With the summer temperatures ranging around a perfect 85 degrees and the sun in full sight, the aquatic fun never stops in Summit County. Fishing in particular is very popular from spring until late fall.

Living near the Blue River, I will say that River Fishing here is a fisherman’s dream. The water is so clear, not only can you see to the bottom of the river, but you can also see the fish swimming around. The Blue River is a tributary of the Colorado River. It flows about 75 miles and begins its long journey in the valley above Breckenridge near Quandary Peak. It then flows down through the Dillon Reservoir, through Silverthorne, and on to Kremmling. Although this is a catch and release area, the action of the fish is incredible.

On any given day, fly fisherman can be seen on raging turns and eddies of the Blue River. The Blue River runs next to the outlet shops in Silverthorne, which is perfect because your family can easily shop while you are fly fishing only feet away from them.

For the anglers who prefer the serenity of bank fishing or trolling from a boat, the Dillon Reservoir will more than fit the bill. I have never been disappointed when fishing in the reservoir. The Dillon Reservoir is located between Frisco and Dillon. Both locations have boat launch ramps and marinas. This is a multiuse reservoir and caters to sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and fishing boats.

Dillon lake spraws over 3,000 acres and has nearly 25 miles of shoreline. The elevation is about 9,100 feet above sea level; so needless to say, the boating season is very dependent upon the weather. Relaxing on a boat and enjoying the spectacular views of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains during a warm summer day is the ultimate experience. However, once a breeze comes up, it can become very chilly. The water in the Dillon Reservoir averages a frigid 50 degrees on the surface and much colder beneath. Hypothermia can occur in as little as 15 minutes if you are not careful. The melting snow of the local mountains feed our local rivers, streams, and lakes. Unfortunately, this makes wading or soaking your feet a very cold and unpleasant experience for most of the year.

The Frisco marina offers a full service marina, boat rentals, canoe and kayak lessons, sailing, scenic boat tours, and the Marina Park. The Dillon marina offers boat rentals, sailing instruction, and racing regattas. If you have any trouble with your boat, the Dillon marina also employs certified mechanics and boat specialists for any repairs you may need.

What’s great about spending the day on the lake is that Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco are so close by. With their many restaurants, hotels, and annual events, there is always something fun and exciting to do.