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.
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Water Flow Data
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)
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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 |
ArkAnglers's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line