The Blue River’s headwaters are located in the Ten Mile range and form theUpper Blue. The Upper Blue runs through Breckenridge and forms Lake Dillon. The section of water in the Upper Blue by Colorado Mountain College is referred to as the “Steps” because there has been some excellent river rehabilitation in this area and there are always plenty of fish with easy access there in the middle of Summit County’s busy season. This section also offers excellent spring and fall fishing for the Rainbow and Brown Trout spawns closer towards Lake Dillon.

The tailwater of Lake Dillon starts in Silverthorne and flows north towards Green Mountain Reservoir. This is the section of water that is most renown for large tailwater fish. Located by the outlets; fish are feeding year round on midges and can often be found eating Mysis shrimp when the reservoir is turning over. There are many public accesses along this stretch on the way to Green Mountain Reservoir.

The lower blue below Green Mountain Reservoir is largely private, but there is some access below the dam that provides for more solitude. No guide services are permitted on this section of the river; therefore, it is always a good place to explore if you are looking to spend some time on the water with no one around.