Arkansas River
Lower
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Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Prince Nymph
- Golden Stonefly
- Hopper
- Copper John
- Pheasant Tail
- Yellow Sally
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Water Temperature Over 68°F
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Recent Guide Reports
Jun 23
ArkAnglers
Thursday 6/23, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 1,030 cfs
Water Temp.: Low 50s
Clarity: Clear
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
The river is looking great as flows recede following our peak current of runoff and the next 4-6 weeks will offer some of the best fishing of the whole season. The river has several feet of clarity below Salida and is fishing great. The receding flows are making for much easier float fishing and wade fishing conditions and this weekend should offer excellent opportunities in most areas of the river. If you've been on the fence about fishing, the time is NOW. Wading anglers are still advised to minimize their in-stream wading and focus on fishing from the banks due to the higher summer flows. At these levels expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expending much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. The water you might want to stand in is probably where you need to be casting. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 3x is unneccessary. As the river clears, fish will begin responding to more realistic imitations of nymphs prior to summer stonefly and mayfly hatches. Yellow sallies and golden stonefliesare beginning to hatch and these flies are dry and nymph options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. As we anticipate these coming summertime hatches, your tried and true attractor nymphs are going to be the go-to patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are the perfect, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish beneath a grasshopper or attractor dry fly right along the bank. Don't worry if you don't see fish rising; the higher flows usually allow us to tease fish to the surface on larger dry flies out of an opportunisitc, competitive response even in non-hatch periods. Tributaries are still a little swollen but are clear and very worthwhile as an alternative to the river for these seeking solitude. Mid and high elevation lakes are beginning to open and give opportunities in the high country. Most lakes are opening slightly earlier than normal due to the sub-par snowpack and recent warm weather.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Email [email protected] or call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 1,030 cfs
Water Temp.: Low 50s
Clarity: Clear
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
The river is looking great as flows recede following our peak current of runoff and the next 4-6 weeks will offer some of the best fishing of the whole season. The river has several feet of clarity below Salida and is fishing great. The receding flows are making for much easier float fishing and wade fishing conditions and this weekend should offer excellent opportunities in most areas of the river. If you've been on the fence about fishing, the time is NOW. Wading anglers are still advised to minimize their in-stream wading and focus on fishing from the banks due to the higher summer flows. At these levels expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expending much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. The water you might want to stand in is probably where you need to be casting. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 3x is unneccessary. As the river clears, fish will begin responding to more realistic imitations of nymphs prior to summer stonefly and mayfly hatches. Yellow sallies and golden stonefliesare beginning to hatch and these flies are dry and nymph options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. As we anticipate these coming summertime hatches, your tried and true attractor nymphs are going to be the go-to patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are the perfect, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish beneath a grasshopper or attractor dry fly right along the bank. Don't worry if you don't see fish rising; the higher flows usually allow us to tease fish to the surface on larger dry flies out of an opportunisitc, competitive response even in non-hatch periods. Tributaries are still a little swollen but are clear and very worthwhile as an alternative to the river for these seeking solitude. Mid and high elevation lakes are beginning to open and give opportunities in the high country. Most lakes are opening slightly earlier than normal due to the sub-par snowpack and recent warm weather.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Email [email protected] or call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Jun 16
ArkAnglers
Thursday 6/16, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 1,440 cfs
Water Temp.: Low 50s
Clarity: Stained but clearing as flows drop, 12-18" clarity below Salida.
