Arkansas River
Lower

General Overview

This week we've seen flows stabilize at 500cfs in Bighorn Canyon, and boy did the fish react positively to that reduction in release! In addition, it sounds like we'll see another release reduction of 175cfs on Monday the 22nd (leaving flows right around 350cfs by Tuesday the 23rd). With warmer weather the river may see a bit more native inflow, however, water temp has been peaking at 52-53 degrees this week, so with another flow reduction on Monday and continued warm weather...we will most definitely see strong Caddis lifecycle activity next week. Until then, the BWO lifecycle activity has been strong, and fish have been very opportunistic on Stoneflies and Caddis Larva. Long story short, plan some days soon while we've got great flows...and next week will be gangbuster fishing if things go as planned, so get here!

Its time to make plans to get to the Arkansas River NOW! Check out our latest April Video Report Update Above!

Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 for up to the minute reports or if you have any questions about the other countless fly fishing opportunities in our area.

For guided trips on the Arkansas, other drainages and our private ranches..... Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 or CLICK HERE for more information.

Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 529 CFS

Canon City Flowrate: 577 CFS

Clarity: Clear to Slight Stain (3ft+)

The VFMP (Voluntary Flow Management Program) is in effect now with around 250cfs of release out of Twin Lakes. We will most likely see more adjustments in release over the course of the next few weeks as snowpack calculations/ water movement decisions are made at our contributing tailraces. The overall goal is to keep flows lower for Caddis Activity and continued Brown Trout Fry Emergence, however, with snowpack around 130% on the basin...release could be variable.

Suggested Methods

Its Spring on the Arkansas River Basin! We've got alot going on in Bighorn Canyon, but your main focuses at this point in time should be on Stonefly Molt and BWO lifecycle activity. We saw a massive return of BWO lifecycle activity this past weekend with a reduction in release and warming water temps. Have all 3 phases of BWO covered with a keen focus on nymphing in the mornings followed by short nymph rigs, dry/dropper and single dry hatch matcher rigs in the afternoons.

You will be best suited to prepare with some smaller Stonefly representations in multiple shades and weights in the mornings, followed by larger rubberleg style representations in the afternoons. Fish will also respond positively to free swimming Caddis larva and Cranefly larva. Lastly, water temps are closing in on 53 degrees on the warm days...so, we aren't far from Caddis!

Thursday 4/18, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 519 cfs

Water Temp.: Mid 40s - 50

Clarity: Good visibility in upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon, several feet of clarity. Poor conditions below Coaldale.

New Conditions Video above - posted 4/16/19!

(Scroll down for Spring Sale info)

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: April 27, May 11, May 25, June 1, June 15

Call 719-539-4223 or email [email protected] with questions or to make your reservation.

Thursday Report - Braden

***According to the BOR, they plan to reduce project water releases from Twin Lakes around April 24 with the goal being to match the releases to native inflows and minimize project water releases through May. What this means is that flows right now are pretty good and will be getting even better soon, dropping right in time for the heart of prime spring fishing. If you are on the fence about fishing the Arkansas in the next month, the next few weeks have the highest potential of the spring, and come at a time when other rivers are already entering their runoff.

*Both our Salida and Buena Vista shops will be closed on Easter Sunday.

Flows have stabilized over the past week in the 500 cfs range below Salida, and clarity is excellent. The movement of water from Twin Lakes during the winter and spring is being made in anticipation of the impending snowmelt during late May and June, with the goal being to move some water early in the spring and then reduce flows in late April and early May (if possible) to benefit the fishery before true runoff begins. Target flows for the river during the spring are between 250-400 cfs (which is the ideal flow range for the health of the local brown trout population and coincidentally ideal for spring hatches of mayflies, caddis, etc.), so we're a little above the ideal for this time of year. However, current flows are a significant improvement from the near 900 cfs we saw last week, and is a great level for both wade fishermen and float fishermen.

Anglers and guides are reporting success with shallow dry/dropper and nymph rigs focusing along the edges. Blue winged olive hatches have been strong around Salida the past two and a half weeks, and anglers are finding lots of fish keying onto the insects as they emerge. We've had lots of good dry fly fishing as a result! There's been a marked migration of the nymphs out of deeper water into the shallower riffle and edges, and the fish have followed them. Traditionally, these spring mayflies are #16-18, and are more likely to hatch in the afternoons on cloudy days. The overcast weather in the forecast the next few days could make for some exciting dry fly opportunities!

