Wednesday 5/17, 2023
Flow at Wellsville: 1,020 cfs
Water Temp.: Low 50s
Clarity: Turbid, ~12-18" visibility at best below Salida this AM.
2023 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 27, June 10
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
*CPW is going to be working on the Scout wave in downtown Salida today with heavy machinery, as the new wave is proving problematic for rafts as flows elevate. Plan floats accordingly to avoid floating through the whitewater park today.
The lower basin is offering 12-18" of visibility this morning, depending on location and time of day. The next week or so we expect relatively mild daytime temperatures and cloudy weather which may slow down some of the incoming snowmelt, but expect the fishing outlook to be day-by-day for the next week. Many other factors besides snow melt can impact river flows (tributary reservoir releases, heavy rain, etc.) but we are optimistic for fair fishing this weekend once the cloud cover returns. Odds are that the middle and upper basins will offer the best fishing conditions, but the lower basin could potentially clear enough to be worthwhile. Streamer fishing has been and will continue to be a productive tactic with the stained water conditions around Salida, but an angler thoroughly working the edges with a dry dropper rig will still move fish taking advantage of the softer water along the banks. Large, dark bodied attractor nymphs like rubberlegs stoneflies and prince nymphs can be a good option to contrast the stained water conditions, but don't hesitate to drop a smaller fly off the back to imitate the last of our spring mayflies or caddis pupae. Caddis are still actively hatchings upstream from Salida on up to Ruby Mountain, just downstream of Buena Vista, so plan to fish caddis pupa through edge pocket water and riffles where visibility is at its best.
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Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.