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
The river is beginning to clear as flows recede following our peak current of runoff and the next 4-6 weeks will offer some of the best fishing of the whole season. The river has about 12-18" of clarity below Salida and is improving and the upper river is already seeing a significant improvement in visibility. The receding flows are making for much easier float fishing and wade fishing conditions and this weekend should offer excellent opportunities in most areas of the river. If you've been on the fence about fishing, the time is NOW. Wading anglers are still advised to minimize their in-stream wading and focus on fishing from the banks due to the higher summer flows. At these levels expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expending much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. The water you might want to stand in is probably where you need to be casting. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 3x is unneccessary. Dark, high contrast streamers and nymphs will probably be your best option to stand out in the off-color water. As the river clears, fish will begin responding to more realistic imitations of nymphs prior to summer stonefly and mayfly hatches. Yellow sallies and golden stoneflies will tee up in the coming days prior to their emergence, and these flies are excellent nymphs to prospect with in te higher summer flows. As we anticipate these coming summertime hatches, your tried and true attractor nymphs are going to be the go-to patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are the perfect, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish beneath a grasshopper or attractor dry fly right along the bank. Don't worry if you don't see fish rising; the higher flows usually allow us to tease fish to the surface on larger dry flies out of an opportunisitc, competitive response even in non-hatch periods. Tributaries are still a little swollen but are clear and very worthwhile as an alternative to the river for these seeking solitude. Mid and high elevation lakes are beginning to open and give opportunities in the high country. Most lakes are opening slightly earlier than normal due to the sub-par snowpack and recent warm weather.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Email [email protected] or call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 1,440 cfs
Water Temp.: Low 50s
Clarity: Stained but clearing as flows drop, 12-18" clarity below Salida.
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
The river is beginning to clear as flows recede following our peak current of runoff and the next 4-6 weeks will offer some of the best fishing of the whole season. The river has about 12-18" of clarity below Salida and is improving and the upper river is already seeing a significant improvement in visibility. The receding flows are making for much easier float fishing and wade fishing conditions and this weekend should offer excellent opportunities in most areas of the river. If you've been on the fence about fishing, the time is NOW. Wading anglers are still advised to minimize their in-stream wading and focus on fishing from the banks due to the higher summer flows. At these levels expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expending much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. The water you might want to stand in is probably where you need to be casting. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 3x is unneccessary. Dark, high contrast streamers and nymphs will probably be your best option to stand out in the off-color water. As the river clears, fish will begin responding to more realistic imitations of nymphs prior to summer stonefly and mayfly hatches. Yellow sallies and golden stoneflies will tee up in the coming days prior to their emergence, and these flies are excellent nymphs to prospect with in te higher summer flows. As we anticipate these coming summertime hatches, your tried and true attractor nymphs are going to be the go-to patterns in nymph and dry-dropper rigs; prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare's ears, copper johns, etc. are the perfect, buggy, suggestive patterns to fish beneath a grasshopper or attractor dry fly right along the bank. Don't worry if you don't see fish rising; the higher flows usually allow us to tease fish to the surface on larger dry flies out of an opportunisitc, competitive response even in non-hatch periods. Tributaries are still a little swollen but are clear and very worthwhile as an alternative to the river for these seeking solitude. Mid and high elevation lakes are beginning to open and give opportunities in the high country. Most lakes are opening slightly earlier than normal due to the sub-par snowpack and recent warm weather.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Email [email protected] or call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Jun 14
ArkAnglers
Tuesday 6/14, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 1,800 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s - low 50s
Clarity: Dirty but ~12 to 15" of visibility, likely to improve dramatically this week.
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
This week looks to be the turning point as we open the door on our summer fishing season. Despite recent adjustments to the release from Twin Lakes, tributary flows are beginning to decline and the river should do the same, which will lead to rapid clearing and settling of sediment and much more favorable fishin conditions in the next few days. The lower river is still very off color but anglers are starting to see more and more clarity along the edges. Flows are definitely challenging to effectively wade fish and boaters will also find flows a little pushy for fishing, but the coming decline will change things rapidly for the better. Anglers are advised to minimize their in-stream wading and focus on fishing from the banks. At these higher flows expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expendiing much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 3x is unneccessary. Dark, high contrast streamers and nymphs will probably be your best option to stand out in the off-color water. Expect to work hard for each fish that you encounter. Tributaries are still swollen but currently provide better clarity than the river and are a good alternative to the Arkansas in the near-term for anglers focused on finding moving water in the area. Mid and high elevation lakes are beginning to open and give opportunities in the high country. We expect high alpine lakes to open slightly earlier than normal due to the sub-par snowpack.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Email [email protected] or call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 1,800 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s - low 50s
Clarity: Dirty but ~12 to 15" of visibility, likely to improve dramatically this week.