Water temperatures in the next week should finally prompt the beginning of our spring "Mother's Day" Caddis Hatch downstream of Salida. Stay tuned, as we will sound the horn at the first sign of the bugs!

The best time of day to fish is generally 9am to 5pm. Midges and baetis are your primary forage, but we've also sampled considerable numbers of golden stonefly nymphs, free-living caddis larva and cranefly larva. Golden stonefly nymphs, caddis larva and midge larva/pupa are realistic offerings for the morning, and attractor nymphs and blue winged olive patterns are good afternoon alternatives to match the active insect activity.

Salida Spring Sale Items

(Discontinued or previous years models):

Simms Waders ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Stockingfoot Wader Retail: $249.95, Sale: $150

Mens Freestone Pant Wader Retail: $229.95, Sale: $140

Simms Boots ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots Retail: $149.95, Sale: $90

Rock Creek Felt Boots Retail: $99.95, Sale: $60

Sale also includes:

Discontinued rods from Sage, Scott, Orvis, and Redington

Discontinued reels from Ross and Sage

Discontinued fly Lines from Rio and Scientific Anglers

(Call 719-539-3474 for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00.

Buena Vista Shop: 517 S. Highway 24, 719-395-1796 / Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00

Wednesday 4/17, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 534 cfs

Water Temp.: Mid 40s - 50

Clarity: Good visibility in upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon, several feet of clarity. Poor conditions below Coaldale.

New Conditions Video above - posted 4/16/19!

(Scroll down for Spring Sale info)

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: April 27, May 11, May 25, June 1, June 15

Call 719-539-4223 or email [email protected] with questions or to make your reservation.

Wednesday Report - Braden

***According to the BOR, they plan to reduce project water releases from Twin Lakes around April 24 with the goal being to match the releases to native inflows and minimize project water releases through May. What this means is that flows right now are pretty good and will be getting even better soon, dropping right in time for the heart of prime spring fishing. If you are on the fence about fishing the Arkansas in the next month, the next few weeks have the highest potential of the spring, and come at a time when other rivers are already entering their runoff.

Flows have stabilized over the past week in the 500 cfs range below Salida, and clarity is excellent. The movement of water from Twin Lakes during the winter and spring is being made in anticipation of the impending snowmelt during late May and June, with the goal being to move some water early in the spring and then reduce flows in late April and early May (if possible) to benefit the fishery before true runoff begins. Target flows for the river during the spring are between 250-400 cfs (which is the ideal flow range for the health of the local brown trout population and coincidentally ideal for spring hatches of mayflies, caddis, etc.), so we're a little above the ideal for this time of year. However, current flows are a significant improvement from the near 900 cfs we saw last week, and is a great level for both wade fishermen and float fishermen.

Anglers and guides are reporting success with shallow dry/dropper and nymph rigs focusing along the edges. Blue winged olive hatches have been strong around Salida the past two and a half weeks, and anglers are finding lots of fish keying onto the insects as they emerge. We've had lots of good dry fly fishing as a result! There's been a marked migration of the nymphs out of deeper water into the shallower riffle and edges, and the fish have followed them. Traditionally, these spring mayflies are #16-18, and are more likely to hatch in the afternoons on cloudy days. The overcast weather in the forecast the next few days could make for some exciting dry fly opportunities!

Water temperatures in the next week should finally prompt the beginning of our spring "Mother's Day" Caddis Hatch downstream of Salida. Stay tuned, as we will sound the horn at the first sign of the bugs!

The best time of day to fish is generally 9am to 5pm. Midges and baetis are your primary forage, but we've also sampled considerable numbers of golden stonefly nymphs, free-living caddis larva and cranefly larva. Golden stonefly nymphs, caddis larva and midge larva/pupa are realistic offerings for the morning, and attractor nymphs and blue winged olive patterns are good afternoon alternatives to match the active insect activity.

