Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
September 22, 2026
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~40 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 90 CFS |
Water Temp: | 49-60 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Milder temperatures return to the upper basin this week with air temperatures in the high 30s to low 60s and precipitation likely later in the week. Fall baetis hatches are underway and these mayflies present in 20-22 in the afternoons. We've seen strong hatches yielding some great "match the hatch" dry fly fishing from noon til around 3pm. Nymphs and emergers are productive late morning prior to ta hatch. We continue to see caddis activity and golden stoneflies hatching above Buena Vista, too. Caddis average a 16-18, golden stoneflies a 8-12 and midges a 18-22. Terrestrial activity is strong with various grasshoppers available in 8-14. This smorgasbord will produce some quality dry fly fishing and even better dry-dropper opportunities. 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.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
September 22, 2026
Flow at Hecla Junction: | 204 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 50-61 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The middle basin has largely recovered after rain last week. Anglers will find several feet of visibility in the river above Salida today and a much more welcome environment than last week. We do expect some rain Tuesday through Friday but cloudy, damp weather can produce great afternoon fishing if you're dressed appropriately.
A habitat improvement project is underway between the 166 Bridge and 175 Bridge above Salida. The work will continue through the end of September. The purpose of this project is to enhance trout habitat for all age classes of fish, with minimal impact to recreational and commercial boating activity. The work will be conducted on weekdays only, generally from 8AM to 4PM. One excavator will be used for the work, and may cause periodic disturbances in water clarity downstream of the project.
The middle basin continues to offer great wade fishing and cooler weather has extended productive fishing hours throughout the day. Fall baetis (20-22) hatches have already begun, earlier than normal but not surprising for this year. Golden stones hatching at night average a 10-12, red quills a 12-14, caddis 16-18, midges a 18-22, and tricos a 22-24. Terrestrial activity is strong with various grasshoppers available in 8-14. Outside of an active baetis hatch (12-3pm typically) dry dropper fishing is productive throughout the day and the last hour or so of daylight can also see the dry fly action action kick into gear as trout key on egg-laying caddis and mayfly spinners.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
September 22, 2026
Flow at Wellsville: | 223 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 53-64 degrees |
Water Clarity: | ~30" or better of visibility and improving. Better near Salida. |
Clarity has rebounded significantly in the lower basin following a few days of clear weather. The upper miles of Bighorn Sheep Canyon offer over 2' of visibility again and more floatable flows. The lower half of the canyon isn't as clear but is also improving.
A habitat improvement project is underway between the 166 Bridge and 175 Bridge above Salida. The work will continue through the end of September. The purpose of this project is to enhance trout habitat for all age classes of fish, with minimal impact to recreational and commercial boating activity. The work will be conducted on weekdays only, generally from 8AM to 4PM. One excavator will be used for the work, and may cause periodic disturbances in water clarity downstream of the project.
We are seeing golden stoneflies, red quills, fall baetis, and various caddis hatches below town. Small midges and tricos are also hatching sporadically in the mornings. Combined with the presence of seasonal grasshoppers (8-14) these are all producing fun dry-dropper fishing and great dry fly opportunities at times. Golden stones average a 10-12, red quills a 12-14, baetis a 20-22, midges a 18-22, and tricos a 22-24.