Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
June 17, 2026
Flow in Hayden Meadows | 80 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 137 CFS |
Water Temp: | 55-64 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Caddis are beginning to hatch above Buena Vista! Now that water temperatures are hitting the 54 degree mark, prepare for more and more brachycentrus (and other) caddis to hatch above BV, particularly in Hayden Meadows, particularly on sunny, warm days. Hayden Meadows hosts a dense population of caddis so expect the strongest hatches here over the next several weeks. Along with caddis, this region will soon see yellow sallies (14-16), golden stoneflies (8-12), and a strong green drake hatch (10-12). Drake nymphs are showing signs of the upcoming hatch so these large mayflies could present on the surface any day now. This smorgasbord can produce some outstanding dry fly fishing and the lack of heavy runoff this year means that these opportunities will arrive much earlier than normal. 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
June 17, 2026
Flow at Hecla Junction: | 353 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 54-67 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Temperatures are warm but comfortable, with lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s. We are seeing fish consistently hold in shallower and faster zones to feed, matching their activity to the water temperature and insect behavior. Our spring brachycentrus hatch has progressed north of Buena Vista, but you may still see a strong hatch down in Browns Canyon this week. Average size on the naturals is 16 but imitations will range from 14-18 depending on the pattern. An active presentation can be advantageous compared to a dead drift when fishing a dry fly, as caddis adults are known to be animated on the water before taking flight. Soft hackle caddis pupae fished as a dropper or on the swing should also be considered to imitate the emergent phase of the insect. We are beginning to see golden stoneflies (10-12) and yellow sallies (16-18) in this region, and the combined food base is creating some excellent dry and dry dropper fishing. Midges (18-22) are still important forage with hatches are occurring daily, producing some great, technical dry fly fishing opportunities. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
June 17, 2026
Flow at Wellsville: | 405 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 55-68 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Weather continues to be mild in the lower basin with daytime highs reaching the mid 70s and excellent river clarity through all basins. Flows are still offering good float fishing opportunities, specifically down below Salida. With our dwindling snowpack, we do not anticipate any more significant snowmelt impacting the quality of the river. In other words, summer has arrived early and great fishing can be had NOW. Wading is exceptional throughout all river basins and floating is technical but possible in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We are now seeing yellow sally stoneflies, golden stoneflies, red quills, pale morning duns, and various summer caddis hatches below town. The lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon have also seen sporadic trico hatches. Combined with an early emergence of seasonal grasshoppers, these are all producing outstanding dry dropper fishing and are creating great dry and double dry opportunities at times. Sallies average a 14-16, golden stones a 10-12, Red Quills a 12-14, Pale Morning Duns a 16-18, and tricos a 22-24. Wet and dry imitations alike need to be in the arsenal to take advantage of the growing mass of food below Salida.