Arkansas River
Lower
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Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Hopper
- Pheasant Tail
- Cricket
- Foam Beetle
- Prince Nymph
- Copper John
- Ant
- Golden Stonefly
- Trico Emerger
- Baetis Nymph
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Water Temperature Over 68°F
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Recent Guide Reports
Sep 29
ArkAnglers
Thursday 9/29, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 360 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Clear below Swissvale at 2:00PM, but murky from Swissvale to town.
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: October 8. Call 719-539-3474 to reserve your spot!
The work on the Scout Wave in the riverpark in Salida has been completed and the crews are working to return water to the construction area, significantly dirtying the river immediately below. The river is impassable here at the moment so do NOT attempt to boat through until further notice. Expect the sedimentation below town to be short lived in the next day as the project is wrapped up and conditions should return to normal quickly.
With highs in the 60s and 70s for the forseeable future, expect great temperatures on the water as fish transition into fall mode. Sunny days will provide lots of terrestrial, midge, and red quill activity for fish to key in on and cloudy days anglers should be prepared for hatches of small fall blue winged olives. We anticipate true blue winged olives (#18-20) on cloudy days and "Pseudos" (#20-24) on sunny days. These could be anywhere on the river from Leadville to Parkdale. Red Quill mayflies tend to be most active on sunny days but nymphs are active in the system daily and are best imitated with reddish-tan beadhead mayfly nymphs in #16-18. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with along grassy edges and in pocket water. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 360 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Clear below Swissvale at 2:00PM, but murky from Swissvale to town.
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: October 8. Call 719-539-3474 to reserve your spot!
The work on the Scout Wave in the riverpark in Salida has been completed and the crews are working to return water to the construction area, significantly dirtying the river immediately below. The river is impassable here at the moment so do NOT attempt to boat through until further notice. Expect the sedimentation below town to be short lived in the next day as the project is wrapped up and conditions should return to normal quickly.
With highs in the 60s and 70s for the forseeable future, expect great temperatures on the water as fish transition into fall mode. Sunny days will provide lots of terrestrial, midge, and red quill activity for fish to key in on and cloudy days anglers should be prepared for hatches of small fall blue winged olives. We anticipate true blue winged olives (#18-20) on cloudy days and "Pseudos" (#20-24) on sunny days. These could be anywhere on the river from Leadville to Parkdale. Red Quill mayflies tend to be most active on sunny days but nymphs are active in the system daily and are best imitated with reddish-tan beadhead mayfly nymphs in #16-18. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with along grassy edges and in pocket water. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Sep 26
ArkAnglers
Monday 9/26, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 325 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Clear
Monday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: October 8. Call 719-539-3474 to reserve your spot!
The river is in beautiful shape again, clearly well after significant rains last week and returning to its normal clear, fall self. With highs in the 60s and 70s for the forseeable future, expect great temperatures on the water as fish transition into fall mode. Sunny days will provide lots of terrestrial, midge, and red quill activity for fish to key in on and cloudy days anglers should be prepared for hatches of small fall blue winged olives. We anticipate true blue winged olives (#18-20) on cloudy days and "Pseudos" (#20-24) on sunny days. These could be anywhere on the river from Leadville to Parkdale. Red Quill mayflies tend to be most active on sunny days but nymphs are active in the system daily and are best imitated with reddish-tan beadhead mayfly nymphs in #16-18. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with along grassy edges and in pocket water. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 325 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Clear
Monday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: October 8. Call 719-539-3474 to reserve your spot!
The river is in beautiful shape again, clearly well after significant rains last week and returning to its normal clear, fall self. With highs in the 60s and 70s for the forseeable future, expect great temperatures on the water as fish transition into fall mode. Sunny days will provide lots of terrestrial, midge, and red quill activity for fish to key in on and cloudy days anglers should be prepared for hatches of small fall blue winged olives. We anticipate true blue winged olives (#18-20) on cloudy days and "Pseudos" (#20-24) on sunny days. These could be anywhere on the river from Leadville to Parkdale. Red Quill mayflies tend to be most active on sunny days but nymphs are active in the system daily and are best imitated with reddish-tan beadhead mayfly nymphs in #16-18. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with along grassy edges and in pocket water. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Sep 23
ArkAnglers
Friday 9/23, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 432 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Stained below town, 1-3' visibility depending on location below Salida. Fishable in most areas.
Friday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: September 24, October 8. Call 719-539-3474 to reserve your spot!
The lower river is seeing some impact from rain on Wednesday and Thursday as flows have risen but should clear considerably for this weekend. It's fishable through most of the lower basin, but some areas are down to ~1' of visibility with a fair amount of sediment moving through the main stream channel. These conditions proved very fishable yesterday for guided trips, even if conditions weren't pretty. Dry-dropper fishing and streamers were very effective in the stained water. It would be reasonabe to anticipate significant hatches of fall baetis in the coming weeks, both on cloudy days for true blue winged olives (#18-20) and sunny days for Pseudocloeons (#20-24). These could be anywhere on the river from Leadville to Parkdale. Red Quill mayflies tend to be most active on sunny days but nymophs are still present in the system and are best imitated with reddish-tan beadhead meyfly nymphs in #16-18. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 432 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Stained below town, 1-3' visibility depending on location below Salida. Fishable in most areas.
