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

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

63

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

Yesterday's rains are pushing some dirty water through the system today, particularly below Salida. As of 7AM today the upper 1/3 of Bighorn Sheep Canyon hosted the dirty water, with clear water remaining down towards Canon City. This dirty slug will work its way downstream throughout the da, so anglers should try to stay way downstream or head upstream above Salida to find better conditions while the disturbance moves out of the system. The river near and north of Buena Vista looks fine this morning and is still very productive. Barring serious precipitation, expect the river to stabilize quickly. We're experiencing very comfortable float fishing levels with lots of usable habitat along the edges for fish to reside in. Expect trout to vacate faster areas of current and move to velocity shelters along the banks and amid submerged midstream structure. These fish are prime targets for a shallow nymph or dry dropper rig. In some areas a single large dry fly is your best option as it is far easier to accurately cast than a multi-fly rig. Expect to see golden stoneflies (10-12), yellow sallies (14-16), caddis (14-18), pale morning duns (16-18), midges (18-20), and various terrestrials in the next two weeks. We’ve even seen some red quill mayflies (~14), which is much earlier than usual. Anglers should also consider beefing up on leader material, as the fish aren’t particularly leader shy and it comes in handing when playing fish in summertime flows.

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 7/14/25

Flows will continue their gradual recession, making for easier wading week by week. Pay attention to afternoon water temperatures as high 60s will prompt fish to move into more oxygenated areas and alter their feeding behavior.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/14/25

Dry-dropper or streamer fishing in the velocity shelters of the river.

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):
Thrasher Brown, Yellow 14-18
Blowtorch Peacock 14-16
Chubby Chernobyl Any 8-14
Perdigon/Bullet Brown, Yellow 14-18

Thrasher

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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:

Golden Stoneflies, yellow sallies, caddis, green drakes (Hayden Meadows), pale morning duns, grasshoppers

Best Time to Fish:

All Day

Best Stretch:

All basins

Best Access:

Hayden Meadows, Kobe, Granite, Railroad Bridge, BV River Park, Stone Bridge, Big Bend, Rincon, Cotopaxi