Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
February 10, 2026
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~100 CFS, ICY |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | ~125 CFS |
Water Temp: | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear, pockets of ice as you get close to Leadville. Slush flows in the AM after the coldest nights. |
The upper basin is the coldest and will offer the shortest productive window of fishing on the river, though warm afternoons can still be worthwhile in the right areas. There is relatively little ice to contend with in the upper basin for February, particularly as you get closer to Buena Vista. Generally, better productivity will be found downstream through the winter months. Expect fish to be in slower, deeper water through much of the day where they can hold without expending much energy, likely podded up together in groups. 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 your primary forage but fish will still feed on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae opportunistically, too.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
February 10, 2026
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~200 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Warmer weather has made for great fishing opportunities in the middle basin as we start the new year. There's occasionally some ice flowing in the river early in the morning so expect your best hours in the middle basin to be around 10AM-3PM. Most fish will congregate in the deeper, slower water for the foreseeable future. Midges (#18-22) are your primary forage but fish will still feed on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae opportunistically, too. Expect more interest in golden stonefly nymphs as the naturals begin to molt underwater in February. These offer a chance to fish a much larger imitation in the #10-14 range. With water temperatures consistently in the 30s, expect strikes to be more subtle. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
February 10, 2026
Flow at Wellsville: | 270 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | Mid to High 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is in great shape and is fishing well for early February, offering a wider productive window on the water than the river further north. Cold nights may yield some ice flows early in the mornings but midday warmth and sun has prompted strong feeding activity from trout. Slower, deeper runs and pools are the primary lies now for fish through the colder months. Midges (#18-22) are the primary forage with sporadic hatches prompting localized surface feeding from trout. We're also seeing fish feed opportunistically on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae. Expect more interest in golden stonefly nymphs as the naturals begin to molt underwater in February. These can be imitated by nymphs in the #10-14 range. Strikes will be subtle so pay attention to the minute movements of your indicator/sighter. Lots of water will be devoid of fish through the winter, so when you find a fish take note of the water type, depth, and speed to help locate other likely holding areas. Trout tend to congregate during the winter so where you find one you'll likely find several. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate for nymphing.