Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime March 1 - October 31)

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

55

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

Clarity in lower basin has improved significantly and is very fishable this morning, especially in the upper half of Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Nighttime temperatures are cooling down so plan to start your day after 9AM. At lower flows, fish will now also hold along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Deeper water is especially productive in the mornings but as temperatures warm and aquatic insects become more active many fish cntinue to move into shallower riffles and pockets to forage. Expect to see baetis (18-22) and midges (18-20). We're also seeing fish feed opportunistically on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae. The brown trout spawn is now underway so take time to avoid walking through spawning areas and try to avoid targeting actively spawning trout. Egg flies can be effective offerings for fish in the vicinity who are not fully engaged in spawning but are taking advantage of the extra protein in the system. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate.

Directions open in app

Map of Arkansas River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Royal Gorge Anglers
Breckenridge outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 10/17/25

Nights are cooling down but days are still in the high 50s and low 60s, very good for October fishing. The forecast is clear for the foreseeable future.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/17/25

Dry-dropper fishing in pocket water, nymphing in midstream troughs and structure. Streamers.

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime March 1 - October 31)

  • Fish Icon

    Brown and Rainbow Trout

ArkAnglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Pheasant Tail Natural 14-20
Zebra Midge Black, Red, Olive 16-20
Perdigon/Bullet Brown, Yellow, Olive, Pearl 14-18
Complex Twist Bugger Olive 6

Pheasant Tail

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ArkAnglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Arkansas River

The Arkansas River traverses about ninety miles between its headwaters above Leadville to the point where it rolls onto the prairie near Canon City. Over that distance, it flows through a high alpine meadow, drops through steep canyons of granite boulders and Ponderosa Pine, and courses through a high desert canyon. In each environment, populations of wild brown trout inhabit a river environment that teems with mayflies, stoneflies, caddis…small wonder that the Arkansas River was named Colorado’s most popular fishery in a recent Division of Wildlife survey. Along the banks of this river sit two remarkable mountain communities – Salida and Buena Vista. ArkAnglers has fly shops in both towns and our guide service spans the entire ninety miles of river, as well high mountain lakes on the Continental Divide, tributary streams, segments of the upper South Platte River, and some mid-elevation lakes known for their burgeoning trout populations. The range of altitude and climate in the upper Arkansas River valley allows us to guide year-round, the river providing a continuous supply of aquatic foodstuffs that keep fish active even in the winter. Contact us for a complete menu of trip options or for help in planning your visit!

Nearest Airport:

Colorado Springs Airport

Hatches:

Baetis, midges. Opportunistic feeding on stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae.

Best Time to Fish:

9AM til dark

Best Stretch:

All basins

Best Access:

Numbers, Ruby Mountain, Big Bend, Salida East, Rincon, Cotopaxi.