Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~50 CFS, significant ice buildup. |
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Flow at Granite: | 99 CFS |
Water Temp: | Low 30s |
Water Clarity: | Significant shelf ice, but river clearing and fishable near BV. |
We are expecting another cold shift in the weather this week, putting an end to some unseasonably warm temperatures and moving us back to standard conditions for February. Expect the upper basin to experience the coldest of these temperatures which will slow down productive fishing above BV. The recent warmth has opened a lot of water near BV, but the next two nights are back down in the single digits so we expect slush flows in the morning again for the next several days. 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.
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~230 CFS |
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Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The valley is colling down again this week with a couple of nights forecasted back down in the single digits. This may create some slush flow in the river un the morning but that is likely to dissipate by midday. Shelf 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.
Flow at Wellsville: | 262 CFS |
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Water Temp | 30s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Cold weather is interrupting the unusually warm weather we've been enjoying and the drop in temperatures will probably begun to prompt icy flows in the morning again. Midday/afternoon fishing will still 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.