This section of water below the dam is unique for the fact that the water that flows from the bottom-release dam contains a large number of Mysis Shrimp. The trout in this area can grow to enormous sizes. It can be fly fished from Dillon Reservoir dam downstream to the Colorado River, though the section between Dillon and and Green Mountain Reservoirs offers the best chance for success. Much of the other water is private so most anglers use the ten miles of public access between the two lakes. The section directly below Dillon Reservoir dam in the town of Silverthorne is the most popular year-round tailwater in the area, especially for larger fish.
Big trout live here because of the abundance of Mysis shrimp coming from the reservoir.
There is excellent winter midge fishing in this section. The river freezes over downstream at about the five mile mark starting in mid to late December. Late March to November the entire river fishes well. River access is clearly marked by division of wildlife signs and at parking areas. There are also National Forest easements.