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

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

54

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

Beautiful weather continues this week in Salida. The leading edge of the brachycentrus caddis hatch is between Salida and BV, but other trailing varieties of caddis are still hatching in pockets below town. The river above BV still sees strong midge and baetis activity. This week we add yellow sally stoneflies, red quill mayflies, and pale morning duns to the menu below Salida. Combined with an early hatch of seasonal grasshoppers, these are 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. We do continue to see hatches of blue wing olive mayflies in all regions, particularly on cloudy, humid days. Though the strongest hatches usually occur on overcast afternoons, even bluebird days produce some strong, localized mayfly hatches and trout are definitely taking advantage. Regardless of weather, expect baetis nymphs to engage in behavioral drift each afternoon as they distribute through the river. These insects are best imitated by offerings in 18-20, depending on the pattern. 5x tippet is appropriate, and fluorocarbon is recommended to all subsurface offerings due to the low, clear 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 5/13/26

Warm sunny weather in the forecast through the weekend

Techniques & Tips as of 5/13/26

Dry dropper as fish move into prime foraging areas mid day. Dry flies during hatches. Nymphing on colder mornings.

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):
Pheasant Tail Natural 18-20
Extended Body Blue Wing Olive Olive 16-18
Puterbaugh Caddis Black, Ta 14-18
Soft Hackle Caddis Pupa Olive 16-18

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 basin. Red Quills, yellow sallies, and pale morning duns in the lower basin.

Best Time to Fish:

9AM - 7PM

Best Stretch:

All basins

Best Access:

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