Friday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: September 24, October 8. Call 719-539-3474 to reserve your spot!
The lower river is seeing some impact from rain on Wednesday and Thursday as flows have risen but should clear considerably for this weekend. It's fishable through most of the lower basin, but some areas are down to ~1' of visibility with a fair amount of sediment moving through the main stream channel. These conditions proved very fishable yesterday for guided trips, even if conditions weren't pretty. Dry-dropper fishing and streamers were very effective in the stained water. It would be reasonabe to anticipate significant hatches of fall baetis in the coming weeks, both on cloudy days for true blue winged olives (#18-20) and sunny days for Pseudocloeons (#20-24). These could be anywhere on the river from Leadville to Parkdale. Red Quill mayflies tend to be most active on sunny days but nymophs are still present in the system and are best imitated with reddish-tan beadhead meyfly nymphs in #16-18. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Sep 21
ArkAnglers
Wednesday 9/21, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 298 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Clear
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: September 24, October 8. Call 719-539-3474 to reserve your spot!
The morning greets us with a warm, cloudy day and potential for excellent fishing at least until mid-afternoon when a serious front is projected to drop rain throughout the valley. The rain is forecasted for late afternoon through tomorrow evening. Time will tell how this will impact water clarity, but for now the river looks excellent and anglers on the water today should expect good dry-dropper action throughout the day. Streamer fishing under cloudy fall conditions can also be very exciting and productive, as prespawn brown trout get more territorial and aggressive and strike with confidence in the lower light conditions. It would be reasonabe to anticipate significant hatches of blue winged olive mayflies today and tomorrow with the coudy, precipitous forecast. These could be anywhere on the river from Leadville to Parkdale Expect these mayflies to present in sizes #18-22 in the fall. Red Quill mayflies tend to be most active on sunny days but nymophs are still present in the system and are best imitated with reddish-tan beadhead meyfly nymphs in #16-18. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 298 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Clear
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: September 24, October 8. Call 719-539-3474 to reserve your spot!
The morning greets us with a warm, cloudy day and potential for excellent fishing at least until mid-afternoon when a serious front is projected to drop rain throughout the valley. The rain is forecasted for late afternoon through tomorrow evening. Time will tell how this will impact water clarity, but for now the river looks excellent and anglers on the water today should expect good dry-dropper action throughout the day. Streamer fishing under cloudy fall conditions can also be very exciting and productive, as prespawn brown trout get more territorial and aggressive and strike with confidence in the lower light conditions. It would be reasonabe to anticipate significant hatches of blue winged olive mayflies today and tomorrow with the coudy, precipitous forecast. These could be anywhere on the river from Leadville to Parkdale Expect these mayflies to present in sizes #18-22 in the fall. Red Quill mayflies tend to be most active on sunny days but nymophs are still present in the system and are best imitated with reddish-tan beadhead meyfly nymphs in #16-18. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Sep 14
ArkAnglers
Wednesday 9/14, 2022
Flow at Wellsville: 328 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Clear
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: September 24, October 8
Fishing this week has been outstanding following the drop in temperatures to a more mild 60 and 70 degree forecast this week. This weather pattern looks to continue well into September as should be very encouraging to anglers around the state concerned about water temperatures on their local waters. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. You may still encounter some yellow sally stoneflies, but we're seeing far more mayflies in the red quill and blue winged olive variety so use these insects to inform your selection of beadhead nymphs for droppers. Usually #16-18 patterns will cover both the nymph and dun phases of these mayfly hatches, but some of your red quills can be in the #12-14 range. Smaller baetis might be down to a #20. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 328 cfs
Water Temp.: High 50s - low 60s
Clarity: Clear
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
New Fall Fly Fishing 101 Dates: September 24, October 8
Fishing this week has been outstanding following the drop in temperatures to a more mild 60 and 70 degree forecast this week. This weather pattern looks to continue well into September as should be very encouraging to anglers around the state concerned about water temperatures on their local waters. The Arkansas is not experiencing any of the water temperature issues that other rivers are facing at the moment and our trout population is happy, healthy, and active. 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. Fish can really spread out throughout the river at current flows as more structure becomes usable, so don't expect every fish to be close to the bank like we see earlier in the summer. 3x-5x leader/tippet is what you'll want to pack. Golden stoneflies and grasshoppers are hatching and these flies are great dry options to prospect with in the higher summer flows. You may still encounter some yellow sally stoneflies, but we're seeing far more mayflies in the red quill and blue winged olive variety so use these insects to inform your selection of beadhead nymphs for droppers. Usually #16-18 patterns will cover both the nymph and dun phases of these mayfly hatches, but some of your red quills can be in the #12-14 range. Smaller baetis might be down to a #20. We're seeing sporadic tricos in #22-24, but thankfully fish don't seem to get as focused in on these mayflies as they do in other rivers. Smaller terrestrial patterns are also producing including ants, beetles, crickets, and moths. The dry and dry-dropper fishing is excellent when you combine these hatches with the aggressive, competitive nature of our trout population. Tried and true attractor nymphs are very effective searching 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 character of the river and the aggressive, predatory nature of resident brown trout 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 clear and very worthwhile as alternatives to the river for these seeking solitude.
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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.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.