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

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

Flows are great for float fishing but are much more approachable for wade anglers than a few weeks ago. Guides are reporting success with dry-dropper and double-dry rigs through out the day, focusing on velocity shelters where fish can rest out of the faster current. Think drop-offs, midstream pocket water, and soft edgewater. Try to adjust your rig throughout the day to suit the water in front of you and cover a lot of water.

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 7/30/21

The river has cleared immensely and is fishing great following rain induced blowouts last week. The river from Leadville down to Salida is clear and the river below Salida if very fishable, even if slightly off color. Expect cooler highs this weekend and a good chance of rain in the afternoons.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/30/21

Dry, dry-dropper and streamer tactics along the edges and in pocket water.

Current Conditions as of 7/30/21

The river has cleared immensely and is fishing great following rain induced blowouts last week. The river from Leadville down to Salida is clear and the river below Salida if very fishable, even if slightly off color. Expect cooler highs this weekend and a good chance of rain in the afternoons.

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):
Chubby Chernobyl Gold, Orange, Tan 10-14
Stimulator Yellow, Orange 12-16
Pheasant Tail Natural, Olive 14-18
Yellow Sally Nymph Yellow, Gold 14-18

Chubby Chernobyl

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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:

Golden stoneflies, grasshopper, pale morning duns, red quills, caddis. Drakes up in Hayden Meadows.

Best Time to Fish:

9:00am-6:00pm

Best Stretch:

Leadville to Texas Creek

Best Access:

Kobe, Granite, Railroad Bridge, Buena Vista, Big Bend, Salida East, Vallie Bridge