Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
June 14, 2025
Flow in Hayden Meadows | 549 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 815 CFS |
Water Temp: | 40s-50s |
Water Clarity: | 36+" visibility. Improving daily! |
Flows are still elevated but visibility is good above Buena Vista. The Twin Lakes release has come down recently which has definitely had a positive impact on river clarity. Peak flow was reached on June 3 and conditions will continue to improve as the river recedes. These are far more fishable circumstances than we usually experience in June, so take advantage of the opportunity! Expect trout to vacate faster areas of current and move to velocity shelters along the banks and amid submerged midstream structure. Fishing can be a fun challenge due to the higher flows but generally fish are very happy when flows begin to recede. Fish that drop into the depths are hard to reach but the fish along the banks are prime targets for a shallow nymph or dry dropper rig. Expect to see golden stoneflies (10-12), yellow sallies (14-16), caddis (14-18), pale morning duns (16-18), midges (18-20), and various terrestrials in the next two weeks. Hayden Meadows also experiences a great green drake hatch right after runoff with nymphs and adult in the 10-12 range on average. Streamers can also be good medicine in the off-colored water with higher flows being advantageous to the predation methods of more mature trout. Juvenile trout are vulnerable and the older fish take notice. Anglers should also consider beefing up on leader material, as the need for stealth is long past and heavier material will come in handy working fish out of higher flows. We advise wade anglers to fish from shore whenever possible and to avoid wading in water where you can't see the river bottom.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
June 14, 2025
Flow at Hecla Junction: | 1,530 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 40s-50s |
Water Clarity: | Stained but approx. 24-30" visibility. Improving daily! |
Flows are still elevated but are now receding and clearing, giving decent visibility between Buena Vista and Salida. The Twin Lakes release has come down significantly which has had a definite positive impact on river conditions. These are far more fishable circumstances than we normally expect at this time in June. Expect trout to vacate faster areas of current and move to velocity shelters along the banks and amid submerged midstream structure. Fishing can be a fun challenge due to the higher flows but generally trout are very happy when flows begin to recede. Fish that drop into the depths are hard to reach but the fish along the banks are prime targets for a shallow nymph or dry dropper rig. Expect to see golden stoneflies (10-12), yellow sallies (14-16), caddis (14-18), pale morning duns (16-18), midges (18-20), and various terrestrials in the next two weeks. Streamers can also be good medicine in the off-colored water with higher flows being advantageous to the predation methods of more mature trout. Juvenile trout are vulnerable and the older fish take notice. Anglers should also consider beefing up on leader material, as the need for stealth is long past and heavier material will come in handy working fish out of higher flows. We advise wade anglers to fish from shore whenever possible and to avoid wading in water where you can't see the river bottom.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
June 14, 2025
Flow at Wellsville: | 1,640 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 40s-50s |
Water Clarity: | Stained but approx. 24-30" visibility. Improving daily! |
Flows are beginning to recede and visibility is decent below Salida. The Twin Lakes release has come down significantly which had a definite positive impact on river clarity. These are far more fishable circumstances than we normally expect at this time in June. Expect trout to vacate faster areas of current and move to velocity shelters along the banks and amid submerged midstream structure. Fishing can be a fun challenge due to the higher flows but generally trout are very happy when flows begin to recede. Fish that drop into the depths are hard to reach but the fish along the banks are prime targets for a shallow nymph or dry dropper rig. Expect to see golden stoneflies (10-12), yellow sallies (14-16), caddis (14-18), pale morning duns (16-18), midges (18-20), and various terrestrials in the next two weeks. Streamers can also be good medicine in the off-colored water with higher flows being advantageous to the predation methods of more mature trout. Juvenile trout are vulnerable and the older fish take notice. Anglers should also consider beefing up on leader material, as the need for stealth is long past and heavier material will come in handy working fish out of higher flows. We advise wade anglers to fish from shore whenever possible and to avoid wading in water where you can't see the river bottom.