South Platte — Waterton Canyon

~68 cfs (Rise Beyond June podcast: 'holding steady around 68 cfs—prime for technical drifts and clear-water stalking') · canyon fully reopened · BWO/midge subsurface still dominant, caddis + yellow sallies emerging

Closest quality water to Brighton. Easy hike-in (or bike — 3.3 mi to Marston Diversion). Per Rise Beyond June: flows up to ~68 cfs, 'prime for technical drifts and clear-water stalking.' BWOs and small midges still dominating subsurface, caddis and yellow sallies emerging, trico season nearly here. Late morning through early afternoon best window. Trailer pupae/emergers behind a searcher nymph. Today (Sun Jul 5) ~91°F plains, sunny and hot — fish morning through midday before canyon shade returns ~3 PM; scattered storms Tue–Wed.

Canyon reopened after Denver Water's dust-mitigation closure (April 27–May 8). Rise Beyond June podcast: 'flows holding steady around 68 cfs — prime for technical drifts and clear-water stalking.' June hatch activity: midges + BWOs still dominating subsurface, caddis and yellow sallies emerging, trico season nearly here. Recommended: Parachute BWO #20-22 for late morning risers, RS2 + Zebra Midge combo #20-24 deep seams, Mini Leech/Thin Mint streamer in low light. 5X lead, 6X dropper. Trail fully dried. Bite shuts down once canyon shadows return ~3 PM. Pattern: today (Sun Jul 5) ~91°F plains, sunny and hot; scattered storms Tue–Wed, heat rebuilds late week. Strontia Springs construction traffic ongoing.