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
This week looks to be the turning point as we open the door on our summer fishing season. Despite recent adjustments to the release from Twin Lakes, tributary flows are beginning to decline and the river should do the same, which will lead to rapid clearing and settling of sediment and much more favorable fishin conditions in the next few days. The lower river is still very off color but anglers are starting to see more and more clarity along the edges. Flows are definitely challenging to effectively wade fish and boaters will also find flows a little pushy for fishing, but the coming decline will change things rapidly for the better. Anglers are advised to minimize their in-stream wading and focus on fishing from the banks. At these higher flows expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expendiing much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 3x is unneccessary. Dark, high contrast streamers and nymphs will probably be your best option to stand out in the off-color water. Expect to work hard for each fish that you encounter. Tributaries are still swollen but currently provide better clarity than the river and are a good alternative to the Arkansas in the near-term for anglers focused on finding moving water in the area. Mid and high elevation lakes are beginning to open and give opportunities in the high country. We expect high alpine lakes to open slightly earlier than normal due to the sub-par snowpack.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Email [email protected] or call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Jun 12
ArkAnglers
Sunday 6/12, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 1,880 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s - low 50s
Clarity:
Flow at Wellsville: 1,880 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s - low 50s
Clarity:
Jun 08
ArkAnglers
Wednesday 6/8, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 1,760 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s - low 50s
Clarity:
Flow at Wellsville: 1,760 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s - low 50s
Clarity:
Jun 07
ArkAnglers
Tuesday 6/7, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 1,520 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s - low 50s
Clarity: ~1ft. visibility, deteriorating.
2022 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: June 4 (Full)
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
Flows are rising again from recent warm weather and if this trend continues we expect to see more scouring occur on the river and its tribtaries, leaving us with minimal visibility in the lower basin. The river below Salida is still barely fishable today, but clarity will likely diminish over the coming week. The northern reaches of the Arkansas above Buena Vista will probably be a better option over the next two weeks for anglers focused on fishing the river. Flows are definitely challenging to effectively wade fish and boaters will also find flows a little pushy for fishing. Anglers are advised to minimize their in-stream wading and focus on fishing from the banks. At these higher flows expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expendiing much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 3x is unneccessary. Dark, high contrast streamers and nymphs will probably be your best option to stand out in the off-color water. Expect to work hard for each fish that you encounter. Southern tributaries are swollen, but currently provide better clarity than the river and are a good alternative to the Arkansas in the near-term for anglers focused on finding moving water in the area. Mid-elevation lakes are beginning to open and give opportunities in the high country, which is a good sign for things to come at higher elevation. We expect high alpine lakes to open slightly earlier than normal due to the sub-par snowpack.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Email [email protected] or call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 1,520 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s - low 50s
Clarity: ~1ft. visibility, deteriorating.
2022 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: June 4 (Full)
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
Flows are rising again from recent warm weather and if this trend continues we expect to see more scouring occur on the river and its tribtaries, leaving us with minimal visibility in the lower basin. The river below Salida is still barely fishable today, but clarity will likely diminish over the coming week. The northern reaches of the Arkansas above Buena Vista will probably be a better option over the next two weeks for anglers focused on fishing the river. Flows are definitely challenging to effectively wade fish and boaters will also find flows a little pushy for fishing. Anglers are advised to minimize their in-stream wading and focus on fishing from the banks. At these higher flows expect fish to move out of the fastest water into velocity shelters where they can hold/feed at a relaxed pace without expendiing much energy. Try to find areas with walking speed current along the banks, in pocket water, and in back eddys where deflection and friction slow the water down. Larger leader material is a good idea; anything smaller than 3x is unneccessary. Dark, high contrast streamers and nymphs will probably be your best option to stand out in the off-color water. Expect to work hard for each fish that you encounter. Southern tributaries are swollen, but currently provide better clarity than the river and are a good alternative to the Arkansas in the near-term for anglers focused on finding moving water in the area. Mid-elevation lakes are beginning to open and give opportunities in the high country, which is a good sign for things to come at higher elevation. We expect high alpine lakes to open slightly earlier than normal due to the sub-par snowpack.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Email [email protected] or call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.