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

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

59

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

Clarity has rebounded significantly in the lower basin following a few days of clear weather. Bighorn Sheep Canyon offers at least 3' visibility again and more floatable flows. We do have some rain in the forecast Thursday and Friday that may impact flows/clarity. A habitat improvement project is underway between the 166 Bridge and 175 Bridge above Salida. The work will continue through the end of September. The purpose of this project is to enhance trout habitat for all age classes of fish, with minimal impact to recreational and commercial boating activity. The work will be conducted on weekdays only, generally from 8AM to 4PM. One excavator will be used for the work, and may cause periodic disturbances in water clarity downstream of the project. We are seeing golden stoneflies, red quills, fall baetis, and various caddis hatches. Small midges and tricos are also hatching sporadically in the mornings. Combined with the presence of seasonal grasshoppers (8-14) these are all producing fun dry-dropper fishing and great dry fly opportunities at times. Golden stones average a 10-12, red quills a 12-14, baetis a 20-22, midges a 18-22, and tricos a 22-24.

Directions open in app

Map of Arkansas River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Royal Gorge Anglers
Breckenridge outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 9/24/26

40s at night to mid 60s in the afternoon. Temperatures drop slightly this week with a chance of rain.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/24/26

Dry and dry-dropper as fish move into prime foraging areas through the morning. Streamers on cloudy days. Dry flies the last hour of the day.

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):
Beadhead Pheasant Tail Natural 18-20
Chubby Chernobyl Gold, Royal, Tan 12-16
Extended Body Blue Wing Olive Olive 18-20
Zebra Midge Black/Red 18-20

Beadhead 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, Golden stones, grasshoppers, midges, tricos, red quills.

Best Time to Fish:

All Day

Best Stretch:

All Basins

Best Access:

Granite, Numbers, Railroad Bridge, BV River Park, Ruby Mountain, Hecla Junction, Big Bend, Salida East, Rincon, Vallie Bridge, Texas Creek