Colorado ·
Blue River Fly Fishing Report - October 4, 2026
BLUE RIVER
ReportOCT 4 — 11, 2026
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Flow
—CFS
🌡️
Water Temp
—
☀️
Weather
36–69°F
Mostly Clear
💧
Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
Live USGS gauge data is unavailable for today's report, but recent intel consistently puts flows around 54 CFS — low, crystal clear, and demanding technical presentations with fine tippet. Water temperature has been running in the mid-40s°F, so expect fish to be deliberate and selective.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch Barbless #22 - 24
#22-24
Olsen's Hare's Ear Blowtorch Barbless #20 - 28
#20-22
BWO WD-40 #22
#22
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
#22
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Olsen's Quilldigon - Olive - Barbless #22 - 24
#22-24
Black Zebra Midge(TBH) #20
#20
Roza's World Spain Perdigon Barbless #18 - 32
#20-22
Egan's Silver Bullet - Baetis #14
#14
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Olive #20
#20
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Lil Bit Craven - Dark Olive #22
#22
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midge | 22-24 | Heavy | 9 AM - 12 PM |
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | 20-22 | Moderate | 12 PM - 4 PM |
| Caddis | 18-20 | Light | 2 PM - 5 PM |
| Sculpin / Baitfish | 4-6 | Light | 11 AM - 2 PM |
Best Time Window
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Morning midge hatch — nymph the deeper runs and pool tailouts with small dark patterns before the sun gets high.
- 12 PM - 4 PM: Prime BWO window as temps peak near 69°F — watch for rising fish in the flats and slicks below riffles.
- 4 PM - Dusk: Last light streamer and dry-fly opportunity; bigger fish move shallow as boat traffic drops and shadows lengthen.
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith flows sitting around 54 CFS and water near crystal clear, stealth is everything — stay low, approach from downstream, and keep your shadow off the water. Euro-nymphing with a long leader and 5X or 6X tippet is the most effective technique right now; keep your flies within 6 inches of the bottom in runs 2–4 feet deep and watch your sighter for the slightest hesitation. During the afternoon BWO window (roughly noon to 4 PM), switch to a single dry and target individual rising fish you can spot from a distance before you wade into position. Midday to late afternoon is your best shot given the cold overnight temps — fish will be most active once the sun warms the water above 48°F.
Main Species
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Mountain Whitefish
