Executive Summary

Protecting the Lower Blue River, A Balanced Path Forward

Proposal:

To manage and protect the biological integrity of the Lower Blue River, Friends of the Lower Blue River is proposing a 10-year pilot permit system to regulate and allocate float angling trips on the River. The plan is designed by locals, for locals, shaped by a community-based research framework, and best practices in watershed sciences.

Why this is necessary:

The Lower Blue River, long recognized as one of the greatest trout fisheries in the world, is at a crossroads. With increase in use, so have the fishing pressures on the river. At the same time, human-made changes upstream have altered the natural flow of water, weakened ecosystems, and reduced the river’s productivity. Nutrients critical for trout and insects are now trapped behind dams. Water flows no longer follow natural patterns. Fish populations are declining, and the river’s world-class trout fishery is quietly slipping away. 

Because the Lower Blue River has solidified its reputation as a fishing destination, utilization levels continue to rise with its popularity and do not necessarily follow fishing license sales trends.^[1] The Lower Blue River has averaged over 1,400 recreational users per approximately 120 day season, translating to an increase in angling use from 2.6 boats per day in 2006 to maximum daily boat loads as high as 30 to 45 boats per day in 2019-2025 (see slide 17 for more details). Fisheries quality is presently at just 43 lbs. per acre compared to what was once 400 lbs. per acre (1,992 fish per mile).  Achieving 1900 fish/river mile is about average for Colorado Gold Medal Waters except in this case the average size of fish is much larger at 2 lbs./each.

The Lower Blue River is verifiably at risk of losing its defining qualities—clean water, abundant wildlife, solitude, thriving trout populations, and pristine beauty—unless changes are made to manage its carrying capacity. By regulating angling use, we can restore trophy fisheries and ensure high-quality experiences that support tourism in Kremmling, reduce service conflicts, enhance wildlife viewing, and improve safety. Without these regulations, the river’s integrity, conservation efforts, and resident water quality will continue to decline, resulting in an almost certain decline in visitor satisfaction.

The Plan:

We have heard the concerns in the community. Will a permit system limit access? Will it hurt local recreation? Is this just another restriction?  These are fair concerns, and they are the very questions that guide the design of this plan.

Here’s what will happen:

• Protect the river and fish during fragile times (like low flows or hot temperatures) by limiting overuse.
• Improve the experience for everyone by reducing crowding on the water, improving fish handling practices, and the put in/take out experience - let’s keep the Blue wild.
• Use science to monitor river health, fish populations, and adapt over time, while providing public access to these Key Performance Indicators.
• Keep it free—thanks to private donorship the proposed permit system will cost the public nothing.

Here’s what won’t happen:

• The plan doesn’t ban access. Point blank, the river belongs to everyone, everyone should have access.
• It doesn’t reduce the number of trips overall—it simply spreads them out more efficiently in a way that protects both the visitor experience and the river’s ecological health.

How it works:

• Permits are required only for float-fishing from June to October, and only on one stretch of river.
• Non-fishing crafts (like kayaks or rafts) will not need a permit at all.
• Streamflow must be safe (350–1,100 cfs) for trips to launch. If flows are too low or high, you can reschedule or defer with no penalty.
• Catch-and-release only with barbless hooks and no lifting fish from the water—to protect the trophy trout population.

Conclusion and Recommendations:

The verifiable evidence is clear. Without stronger management:

• Fish populations will keep falling.
• Algae like Didymo will keep spreading.
• River health will keep declining.
• The Blue will begin to lose its reputation—and its value—to both the community and economy.

With responsible, balanced use:

• We can rebuild fish populations.
• We can preserve local recreation for generations.
• We can ensure fair access for all, not just those with private land or early arrival times.
• We can leave the Blue better than we found it.

What we are proposing is a pilot, not a permanent change. We’ll listen, learn, and adapt based on what works—and what doesn’t. The Blue River management plan represents a balanced, forward-looking approach. It is not a barrier but a safeguard—protecting the river’s health, enhancing the visitor experience, and ensuring that this extraordinary fishery continues to inspire awe for generations to come.

The Lower Blue River belongs to all of us. And with this management plan, we’re choosing stewardship over short-term gain—and legacy over loss.

^[1] According to CPW 2024 Future Generations Act Report, fishing licenses sales have been steady at 871,000 for 2017-2019 and 873,791 in 2024.