Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
November 20, 2025
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~50 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 82 CFS |
Water Temp: | 30s - 40s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The upper basin is the coldest and will offer the shortest productive window of fishing on the river, though afternoons can still be worthwhile in the right areas. Expect fish to be in slower, deeper water through much of the day where they can hold without expending much energy. In areas like Hayden Meadows, deeper water isn't as common as elsewhere on the river so when you find it you'll likely find fish podded up in higher numbers within these lies. 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. Midges (#18-22) are your primary forage but fish will still feed on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae opportunistically, too.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
November 20, 2025
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~310 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s - 40s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
The weather this week is colder but fishing in the middle basin is consistently productive mid-day through the afternoon. Wade anglers will enjoy the lower flows as access on foot is now optimal in all basins, with as good of wadeability as you could ask for during the year. Expect fish to congregate in the deeper, slower water for the foreseeable future. The best fishing will generally be after 10AM as the water warms. Midges (#18-22) are your primary forage but fish will still feed on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae opportunistically, too. With water temperatures dropping, expect strikes to be more subtle. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate. Streamer fishing has been very productive but we expect this to taper off now that water temperatures are dropping into the high 30s and low 40s.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
November 20, 2025
Flow at Wellsville: | 360 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s -40s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is in great shape and is fishing very well, offering a wider productive window on the water than the river further north.. Nighttime temperatures are cooling down so plan to start your day after 10AM. At lower flows, fish will hold along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Slower, deeper runs and pools are becoming increasingly productive as the spawn wraps up and fish move to their winter water for the colder months. Midges (#18-22) are the primary forage with sporadic hatches prompting localized surface feeding from trout. We're also seeing fish feed opportunistically on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae. Expect takes to be more subtle as water temperatures cool down, so pay attention to the minute movements of your indicator/sighter. Lots of water will be devoid of fish through the winter, so when you find a fish take note of the water type, depth, and speed to help locate other likely holding areas. Trout tend to congregate during the winter so where you find one you'll likely find several. Streamers have been effective in triggering aggressive, territorial reactions from resident browns but expect less and less aggression as temperatures drop and we move away from the spawn. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate for nymphing but you might go heavier to streamers.