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

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

48

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

The river is clearing once again after precipitation last week. All basins are fishable, though visibility is around 20-30" below Salida this AM. The river continues to offer great wade fishing and the best opportunities mid-morning throughout the afternoon. Midge action is strong in the morning and fall baetis (20-22) hatches are winding down, though you may still see an errant dun on the water in the afternoon. Hopper dropper fishing can still be very productive but with cooler temperatures nymphing is the best all-around method to locate fish as they will migrate to slightly deeper and slower water in the mornings. Riffles and pocket water continue to produce through the warmth of the afternoon. Golden stonefly nymphs can be a great anchor fly in a nymph rig when paired with midge and baetis droppers. Golden stones nymphs average a 10-12, baetis a 20-22, and midges a 18-22. Streamers are very productive as we proceed through the brown trout spawning season, especially late in the day or in cloudy weather. The habitat improvement project between the 166 and 175 Bridges is now complete.

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 11/3/26

Precipitation expected through the weekend.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/3/26

Nymphing. Dry flies to match active hatches. Streamers on cloudy days and in evenings.

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
Black Beauty Black 18-22
Biot Epoxy Stone Golden 8-14
Sculpzilla Black, Olive, Natural 8

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:

Midges, baetis, golden stone nymphs, caddis larvae.

Best Time to Fish:

Late morning through the afternoon

Best Stretch:

All basins

Best Access:

Granite, Numbers, Railroad Bridge, BV River Park, Ruby Mountain, Big Bend Salida East, Rincon, Coaldale