Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in Silverthorne, Colorado
Silverthorne sits at the center of some of Summit County's most accessible and varied fishing, with options ranging from a technical tailwater right in town to high-alpine lakes that require a little legwork to reach.
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Silverthorne sits at the center of some of Summit County's most accessible and varied fishing, with options ranging from a technical tailwater right in town to high-alpine lakes that require a little legwork to reach. The Blue River through Silverthorne is a designated Gold Medal water — a catch-and-release stretch where rainbow and brown trout hold in cold, clear water at 8,750 feet. It fishes hard, meaning the trout are pressured and selective, and you will need to match the hatch rather than just tie on a woolly bugger and hope. For something more forgiving, Dillon Reservoir at Frisco Bay sits at 9,017 feet and holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon — it's rated easy and is a solid choice for spin anglers or anyone new to high-altitude fishing. Above town, the Eagles Nest Wilderness holds a handful of backcountry lakes including Willow Lakes, Upper Boulder Lake, Lost Lake, and Upper Cataract Lake, all reachable by trail and worth the effort for solitude and willing fish. Lower and Upper Slate Lakes round out the backcountry options. Most of the lake fishing is best from late June through September once snow clears the access trails.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Colorado fishing license to fish the Blue River or Dillon Reservoir?
Yes, a valid Colorado fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older at all waters in the Silverthorne area, including the Blue River and Dillon Reservoir. You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods shops in Silverthorne. The Blue River through town also has specific Gold Medal regulations — check the current CPW rules for slot limits and gear restrictions before you go.
What skill level do I need to fish the Blue River through Silverthorne?
The Blue River is listed as hard difficulty, and that rating is accurate. The fish see a lot of pressure and tend to be leader-shy, so you'll want to be comfortable with drag-free drifts, reading seams, and switching flies when nothing is working. If you're a beginner or intermediate fly angler, Dillon Reservoir at Frisco Bay is a much more forgiving starting point.
What species can I target at Dillon Reservoir?
Dillon Reservoir holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Kokanee are landlocked sockeye salmon and are typically targeted by trolling with small spoons or spinners. The reservoir is rated easy difficulty and is accessible by car, making it one of the more beginner-friendly options near Silverthorne.
When is the best time of day to fish the Blue River?
On tailwaters like the Blue River, midday can actually fish well when midge and mayfly hatches are active, especially in cooler months. Early morning and late afternoon are generally productive in summer when water temperatures are lower. Avoid fishing during the hottest part of a summer afternoon if water temps are elevated — stressed trout in warm water should be released quickly and sometimes not targeted at all.
When can I access the backcountry lakes like Willow Lakes and Upper Boulder Lake?
Most of the high-country lakes above Silverthorne are snowbound until late June or early July, depending on the winter snowpack. July through September is the reliable fishing window for lakes like Willow Lakes, Upper Boulder Lake, Lost Lake, and Upper Cataract Lake. Check trail conditions with the Dillon Ranger District before heading out early in the season, as trails can be muddy or snow-covered well into June.
