Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
June 3, 2026
Flow in Hayden Meadows | 104CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 126 CFS |
Water Temp: | 47-57 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Caddis are beginning to hatch above Buena Vista! Now that water temperatures are hitting the 54 degree mark, prepare for more and more brachycentrus (and other) caddis to hatch above BV and into Hayden Meadows, particularly on sunny, warm days. Hayden Meadows hosts a dense population of caddis so epxect the strongest hatches here once the insects pupate. Along with caddis, this region will soon see yellow sallies (14-16), golden stoneflies (8-12), and a strong green drake hatch (10-12). This smorgasbord can produce some outstanding dry fly fishing and the lack of heavy runoff this year means that these circumstances will arrive much earlier than normal.
We expect some rain in the afternoons later this week to produce strong afternoon blue wing olive hatches above Buena Vista. Baetis nymphs are still drifting daily in the afternoon and emergers and duns can be imitated by 18-20 during a hatch. 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. Midges (18-22) are important forage but immature golden stonefly nymph (8-14) offer opportunities to fish much larger flies to match the naturals.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
June 3, 2026
Flow at Hecla Junction: | 400 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 50-58 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Temperatures are warm but comfortable, with lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s and a chance of precipitation in the afternoons later in the week. We are seeing fish consistently hold in shallower and faster zones to feed, matching their activity to the water temperature and insect behavior. Baetis nymphs are on the move in the afternoons and cloudy weather continues to prompt very strong hatches of these mayflies after lunchtime. Our spring brachycentrus hatch has progressed north of Buena Vista, but you may still see a strong hatch down in Browns Canyon this week. Average size on the naturals is 16 but imitations will range from 14-18 depending on the pattern. An active presentation can be advantageous compared to a dead drift when fishing a dry fly, as caddis adults are known to be animated on the water before taking flight. Soft hackle caddis pupae fished as a dropper or on the swing should also be considered to imitate the emergent phase of the insect. We are beginning to see golden stoneflies and yellow sallies in this region. Midges (18-22) are still important forage and hatches are occurring daily and have also produced some great, technical dry fly fishing opportunities. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
June 3, 2026
Flow at Wellsville: | 368 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 52-65 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Weather is very welcoming this week below Salida, with daytime highs reaching mid 70s and excellent river clarity through all basins. We do see a slight chance of some precipitation in the afternoons later this week which is a welcome forecast for our dry valley. With our dwindling snowpack, we do not anticipate any more significant snowmelt impacting the quality of the river. In other words, summer has arrived early and great fishing can be had NOW. Wading is exceptional throughout all river basins and floating is technical but possible in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The leading edge of the brachycentrus caddis hatch is between Salida and BV, but other trailing varieties of caddis are still hatching in pockets below Salida. We are now seeing yellow sally stoneflies, red quills, and pale morning duns beginning to hatch below town. Cloudy afternoons are also prompting hatches of late spring baetis. Combined with an early emergence of seasonal grasshoppers, these are all producing outstanding dry dropper fishing and are creating great dry and double dry opportunities at times. Sallies average a 14-16, Red Quills a 12-14, and Pale Morning Duns a 16-18. Wet and dry imitations alike need to be in the arsenal to take advantage of the growing mass of food below Salida.