Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
December 20, 2024
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~70 CFS, significant ice buildup. |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 214 CFS |
Water Temp: | Low 30s |
Water Clarity: | Possible ice flows before noon, significant ice buildup north of Lake Creek confluence |
Winter temperatures have descended on the valley and nighttime lows are seriously cooling down the river above Buena Vista. Above the Twin Lakes confluence there's already lots of shelf ice that's developed, though anglers willing to walk the tundra in Hayden Meadows can still find some open pools here and there. Down towards Buena Vista the river is generally open, though colder mornings are offering significant slush flows. Expect better productivity as you head downstream towards Salida where air and water temperatures will provide a wider window of opportunity on active fish. Fish midday in deeper, slower "winter" water to find any active fish looking for lunch.
Expect fish to be almost exclusively in deeper winter water, seeking slow to walking speed current moving in a consistent direction. Colder temperatures will cause a drop in trout metabolism and fish will be a lot less likely to aggressively chase down food. Work deeper water slowly and methodically, relying on multi-nymph rigs with a fair amount of weight to ensure your flies achieve the appropriate depth for where fish are holding. Prepare for subtle takes. Midge and caddis larvae are key before lunchtime, with midge pupae the primary forage after lunchtime. Heavy anchor nymphs are a good way to minimize the need for split shot in sinking your rig, and golden stonefly nymphs are good choices all winter. 4x and 5x leader and tippet are appropriate choices. Find warm, sunny, well-lit areas to fish when possible, as the thermal energy can make a massive difference in fish and fish food activity.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
December 20, 2024
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~350 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Warmer weather has returned to the valley this week with lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s and 50s in the middle basin. It's hard to beat this forecast for December so take advantage of the nice fishing weather while it remains. Fish midday in deeper, slower "winter" water to find any active fish looking for lunch. Focus your attempts in well-lit, sunny areas rather than in the shade. 11AM to 3PM is your best best.
Expect fish to be almost exclusively in deeper winter water over the next few months, seeking slow to walking speed current moving in a consistent direction. Colder temperatures will cause a drop in trout metabolism and fish will be a lot less likely to aggressively chase down food. Work deeper water slowly and methodically, relying on multi-nymph rigs with a fair amount of weight to ensure your flies achieve the appropriate depth for where fish are holding. Prepare for subtle takes. Midge and caddis larvae are key before lunchtime, with midge pupae the primary forage after lunchtime. Heavy anchor nymphs are a good way to minimize the need for split shot in sinking your rig, and golden stonefly nymphs are good choices all winter. 4x and 5x leader and tippet are appropriate choices. Find warm, sunny, well-lit areas to fish when possible, as the thermal energy can make a massive difference in fish and fish food activity.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
December 20, 2024
Flow at Wellsville: | 460 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The river near and below Salida is going to offer your best opportunities in the coming weeks. This week's forecast is in Salida is very welcoming with lows only in the 20s and highs in the upper 40s and low 50s. This is about as good as you can expect for this time of year, so if you are itching to fish this weekend would be an ideal time to lace up your boots and head to the water. 11AM to 3PM is your best window of opportunity for productive fishing, when air and water temperatures are warmest and the angle of the sun will positively impact fish behavior in the river.
Expect fish to be almost exclusively in deeper winter water for the next few months, seeking slow to walking speed current moving in a consistent direction. Colder temperatures will cause a drop in trout metabolism and fish will be a lot less likely to aggressively chase down food. Work deeper water slowly and methodically, relying on multi-nymph rigs with a fair amount of weight to ensure your flies achieve the appropriate depth for where fish are holding. Prepare for subtle takes. Midge and caddis larvae are key before lunchtime, with midge pupae the primary forage after lunchtime. Heavy anchor nymphs are a good way to minimize the need for split shot in sinking your rig, and golden stonefly nymphs are good choices all winter. 4x and 5x leader and tippet are appropriate choices. Find warm, sunny, well-lit areas to fish when possible, as the thermal energy can make a massive difference in fish and fish food activity.