Salida Spring Sale Items

(Discontinued or previous years models):

Simms Waders ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Stockingfoot Wader Retail: $249.95, Sale: $150

Mens Freestone Pant Wader Retail: $229.95, Sale: $140

Simms Boots ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots Retail: $149.95, Sale: $90

Rock Creek Felt Boots Retail: $99.95, Sale: $60

Sale also includes:

Discontinued rods from Sage, Scott, Orvis, and Redington

Discontinued reels from Ross and Sage

Discontinued fly Lines from Rio and Scientific Anglers

(Call 719-539-3474 for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00.

Buena Vista Shop: 517 S. Highway 24, 719-395-1796 / Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00

Friday 4/12, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 496 cfs

Water Temp.: Mid 40s - 50

Clarity: Good visibility in upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon, several feet of clarity. Poor conditions below Coaldale.

New Conditions Video above - posted 4/16/19!

(Scroll down for Spring Sale info)

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

Call 719-539-4223 or email [email protected] with questions or to make your reservation.

Saturday Report - Daniel Haan

Flow releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir have dropped over the last two days leaving us around 500 cfs below Salida. The movement of water during the winter and spring is being made in anticipation of the impending snowmelt during late May and June, with the goal being to move some water early in the spring and then reduce flows in late April and early May (if possible) to benefit the fishery before true runoff begins. Target flows for the river during the spring are between 250-400 cfs (which is the ideal flow range for the health of the local brown trout population and coincidentally ideal for spring hatches of mayflies, caddis, etc.), so we're a little above the ideal for this time of year. The current flow limits the available habit that the fish are able to inhabit, and pushes them out towards the edges like we are accustomed to seeing in the summer months.

Due to increased flows, anglers are reporting success with shallow dry/dropper and nymph rigs focusing along the edges.

Blue winged olive hatches have been strong around Salida the past two and a half weeks, and anglers are reporting fish keying onto the insects as they emerge. There's been a marked migration of the nymphs out of deeper water into the shallower riffle and edges, and coinciding with the increase in flows, so have the fish. The afternoon heat of the past week has brought water temperatures up to the 50 degree mark, and foraging behavior has matched the increase in temperature. Traditionally, these spring mayflies are #16-18, and are more likely to hatch in the afternoons on cloudy days. The overcast weather in the forecast through the weekend could make for some exciting dry fly opportunities!

The best time of day to fish is generally 9am to 5pm. Midges and baetis are your primary forage, but we've also sampled considerable numbers of golden stonefly nymphs, free-living caddis larva and cranefly larva. Golden stonefly nymphs, caddis larva and midge larva/pupa are realistic offerings for the morning, and attractor nymphs and blue winged olive patterns are good afternoon alternatives to match the active insect activity.

Salida Spring Sale Items

(Discontinued or previous years models):

Simms Waders ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Stockingfoot Wader Retail: $249.95, Sale: $150

Mens Freestone Pant Wader Retail: $229.95, Sale: $140

Simms Boots ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots Retail: $149.95, Sale: $90

Rock Creek Felt Boots Retail: $99.95, Sale: $60

Sale also includes:

Discontinued rods from Sage, Scott, Orvis, and Redington

Discontinued reels from Ross and Sage

Discontinued fly Lines from Rio and Scientific Anglers

(Call 719-539-3474 for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00.

Buena Vista Shop: 517 S. Highway 24, 719-395-1796 / Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00

General Overview

This past weekend we saw flows stabilize just under 500cfs in Bighorn Canyon, and boy did the fish react positively to that reduction in release! In addition, it seems we may be able to hold flows at this level for the next few weeks (at least), as Lake Pueblo is nearing 100% capacity and there really is little native inflow (high level snow melt) into our upstream reservoirs at this point in time. Long story short, plan some days soon while we've got great flows...and the bug activity should continue to ramp up this week (BWOs and maybe even some substantial caddis activity)!Things returned to a BWO lifecycle focus this past weekend.

Its time to make plans to get to the Arkansas River NOW! Check out our latest April Video Report Update Above!

Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 for up to the minute reports or if you have any questions about the other countless fly fishing opportunities in our area.

For guided trips on the Arkansas, other drainages and our private ranches..... Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 or CLICK HERE for more information.

Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 487 CFS

Canon City Flowrate: 530 CFS

Clarity: Clear to Slight Stain (3ft+)

The VFMP (Voluntary Flow Management Program) is in effect now with around 250cfs of release out of Twin Lakes. We will most likely see more adjustments in release over the course of the next few weeks as snowpack calculations/ water movement decisions are made at our contributing tailraces. The overall goal is to keep flows lower for Caddis Activity and continued Brown Trout Fry Emergence, however, with snowpack around 130% on the basin...release could be variable.

