Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
September 8, 2026
Flow in Hayden Meadows | 41 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 86 CFS |
Water Temp: | 50-62 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
We continue to see strong hatches of caddis and various stoneflies above Buena Vista this week. Caddis average a 14-18, golden stoneflies a 8-12 and midges a 18-22. Terrestrial activity is very strong, with various grasshoppers available in 8-14. Fall baetis hatches have begun early, and these mayflies present in 20-22 in the afternoons. This smorgasbord will produce some quality dry fly fishing and even better dry-dropper opportunities. 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. The upper basin has the most favorable water temperatures on the whole river and offers better fishability through much of the day.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
September 8, 2026
Flow at Hecla Junction: | 191 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 54-65 degrees in the shallows. Milder in deeper areas of the river. |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Clarity has rebounded and the middle basin has fished very well over the weekend. However, the additional releases from Twin Lakes are concluding today so we expect flows to drop by 30 cfs by Wednesday, September 9 in all regions downstream of the confluence with Lake Creek above Buena Vista. This will resolve flows at the Nathrop gauge to ~160 cfs, barring precipitation. Wade fishing is exceptional throughout all river basins but floating will be severely limited.
A habitat improvement project begins today between the 166 Bridge and 175 Bridge above Salida, which will be underway through the end of September. The purpose of this project is to enhance trout habitat for all age classes of fish, with minimal impact to recreational and commercial boating activity. The work will be conducted on weekdays only, generally from 8AM to 4PM. One excavator will be used for the work, and may cause periodic disturbances in water clarity downstream of the project.
The middle basin continues to offer great wade fishing and cooler weather has extended productive fishing hours throughout the day. Golden stones hatching at night average a 10-12, red quills a 12-14, caddis 16-18, midges a 18-22, and tricos a 22-24. Terrestrial activity is very strong with various grasshoppers available in 8-14. Fall baetis (20-22) hatches have already begun, earlier than normal but not surprising for this year. Dry dropper fishing is productive throughout the day and the last hour or so of daylight can see the dry fly action action kick into gear as trout key on egg-laying caddis and mayfly spinners.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
September 8, 2026
Flow at Wellsville: | 223 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 57-68 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Generally clear, ~3' visibility. |
Flows have stabilized and clarity has dramatically improved in the lower basin, offering several fishable feet of clarity and fishability this morning. However, the additional releases from Twin Lakes are concluding today so we expect flows to drop by 30 cfs by Wednesday, September 9 in all regions downstream of the confluence with Lake Creek above Buena Vista. This will resolve flows at the Wellsville gauge to ~190 cfs, barring precipitation. Wade fishing is exceptional throughout all river basins and floating is possible, though incredibly technical, in the lower basin. Boaters should be experienced and intimately familiar with public and private land boundaries before putting on.
A habitat improvement project begins today between the 166 Bridge and 175 Bridge above Salida, which will be underway through the end of September. The purpose of this project is to enhance trout habitat for all age classes of fish, with minimal impact to recreational and commercial boating activity. The work will be conducted on weekdays only, generally from 8AM to 4PM. One excavator will be used for the work, and may cause periodic disturbances in water clarity downstream of the project.
We are seeing golden stoneflies, red quills, early fall baetis, and various caddis hatches below town. Small midges and tricos are also hatching sporadically. Combined with the presence of seasonal grasshoppers (8-14) these are all producing fun dry-dropper fishing and great dry fly opportunities at times. Golden stones average a 10-12, red quills a 12-14, baetis a 20-22, midges a 18-22, and tricos a 22-24.