Arkansas River
Lower
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- Golden Stonefly
- Prince Nymph
- Copper John
- Pheasant Tail
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Recent Guide Reports
Jan 31
ArkAnglers
Tuesday 1/31, 2023
Flow at Wellsville: 295 cfs
Water Temp.: 30s - low 40s
Clarity: Ice flows first thing in the morning until ~10AM this week. Water clarity good.
2023 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10
2023 Rowing School: March 22-26
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
Temperatures remain cold this week predictably creating some slush flows in the river in the mornings. Most days the river is fishable again by 11:00AM, but make sure you bundle up and prepare for the cooler temperatures. Typical winter water is usually an obvious run or pool with consistent, walking speed current and 3-7' of depth. Shallows will largely be unproductive through most of the river for the next few months except during a strong midge hatch. Expect sunny areas to be more productive than shaded ones. Fly selection is important but anglers finding the most success will be diligent in making adjustments to the weight and depth of their rig in order to locate fish in the water column before adjusting flies. Midge activity is consistent most days and we are seeing morning behavioral drifts of caddis larvae. Midge larvae and pupae are generally #18-22 and caddis larvae are usually #14-18. Immature golden stonefly nymphs will range from #10-14. The spring stonefly molt in the river typically kicks into gear in February and March, so now is a good time to stock up on lighter colored golden stonefly nymphs in #12-14 to act as both a direct imitation of this phase of the stonefly life cycle and as an attractor nymph when paired with a more diminutive option. Even if the predominant food adrift is small, trout will recognize and eagerly eat the sporadic stonefly nymph through the winter for their caloric potential. This intensifies once the molt is underway. Tried and true attractor nymphs are effective searching patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are also effective, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish in tandem with smaller, more subtle imitations of caddis larvae or midge larvae/pupae. Most of our guides prefer to stick with 4x and 5x fluorocarbon tippet this time of year. There's normally no need for microscopic tippet, but we do believe that fluorocarbon material does add an additional element of stealth when the water is so clear. Yes, dry-dropper fishing is still effective, but anglers are advised to extend the length on their droppers and treat this setup more like a nymph rig. Expect takes to be subtle in the cold water; any whisper of a strike should be investigated immediately!
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed on Monday.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 295 cfs
Water Temp.: 30s - low 40s
Clarity: Ice flows first thing in the morning until ~10AM this week. Water clarity good.
2023 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10
2023 Rowing School: March 22-26
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
Temperatures remain cold this week predictably creating some slush flows in the river in the mornings. Most days the river is fishable again by 11:00AM, but make sure you bundle up and prepare for the cooler temperatures. Typical winter water is usually an obvious run or pool with consistent, walking speed current and 3-7' of depth. Shallows will largely be unproductive through most of the river for the next few months except during a strong midge hatch. Expect sunny areas to be more productive than shaded ones. Fly selection is important but anglers finding the most success will be diligent in making adjustments to the weight and depth of their rig in order to locate fish in the water column before adjusting flies. Midge activity is consistent most days and we are seeing morning behavioral drifts of caddis larvae. Midge larvae and pupae are generally #18-22 and caddis larvae are usually #14-18. Immature golden stonefly nymphs will range from #10-14. The spring stonefly molt in the river typically kicks into gear in February and March, so now is a good time to stock up on lighter colored golden stonefly nymphs in #12-14 to act as both a direct imitation of this phase of the stonefly life cycle and as an attractor nymph when paired with a more diminutive option. Even if the predominant food adrift is small, trout will recognize and eagerly eat the sporadic stonefly nymph through the winter for their caloric potential. This intensifies once the molt is underway. Tried and true attractor nymphs are effective searching patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are also effective, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish in tandem with smaller, more subtle imitations of caddis larvae or midge larvae/pupae. Most of our guides prefer to stick with 4x and 5x fluorocarbon tippet this time of year. There's normally no need for microscopic tippet, but we do believe that fluorocarbon material does add an additional element of stealth when the water is so clear. Yes, dry-dropper fishing is still effective, but anglers are advised to extend the length on their droppers and treat this setup more like a nymph rig. Expect takes to be subtle in the cold water; any whisper of a strike should be investigated immediately!
