Good fishing in the Blue River

Summit county has many gold medal fishing waters, almost all in the Blue River, which means that they are some of the best places to fish.  But don't plan on having your catch for dinner, as you must throw it back if you are in a gold medal area.  I am a fly fisherman when I am not working as a Buyer Specialist for the Mountain Living Team, and actually used to work as  a guide for a local outfitter.  I know all the good spots to fish and what equipment to use to catch the big ones. 

The headwaters of the Blue River, which feeds into the Colorado River, are in Breckenridge.  Following the Blue River downstream out of the mountains, there is a short stop in Goose Pasture Tarn, south of Breckenridge, where the owners of property in Spruce Valley get to enjoy the view of the Tarn.  The river then goes right through the middle of town where it is part of our summer entertainment.  The Rubber Duck races are held on it each year as a fund raiser for The Summit Foundation.  After Breckenridge, it continues along Highway 9 until it enters Lake Dillon where the water is enjoyed by sailors and boaters.  Some of the water is diverted from Lake Dillon to water the lawns and golf courses in Denver, and the rest of it exits at the dam and continues downstream past the Factory Oulet stores, (a popular spot to fish).  During spring runoff rafting is allowed from near Silverthorne toward Heeney and Green Mountain Reservoir.  After passing through the reservoir, the river ends as it dumps into the Colorado River, near Kremmling.  From there a few drops of it end up in California, but most is spoken for before it arrives.  Meantime, those of us lucky enough to live in Summit County have enjoyed lots of recreational opportunities in, near and around it.