Suggested Methods

Its Spring on the Arkansas River Basin! We've got alot going on in Bighorn Canyon, but your main focuses at this point in time should be on Stonefly Molt and BWO lifecycle activity. We saw a massive return of BWO lifecycle activity this past weekend with a reduction in release and warming water temps. Have all 3 phases of BWO covered with a keen focus on nymphing in the mornings followed by short nymph rigs, dry/dropper and single dry hatch matcher rigs in the afternoons.

You will be best suited to prepare with some smaller Stonefly representations in multiple shades and weights in the mornings, followed by larger rubberleg style representations in the afternoons. Fish will also respond positively to free swimming Caddis larva and Cranefly larva. Lastly, water temps are closing in on 53 degrees on the warm days...so, we aren't far from Caddis!

Friday 4/12, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 496 cfs

Water Temp.: Mid 40s - 50

Clarity: Good visibility in upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon, several feet of clarity. Poor conditions below Coaldale.

(Scroll down for Spring Sale info)

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

Call 719-539-4223 or email [email protected] with questions or to make your reservation.

Saturday Report - Daniel Haan

Flow releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir have dropped over the last two days leaving us around 500 cfs below Salida. The movement of water during the winter and spring is being made in anticipation of the impending snowmelt during late May and June, with the goal being to move some water early in the spring and then reduce flows in late April and early May (if possible) to benefit the fishery before true runoff begins. Target flows for the river during the spring are between 250-400 cfs (which is the ideal flow range for the health of the local brown trout population and coincidentally ideal for spring hatches of mayflies, caddis, etc.), so we're a little above the ideal for this time of year. The current flow limits the available habit that the fish are able to inhabit, and pushes them out towards the edges like we are accustomed to seeing in the summer months.

Due to increased flows, anglers are reporting success with shallow dry/dropper and nymph rigs focusing along the edges.

Blue winged olive hatches have been strong around Salida the past two and a half weeks, and anglers are reporting fish keying onto the insects as they emerge. There's been a marked migration of the nymphs out of deeper water into the shallower riffle and edges, and coinciding with the increase in flows, so have the fish. The afternoon heat of the past week has brought water temperatures up to the 50 degree mark, and foraging behavior has matched the increase in temperature. Traditionally, these spring mayflies are #16-18, and are more likely to hatch in the afternoons on cloudy days. The overcast weather in the forecast through the weekend could make for some exciting dry fly opportunities!

The best time of day to fish is generally 9am to 5pm. Midges and baetis are your primary forage, but we've also sampled considerable numbers of golden stonefly nymphs, free-living caddis larva and cranefly larva. Golden stonefly nymphs, caddis larva and midge larva/pupa are realistic offerings for the morning, and attractor nymphs and blue winged olive patterns are good afternoon alternatives to match the active insect activity.

Salida Spring Sale Items

(Discontinued or previous years models):

Simms Waders ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Stockingfoot Wader Retail: $249.95, Sale: $150

Mens Freestone Pant Wader Retail: $229.95, Sale: $140

Simms Boots ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots Retail: $149.95, Sale: $90

Rock Creek Felt Boots Retail: $99.95, Sale: $60

Sale also includes:

Discontinued rods from Sage, Scott, Orvis, and Redington

Discontinued reels from Ross and Sage

Discontinued fly Lines from Rio and Scientific Anglers

(Call 719-539-3474 for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00.

Buena Vista Shop: 517 S. Highway 24, 719-395-1796 / Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00

Friday 4/12, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 643 cfs

Water Temp.: Mid 40s - 50

Clarity: Good visibility in upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon, several feet of clarity. Poor conditions below Coaldale.

(Scroll down for Spring Sale info)

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

Call 719-539-4223 or email [email protected] with questions or to make your reservation.

***Flow Update - 3:35pm 4/11 - Due to precipitation recieved downstream this week, the Twin Lakes release will be reduced by a net 200 cfs by the end of today (4/11), and a net of 125 cfs tomorrow leaving us around 535 cfs at Wellsville over the weekend.

