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

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

50

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

Flows are again on the rise due to snowmelt and visibility is diminishing. The lower basin is offering maybe 12" of visibility at best and this will continue to decrease as runoff progresses. As flows increase, the river will scour more and more dirt from the banks and water temperature will decrease as more snowmelt enters the system. Expect trout to vacate faster areas of current and move to velocity shelters along the banks and amid submerged midstream structure. You'll definitely work harder to find filling willing to feed during this season. Fish that drop into the depths are hard to reach but the fish along the banks are prime targets for a shallow nymph or dry dropper rig. We lean heavily on darker flies with body colors that contrast the brown water of the runoff period, particularly those imitative of golden stonefly nymphs and larger mayfly nymphs. Streamers can also be good medicine in the off-colored water with higher flows being advantageous to the predation methods of more mature trout. Juvenile trout are vulnerable and the older fish take notice. Anglers should also consider beefing up on leader material, as the need for stealth is long past and heavier material will come in handy working fish out of rising current. We advise wade anglers to fish from shore whenever possible and to avoid wading in water where you can't see the river bottom.

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 5/31/25

Visibility is averaging 8-12" today depending on the region. Warmer weather and increased snowmelt will cause visibility to deteriorate as river flows rise.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/31/25

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):
Pat's Rubberlegs Black, Brown, Speckl 8-12
Blowtorch Peacock 14-16
Pheasant Tail Nymph Natural, Olive 16-20
Sculpzilla Black 8

Pat's Rubberlegs

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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:

Juvenile trout, stonefly nymphs.

Best Time to Fish:

9:00am to 6:00pm

Best Stretch:

Upper Basin

Best Access:

Hayden Meadows, Kobe, Granite, Railroad Bridge