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

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

62

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

Weather is very welcoming this week below Salida, with daytime highs reaching mid 70s and excellent river clarity through all basins. We do see a slight chance of some precipitation in the afternoons later this week which is a welcome forecast for our dry valley. With our dwindling snowpack, we do not anticipate any more significant snowmelt impacting the quality of the river. In other words, summer has arrived early and great fishing can be had NOW. Wading is exceptional throughout all river basins and floating is technical but possible in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The leading edge of the brachycentrus caddis hatch is now north of Buena Vista, but other trailing varieties of caddis are still hatching in pockets around and below Salida. We are now seeing yellow sally stoneflies, red quills, and pale morning duns hatching below town. Cloudy afternoons are also prompting hatches of late spring baetis. Combined with an early emergence of seasonal grasshoppers, these are all producing outstanding dry dropper fishing and are creating great dry and double dry opportunities at times. Sallies average a 14-16, Red Quills a 12-14, and Pale Morning Duns a 16-18. Wet and dry imitations alike need to be in the arsenal to take advantage of the growing mass of food below Salida.

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 6/5/26

40s-70s for the foreseeable future, with a small chance of precipitation off and on in the afternoons.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/5/26

Dry dropper as fish move into prime foraging areas mid day. Dry flies during hatches. Streamers.

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 14-20
Chubby Chernobyl Gold, Royal, Tan 12-16
Puterbaugh Caddis Black, Ta 14-18
Tiltwing Mahogany Rust 12-14

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:

Blue wing olive nymphs drifting after noon, best hatches on cloudy afternoons. Brachcentrus caddis in the middle and upper basins. Red Quills, yellow sallies, and pale morning duns in the lower basin.

Best Time to Fish:

8AM - 9PM

Best Stretch:

All basins

Best Access:

Granite, Numbers, Railroad Bridge, Big Bend, Salida East, Rincon, Cotopaxi.