Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
October 30, 2026
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~40 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 78 CFS |
Water Temp: | 40-48 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The upper basin remains clear and is fishing well this week. Fall baetis hatches are winding down, though you may still see a few duns on the water after lunchtime. Midges are the most likely insects to find hatching at this point. Nighttime temperatures are dropping so there's no need for an early start to fishing this week. Trout behavior will be limited by a drop in water temperatures, so expect mid-day through the afternoon to be the most productive window. Consider nymphing slightly deeper water in the late morning as the water is warming, then focusing on riffles and pocket water in the heat of the day. Golden stoneflies nymphs average a 8-12 and can be a great choice for an anchor fly. Midge larvae and pupae are good options for dropper flies in a nymph rig. 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. A careful approach and good first cast can make all the difference between a mediocre and outstanding day of fishing. Streamers are increasingly effective as we move through the fall brown trout spawning season.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
October 30, 2026
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~215 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 41-50 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The river is clearing once again after precipitation last week. The middle basin has largely recovered and is fishing really well this week.
The middle basin continues to offer great wade fishing and the best fishing in mid morning throughout the afternoon. Midge action is strong in the morning and fall baetis (20-22) hatches are winding down, though you may still see an errant dun on the water in the afternoon. Hopper dropper fishing can still be very productive but with cooler temperatures this week nymphing is the best all-around method to locate fish as they will migrate to slightly deeper and slower water in the mornings. Riffles and pocket water continue to produce through the warmth of the afternoon. Golden stonefly nymphs can be a great anchor fly in a nymph rig when paired with midge and baetis droppers. Golden stones nymphs average a 10-12, baetis a 20-22, and midges a 18-22. Streamers are increasingly productive as we proceed through the brown trout spawning season, especially late in the day or in cloudy weather.
The habitat improvement project between the 166 and 175 Bridges is now complete.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
October 30, 2026
Flow at Wellsville: | 331 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 43-51 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Relatively clear, 3' or better visibility |
The river is clearing once again after precipitation last week. The lower basin has largely recovered and is around 30" visibility. This should continue to improve with the clear forecast this week.
Fall blue wing olive activity is ramping down, with midges becoming the predominant source of food. Hopper dropper fishing can still be very productive but with cooler temperatures this week nymphing may be the best all-around method to locate fish as they will migrate to slightly deeper and slower water and the temperatures drop. Golden stonefly nymphs can be a great anchor fly in a nymph rig when paired with midge and baetis droppers. Golden stones nymphs average a 10-12, baetis a 20-22, and midges a 18-22. Streamers are increasingly productive as we proceed through the brown trout spawning season, especially late in the day or in cloudy weather.
The habitat improvement project between the 166 and 175 Bridges in Salida is now complete.