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed on Monday.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Jan 19
ArkAnglers
Thursday 1/19, 2023
Flow at Wellsville: 292 cfs
Water Temp.: 30s - low 40s
Clarity: Possible ice flows first thing in the morning until ~10AM this week. Water clarity good.
2023 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10
2023 Rowing School: March 22-26
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
Temperatures this week have dropped again and are predictably creating some slush flows in the river in the mornings. Most days the river is fishable again by 11:00AM, but make sure you bundle up and prepare for the cooler temperatures. Typical winter water is usually an obvious run or pool with consistent, walking speed current and 3-7' of depth. Shallows will largely be unproductive through most of the river for the next few months except during a strong midge hatch. Expect sunny areas to be more productive than shaded ones. Fly selection is important but anglers finding the most success will be diligent in making adjustments to the weight and depth of their rig in order to locate fish in the water column before adjusting flies. Midge activity is consistent most days and we are seeing morning behavioral drifts of caddis larvae. Midge larvae and pupae are generally #18-22 and caddis larvae are usually #14-18. Immature golden stonefly nymphs will range from #10-14. The spring stonefly molt in the river typically kicks into gear in February and March, so now is a good time to stock up on lighter colored golden stonefly nymphs in #12-14 to act as both a direct imitation of this phase of the stonefly life cycle and as an attractor nymph when paired with a more diminutive option. Even if the predominant food adrift is small, trout will recognize and eagerly eat the sporadic stonefly nymph through the winter for their caloric potential. This intensifies once the molt is underway. Tried and true attractor nymphs are effective searching patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are also effective, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish in tandem with smaller, more subtle imitations of caddis larvae or midge larvae/pupae. Most of our guides prefer to stick with 4x and 5x fluorocarbon tippet this time of year. There's normally no need for microscopic tippet, but we do believe that fluorocarbon material does add an additional element of stealth when the water is so clear. Yes, dry-dropper fishing is still effective, but anglers are advised to extend the length on their droppers and treat this setup more like a nymph rig. Expect takes to be subtle in the cold water; any whisper of a strike should be investigated immediately!
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed on Monday.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 292 cfs
Water Temp.: 30s - low 40s
Clarity: Possible ice flows first thing in the morning until ~10AM this week. Water clarity good.
2023 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10
2023 Rowing School: March 22-26
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
Temperatures this week have dropped again and are predictably creating some slush flows in the river in the mornings. Most days the river is fishable again by 11:00AM, but make sure you bundle up and prepare for the cooler temperatures. Typical winter water is usually an obvious run or pool with consistent, walking speed current and 3-7' of depth. Shallows will largely be unproductive through most of the river for the next few months except during a strong midge hatch. Expect sunny areas to be more productive than shaded ones. Fly selection is important but anglers finding the most success will be diligent in making adjustments to the weight and depth of their rig in order to locate fish in the water column before adjusting flies. Midge activity is consistent most days and we are seeing morning behavioral drifts of caddis larvae. Midge larvae and pupae are generally #18-22 and caddis larvae are usually #14-18. Immature golden stonefly nymphs will range from #10-14. The spring stonefly molt in the river typically kicks into gear in February and March, so now is a good time to stock up on lighter colored golden stonefly nymphs in #12-14 to act as both a direct imitation of this phase of the stonefly life cycle and as an attractor nymph when paired with a more diminutive option. Even if the predominant food adrift is small, trout will recognize and eagerly eat the sporadic stonefly nymph through the winter for their caloric potential. This intensifies once the molt is underway. Tried and true attractor nymphs are effective searching patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are also effective, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish in tandem with smaller, more subtle imitations of caddis larvae or midge larvae/pupae. Most of our guides prefer to stick with 4x and 5x fluorocarbon tippet this time of year. There's normally no need for microscopic tippet, but we do believe that fluorocarbon material does add an additional element of stealth when the water is so clear. Yes, dry-dropper fishing is still effective, but anglers are advised to extend the length on their droppers and treat this setup more like a nymph rig. Expect takes to be subtle in the cold water; any whisper of a strike should be investigated immediately!
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed on Monday.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Jan 13
ArkAnglers
Friday 1/13, 2023
Flow at Wellsville: 315 cfs
Water Temp.: 30s - low 40s
Clarity: Possible ice flows first thing in the morning until ~10AM this week. Water clarity good.
