Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
january 21, 2025
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~55 CFS, significant ice buildup. |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 224 CFS |
Water Temp: | Low 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear but significant ice flows |
Winter temperatures have descended on the valley and nighttime lows are seriously cooling down the river above Buena Vista. Shelf ice is significant above Buena Vista, even down towards town. Nighttime lows this week are producing slushy flows throughout the day at the moment. 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
January 21, 2025
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~340 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear but significant ice flows |
Temperatures are colder this week, with most nights in the single digits significantly cooling down the middle basin. Expect to see some slush flows in the river first thing in the morning, usually clearing by noon. Colder nights may produce slush that persists throughout the day. 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 bet, if you're able to time your casts amid the drifting icebergs.
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
January 21, 2025
Flow at Wellsville: | 416 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear but significant ice flows |
Temperatures are colder this week with lows near Salida generally in the single digits. Expect some ice flows in the river even midday following these cold nights. 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. If you can find gaps in the floating icebergs you can still find fish looking for food, though it's definitely more challenging than milder winter conditions.
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.