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

Arkansas River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

58

ArkAnglers's Tip of the Week

All basins are clear and fishing well, benefitting from cooler temperatures and stable weather conditions. The flow is in the ideal range for the health of the fishery itself, allowing trout to fully disperse and occupy nearly all available structure in the river, efficiently and effectively feeding at their leisure in the reduced velocities. Wade anglers will celebrate the lower flows as access on foot is now optimal in all basins, with as good of wadeability as you could ask for during the year. Float fishing will be a technical experience, favoring veteran boaters who can navigate the low water. The extended forecast is for cooler, mild weather which will have a positive cooling effect on the river, a great way to start September and keep our trout population happy. The hopper-dropper fishing has been excellent as of late, and we continue to see many successful anglers leaning on dry and double-dry rigs and picking apart prime lies with accurate, controlled casts. At lower flows, fish will now also hold along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Expect to see baetis (18-22), red quills (14-16), caddis (14-18), midges (18-20), and various terrestrials through September. Take care to thoroughly revive fish before release. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate.

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 9/26/25

Extended forecast favors milder weather, with highs in the 60s and 70s. The river is cooling as a result and the fish are in great shape.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/26/25

Dry-dropper fishing in pocket water, nymphing in midstream troughs and structure.

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 14-20
Two Bit Hooker Red 14-16
Chubby Chernobyl Any 8-14
Perdigon/Bullet Brown, Yellow, Olive, Pearl 14-18

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:

Baetis, red quills, midges, caddis, grasshoppers.

Best Time to Fish:

All day

Best Stretch:

All basins

Best Access:

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