2023 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10
Friday Report - Braden Baker
Today (1/13) and tomorrow look pleasantly mild around Salida, with nights only getting down around 20 degrees and highs near 50 degrees. Sunday is not nearly as warm, and kicks us into a little cooler week with highs back down in the 30s and a few days teasing snow. We have had great reports from locals stalking their favorite winter pools this week, with a little warmer weather helping prompt activity from resident trout. Typical winter water is usually an obvious run or pool with consistent, walking speed current and 3-7' of depth. Shallows will largely be unproductive through most of the river for the next few months except during a strong midge hatch. Expect sunny areas to be more productive than shaded ones. Fly selection is important but anglers finding the most success will be diligent in making adjustments to the weight and depth of their rig in order to locate fish in the water column before adjusting flies. Midge activity is consistent most days and we are seeing morning behavioral drifts of caddis larvae. Midge larvae and pupae are generally #18-22 and caddis larvae are usually #14-18. Immature golden stonefly nymphs will range from #10-14. The spring stonefly molt in the river typically kicks into gear in February and March, so now is a good time to stock up on lighter colored golden stonefly nymphs in #12-14 to act as both a direct imitation of this phase of the stonefly life cycle and as an attractor nymph when paired with a more diminutive option. Even if the predominant food adrift is small, trout will recognize and eagerly eat the sporadic stonefly nymph through the winter for their caloric potential. This intensifies once the molt is underway. Tried and true attractor nymphs are effective searching patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are also effective, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish in tandem with smaller, more subtle imitations of caddis larvae or midge larvae/pupae. Most of our guides prefer to stick with 4x and 5x fluorocarbon tippet this time of year. There's normally no need for microscopic tippet, but we do believe that fluorocarbon material does add an additional element of stealth when the water is so clear. Yes, dry-dropper fishing is still effective, but anglers are advised to extend the length on their droppers and treat this setup more like a nymph rig. Expect takes to be subtle in the cold water; any whisper of a strike should be investigated immediately!
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed on Monday.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 315 cfs
Water Temp.: 30s - low 40s
Clarity: Possible ice flows first thing in the morning until ~10AM this week. Water clarity good.
2023 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10
Friday Report - Braden Baker
Today (1/13) and tomorrow look pleasantly mild around Salida, with nights only getting down around 20 degrees and highs near 50 degrees. Sunday is not nearly as warm, and kicks us into a little cooler week with highs back down in the 30s and a few days teasing snow. We have had great reports from locals stalking their favorite winter pools this week, with a little warmer weather helping prompt activity from resident trout. Typical winter water is usually an obvious run or pool with consistent, walking speed current and 3-7' of depth. Shallows will largely be unproductive through most of the river for the next few months except during a strong midge hatch. Expect sunny areas to be more productive than shaded ones. Fly selection is important but anglers finding the most success will be diligent in making adjustments to the weight and depth of their rig in order to locate fish in the water column before adjusting flies. Midge activity is consistent most days and we are seeing morning behavioral drifts of caddis larvae. Midge larvae and pupae are generally #18-22 and caddis larvae are usually #14-18. Immature golden stonefly nymphs will range from #10-14. The spring stonefly molt in the river typically kicks into gear in February and March, so now is a good time to stock up on lighter colored golden stonefly nymphs in #12-14 to act as both a direct imitation of this phase of the stonefly life cycle and as an attractor nymph when paired with a more diminutive option. Even if the predominant food adrift is small, trout will recognize and eagerly eat the sporadic stonefly nymph through the winter for their caloric potential. This intensifies once the molt is underway. Tried and true attractor nymphs are effective searching patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are also effective, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish in tandem with smaller, more subtle imitations of caddis larvae or midge larvae/pupae. Most of our guides prefer to stick with 4x and 5x fluorocarbon tippet this time of year. There's normally no need for microscopic tippet, but we do believe that fluorocarbon material does add an additional element of stealth when the water is so clear. Yes, dry-dropper fishing is still effective, but anglers are advised to extend the length on their droppers and treat this setup more like a nymph rig. Expect takes to be subtle in the cold water; any whisper of a strike should be investigated immediately!
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30am-5:30pm. Sunday 9:00am-3:00pm. Closed on Monday.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.