Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

Brachycentrus caddis activity has moved up into Bighorn Sheep Canyon with primary action between Vallie Bridge and Texas Creek. We've had great luck actively fishing the pupae in the mornings with afternoons producing good dry fly opportunities (specifically in lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon). This hatch migrates upstream as water temperatures reach 54 degrees and usually arrives in Salida around the first week of May. Weather can impact the timing of the hatch with sunny, warm weather advancing the emergence more rapidly and cool, cloudy weather pumping the brakes. Because of the overlap between baetis and caddis in the coming weeks anglers should be prepared for both in the lower basin through the end of April. Caddis adult and pupae imitation are best stocked from 14-18, depending on the pattern. Baetis nymphs grow darker as they mature and are now drifting consistently each afternoon preceding their hatch. Anglers should carry nymph, emerger, and dun imitations around a size #18. The best opportunities to fish a blue wing olive hatch are typically on cloudy days with high humidity, as it seems more insects hatch and generally rest on the water's surface for a longer duration before being able to take flight. That said, you can still see excellent hatches on sunny days here, too, so be prepared rain or shine. A third fly has been making its presence known the week: the cranefly. These large dipterans hover just above the water's surface and can incite savage, splashy strikes from eager trout below, similar to the feeding behavior we see when trout are targeting caddis pupae and adults. PMX in 14-16 can be devastating if skated on the surface amid craneflies, and also offer a buoyant attractor fly to hang a caddis and baetis dropper off the back of. Fishing is excellent in the lower basin and flows remain in a comfortable range for spring float fishing AND wade fishing, hovering just above the 300 CFS mark at the Wellsville gauge. For wade and float fishermen alike, this is great news for optimal spring fishing opportunities while remaining at a level that is beneficial for spring rainbow trout spawning, young-of-the-year trout hatching and quality spring insect hatches. Low flows enable fish to prepare for the intense spring runoff that's around the corner by efficiently utilizing both the river habitat and tremendous hatches of spring. Fish have definitely migrated away from winter water to transitional areas that are often much shallower on average (~2-3' in depth) to seek food. Afternoons can find fish even shallower, depending on the circumstances and availability of food. Nymphing is still productive, especially in the morning, but we are seeing good results moving to a dry dropper rig mid-day through the afternoon. Anglers are also reporting good dry and double-dry opportunities during strong hatch periods. Midge and caddis larvae/pupae are key before lunchtime but blue wing olive mayflies, adult caddis, and craneflies are the ticket after noon. In addition, continued molting activity from resident golden stonefly nymphs makes them much more vulnerable to predation. #10-14 light colored golden stonefly nymph imitations are perfect for imitating this behavior and since heavy anchor nymphs are a good way to minimize the need for split shot in sinking your rig, golden stonefly nymphs are good choices all spring. 4x and 5x leader and tippet are appropriate choices.

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