Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
October 24, 2026
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~40 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 70 CFS |
Water Temp: | 44-50 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The upper basin remains clear and is fishing well this week. Fall baetis hatches are underway and these mayflies present in 20-22 in the afternoons. Nymphs and emergers are productive late morning prior to a hatch. Nighttime temperatures are dropping so there's no need for an early start to fishing this week. Trout behavior will be limited by a drop in water temperatures, so expect mid-day through the afternoon to be the most productive window. Consider nymphing slightly deeper water in the late morning as the water is warming, then focusing on riffles and pocket water in the heat of the day. Golden stoneflies nymphs average a 8-12 and can be a great choice for an anchor fly. Midges are the predominant hatch outside of the afternoon blue wing olives, though surface feeding on these is less predictable. Larvae and pupae are good options for dropper flies in a nymph rig. With lower, clear flows you can expect fish to be more discerning so pay attention to available forage so you can closely match the natural insects with your imitations. Attractor patterns can still produce but you may find that realistic patterns are more productive as fish key in on specific food. A careful approach and good first cast can make all the difference between a mediocre and outstanding day of fishing. Streamers are increasingly effective as we move through the fall brown trout spawning season.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
October 24, 2026
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~250 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 46-52 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear above Nathrop, drops to 12" of visibility in Salida. |
The river is clearing once again after rains earlier in the week. The middle basin is a mix of clarity relative to the tail end of dirty water from Chalk Creek a few days ago. Head upstream to find better clarity on the river.
The middle basin continues to offer great wade fishing and the best fishing in mid morning throughout the afternoon. Midge action is strong in the morning and fall baetis (20-22) hatches are underway and have produced some excellent mid-day dry fly opportunities. Hopper dropper fishing can still be very productive but with cooler temperatures this week nymphing may be the best all-around method to locate fish as they will migrate to slightly deeper and slower water in the mornings. Riffles and pocket water continue to produce through the warmth of the afternoon. Golden stonefly nymphs can be a great anchor fly in a nymph rig when paired with midge and baetis droppers. Golden stones nymphs average a 10-12, baetis a 20-22, and midges a 18-22. Streamers are increasingly productive as we proceed through the brown trout spawning season, especially in off-colored water.
The habitat improvement project between the 166 and 175 Bridges is now complete.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
October 24, 2026
Flow at Wellsville: | 388 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 48-54 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Mixed clarity depending on location, 12-24" visibility. |
Chalk Creek pushed out some dirty water Wednesday and Thursday which is still moving downstream below Salida. Streamers and darker nymphs fished along the edges can be productive while the river stabilizes. The river offers better visibility upstream.
Fall blue wing olive nymphs are drifting daily in the early hours of the afternoon and hatching between 1-3PM, with hatches particularly fishable on the cloudy, humid days. Besides the blue wing olives, midges are the predominant food. Hopper dropper fishing can still be very productive but with cooler temperatures this week nymphing may be the best all-around method to locate fish as they will migrate to slightly deeper and slower water and the temperatures drop. Golden stonefly nymphs can be a great anchor fly in a nymph rig when paired with midge and baetis droppers. Golden stones nymphs average a 10-12, baetis a 20-22, and midges a 18-22. Streamers are increasingly productive as progress through the brown trout spawning season, especially in off-colored water.
The habitat improvement project between the 166 and 175 Bridges in Salida is now complete.