2026 Summer Update: Water Levels, Fishing, and Mountain Conditions

It’s hard to believe we’re already at the end of August. Summer always seems to move quickly around here, and the 2026 season has been no exception. It’s been a hot, dry year across much of Colorado, but here at Budge’s Wilderness Lodge, we’re feeling especially fortunate for another great summer in the high country.

From excellent fishing to some much-needed monsoon rains – and, most importantly, a safe and memorable season with a great group of guests and crew – we have plenty to be thankful for.

Cold Water and Great Fishing

If there’s been one consistent highlight this summer, it’s been the quality of the fishing.

Across Colorado, the hot and dry conditions have created challenges on many lower-elevation rivers. Low flows and warmer water temperatures have caused stress for trout in some places and forced anglers to adjust where and when they fish.

Up here, it’s been a very different story.

Our elevation makes a big difference when it comes to water temperature, and the river has remained cold throughout the summer. Just as importantly, the river we fish is spring-fed. While flows are lower than what we might normally expect heading into the end of August, the river continues to maintain a healthy, steady flow of cold water.

The result has been consistently good fishing throughout the season, especially upstream toward the headwaters.

It’s one of the things we appreciate most about fishing in this part of Colorado. Conditions can vary dramatically from one watershed to another, and in a year like this one, cold, reliable water becomes especially valuable. We’re fortunate to have it right outside our door.

Thankful for Rain, and for Our Firefighters

Of course, a hot and dry summer also brings concerns beyond fishing.

We’re very thankful to report that Budge’s has remained safe from wildfire this season. We did have a couple of small spot fires in the surrounding area, and we’re incredibly grateful to the firefighters and smoke jumpers who responded quickly and kept those fires from becoming something much larger.

We never take that work for granted, particularly in a remote place like this. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has spent the summer protecting these mountains, forests, and communities.

Fortunately, a strong summer monsoon has brought good rain to the high country, providing some much-needed moisture. As we head toward fall, the weather pattern definitely seems to be changing for the better, and we’re thankful to see the landscape getting a good drink.

Looking Ahead to Elk Season

With summer beginning to wind down, our attention will soon turn toward fall.

Cooler mornings are starting to hint at the change of seasons, and before long, elk hunting will take center stage around here. After a dry start to the summer and some welcome moisture in recent weeks, we’re looking forward to seeing what the fall brings.

There’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy, but it won’t be long before the horses are carrying hunters instead of fishermen and the sound of bugling bulls starts echoing through the mountains. We’re looking forward to another great elk season ahead.

Thank You for a Great Summer

Most of all, we want to say thank you to everyone who has been part of our 2026 season.

We’ve had so many wonderful guests visit Budge’s this summer, and it’s been a lot of fun sharing this place with all of you. Whether you came to fish, ride horses, spend time with family and friends, or simply disappear into the wilderness for a few days, we appreciate you making the journey.

And none of it would happen without our crew. We’ve got an awesome team this year, and we’re incredibly thankful for all the hard work that goes into keeping the lodge running, caring for the horses and mules, guiding trips, cooking meals, maintaining camps, and handling the countless other jobs that happen behind the scenes.

Cheers to more great adventures ahead!