Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
February 19, 2025
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~50 CFS, significant ice buildup. |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 78 CFS |
Water Temp: | Low 30s |
Water Clarity: | Significant shelf ice, but river clearing and fishable near BV. |
The river north of BV is currently offering some decent fishability (despite some edge and shelf ice buildup) but expect better productivity as you head downstream towards Salida where air and water temperatures will provide a wider window of opportunity on active fish and significantly less ice buildup. 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
February 19, 2025
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~235 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Warmer weather is in the forecast this week though a breeze may prompt anglers to work a little harder to find sheltered areas to effectively target. Shelf ice has has mostly melted off with the recent warmth so access is pretty easy through most of the middle basin. 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. 10AM to 3PM is your best bet for foraging fish.
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
February 19, 2025
Flow at Wellsville: | 267 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The river through and below Salida will offer the most consistent productivity through February as it gets a good amount of sun exposure during the day and air temperatures are usually warmer than in other basins. Warmer weather is in the forecast this week, though a breeze may prompt anglers to work a little harder to find sheltered areas to effectively target. Midday/afternoon fishing will be productive in typical winter water once the slush subsides, typically after ~10AM. 10AM 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. In addition, expect increased molting activity from resident golden stonefly nymphs making them much more vulnerable to predation. #10-14 light colored golden stonefly nymph imitations are perfect for imitating this behavior, and since heavy anchor nymphs are a good way to minimize the need for split shot in sinking your rig, 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.