Platte rivers
• Private water access means you'll have stretches to yourself

Breckenridge Outfitters

Named 2016 Orvis Shop of the Year and 2013 Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year.

• Address: 100 N. Main Street, Towne Square Mall, Suite 206, Breckenridge
• Phone: (970) 453-4135 or toll-free (877) 898-6104
• Hours: 9am-5pm daily
• Full equipment packages (rod, reel, waders, boots, flies)
• Transportation to fishing sites included
• Free "Fly Fishing 101" classes for beginners - good option if you're new

Cutthroat Anglers

Located in Silverthorne at 400 Blue River Parkway, right on the tailwater. Specializing in Blue River fishing.

• Phone: (970) 262-2878
• Current conditions and local beta
• Convenient if you're fishing the tailwater that day - stop in before you hit the water

Blue River Rafting & Floating

The Blue River offers a short but punchy whitewater run when flows allow - typically June only, dependent on dam releases.

Upper Blue (Class III-IV):

Put-in Options	Details
Ranger Station (Silverthorne)	Longer float option
Blue River Campground	Most common starting point, ~14 miles north of Silverthorne on CO-9
Mile marker 111-112 on CO-9	AVA meeting point, just past mine on left

Take-out Options	Details
Columbine Landing	Dirt turnout with gate, ~3 miles past Blue River Campground. Not trailer-friendly.
Bridge at Heeney (CR 30)	Longer run option
Green Mountain Reservoir	Full run, trailer access available

Character: Short and intense - 3-4 Class III rapids in quick succession after passing Blue River Campground. Second blind right-hand turn starts the action. Most rapids favor the right side. Not technical, but fast.

Flows: Highly dependent on dam releases from Lake Dillon. Check flows before driving - this run comes and goes quickly in June.

Outfitters: AVA Rafting, KODI Rafting, Colorado Rafting Company, Breckenridge Whitewater all run Blue River trips when water permits. Most trips are "quick hitters" - about 1.5 hours of river time.

Lower Blue (Class II-III): Below Green Mountain Reservoir offers 13.8 miles of mellower floating and fishing through scenic central Colorado ranch country.

Safety Considerations

Altitude

Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet. Take a day to acclimate before wading swift water or hiking to alpine lakes. Symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, fatigue, nausea) are common above 8,000 feet. Stay hydrated.

Cold Water

All Summit County rivers run cold. The Blue River tailwater stays 34-38°F year-round - even in August. Hypothermia is possible with extended immersion. Wading staffs and felt-soled or studded boots help on slick rocks.

Wading Safety

Walk-and-wade fishing on the Blue River tailwater is safest between 150-300 CFS. Above 300 CFS, wading becomes dangerous. Check flows before you go.

Afternoon Thunderstorms

Summer afternoons bring lightning to exposed terrain, especially above treeline. Plan to be off alpine lakes and high-country streams by early afternoon. Storms move in fast and temps can drop below freezing quickly at elevation.

Spring Runoff

May through mid-June brings dangerous high water on freestone streams. The Blue River tailwater remains fishable (dam-controlled), but freestones like the Eagle and Tenmile can run at several times normal volume. Don't wade unfamiliar water during runoff.

Flow Fluctuations

Denver Water controls Blue River releases from Dillon Dam. Flows can change significantly day to day or even within a day. Always check conditions before driving - a two-hour trip to find blown-out or bone-dry water is frustrating.

Using RiverReports

RiverReports helps you time your trip:

• Check current flows against the ideal ranges above
• Compare alternatives: If the Blue is blown out, check the Eagle or Colorado
• Track trends: Rising flows often mean tougher fishing; stable or slowly dropping flows are ideal
• Historical data: See what flows typically look like for your travel dates

Track flows on RiverReports:

• Blue River below Dillon - Primary gauge for tailwater fishing
• Eagle River near Minturn - Eagle River flows
• Colorado River near Kremmling - Upper Colorado float gauge

Download the RiverReports app for mobile access while scouting water.

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