Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
October 2, 2026
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~50 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 92 CFS |
Water Temp: | 46-52 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The upper basin remains clear and should fish well this weekend with a beautiful, mild, sunny forecast. Fall baetis hatches are also 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 a hatch. We continue to see sporadic golden stonefly activity above Buena Vista, too. Golden stoneflies average a 8-12 and midges a 18-22. 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. Streamers are inceasingly effective
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
October 2, 2026
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~315 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 48-54 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Clearing, ~24-30" visibility in Salida and clear above Nathrop. |
The middle basin has cleared significantly and is fishable down into Salida with 24-30" of visibility. The river near Buena Vista is clear. The forecast is beautiful over the weekend and should make for some great fishing in the coming days.
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 are underway and have produced some excellent mid-day dry fly opportunities. Golden stones sporadically hatching at night average a 10-12, red quills a 12-14, and midges a 18-22. Terrestrial activity is strong with various grasshoppers and beetles 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 kick into gear as trout key on egg-laying caddis and mayfly spinners.
The habitat improvement project between the 166 and 175 Bridges is now complete.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
October 2, 2026
Flow at Wellsville: | 357 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 49-55 degrees |
Water Clarity: | Still turbid but clearing near Salida, ~18" visibility on the edges at Salida East this AM |
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is beginning to clear after significant rain earlier in the week. The weekend will offer more and more visibility and productivity down below Salida as the river continues to stabilize. We are seeing strong fall baetis and midge hatches and the last of our summer golden stonefly and red quill activity below town. Combined with the presence of seasonal grasshoppers and beetles (8-14) these are 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, and midges a 18-22.
The habitat improvement project between the 166 and 175 Bridges in Salida is now complete.