Friday Report - Braden Baker

Following increased project water releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir, we're now looking at flows in the mid-600s below Salida. This movement of water during the winter and spring is being made in anticipation of the impending snowmelt during late May and June, with the goal being to move some water early in the spring and then reduce flows in late April and early May (if possible) to benefit the fishery before true runoff begins. Target flows for the river during the spring are between 250-400 cfs (which is the ideal flow range for the health of the local brown trout population and coincidentally ideal for spring hatches of mayflies, caddis, etc.), so we're a little above the ideal for this time of year. The current flow limits the available habit that the fish are able to inhabit, and pushes them out towards the edges like we are accustomed to seeing in the summer months.

Due to increased flows, anglers are reporting success with shallow dry/dropper and nymph rigs focusing along the edges.

Blue winged olive hatches have been strong around Salida the past two and a half weeks, and anglers are reporting fish keying onto the insects as they emerge. There's been a marked migration of the nymphs out of deeper water into the shallower riffle and edges, and coinciding with the increase in flows, so have the fish. The afternoon heat of the past week has brought water temperatures up to the 50 degree mark, and foraging behavior has matched the increase in temperature. Traditionally, these spring mayflies are #16-18, and are more likely to hatch in the afternoons on cloudy days. The overcast weather in the forecast through the weekend could make for some exciting dry fly opportunities!

The best time of day to fish is generally 9am to 5pm. Midges and baetis are your primary forage, but we've also sampled considerable numbers of golden stonefly nymphs, free-living caddis larva and cranefly larva. Golden stonefly nymphs, caddis larva and midge larva/pupa are realistic offerings for the morning, and attractor nymphs and blue winged olive patterns are good afternoon alternatives to match the active insect activity.

Salida Spring Sale Items

(Discontinued or previous years models):

Simms Waders ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Stockingfoot Wader Retail: $249.95, Sale: $150

Mens Freestone Pant Wader Retail: $229.95, Sale: $140

Simms Boots ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots Retail: $149.95, Sale: $90

Rock Creek Felt Boots Retail: $99.95, Sale: $60

Sale also includes:

Discontinued rods from Sage, Scott, Orvis, and Redington

Discontinued reels from Ross and Sage

Discontinued fly Lines from Rio and Scientific Anglers

(Call 719-539-3474 for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00.

Buena Vista Shop: 517 S. Highway 24, 719-395-1796 / Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00-5:00.

General Overview

After a release of nearly 300cfs on April 9th, by the end of today we'll see an overall reduction in release of just over 300cfs over the last 48hrs. Flows should land at right around 500cfs at the Wellsville gauge within 24hrs. The initial release was obviously not ideal due to the edge scouring and it has also pushed fish around quite a bit. However, with high snowpack and more snow in the mountains over the last few days, these release adjustments are just part of BOR's process. Remember, fish always feed hard on falling flows and as soon as things stabilize the trout population will settle into more standard Spring feeding lies again. Its BOR's goal to maintain flows as low as possible for Caddis activity, however, flows may need to be adjusted again.

Over the last several days fish have been very opportunistic on bigger Rubberleg Stones, Caddis Larva and Streamers, and productivity has been there for those that like to cover water. The edge scouring from the releases is beginning to settle, so we have already seen dramatically better clarity over the last 24hrs (2-3ft of Visibility in Upper Bighorn Canyon). Remember, there are limitless great options within 30 minutes of Canon City, including the Arkansas Tailwater (which has been incredible).

Its time to make plans to get to the Arkansas River NOW! Check out our latest April Video Report Update Above!

Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 for up to the minute reports or if you have any questions about the other countless fly fishing opportunities in our area.

For guided trips on the Arkansas, other drainages and our private ranches..... Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 or CLICK HERE for more information.

Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 648 CFS (Decreasing another 125cfs TODAY)

Canon City Flowrate: 671 CFS

Clarity: Stained to Clearing (2-3ft of Viz)

The VFMP (Voluntary Flow Management Program) is in effect now with around 250cfs of release out of Twin Lakes. We will most likely see more adjustments in release over the course of the next few weeks as snowpack calculations/ water movement decisions are made at our contributing tailraces. The overall goal is to keep flows lower for Caddis Activity and continued Brown Trout Fry Emergence, however, with snowpack over 150% on the basin...release could be variable.

Suggested Methods

Its Spring on the Arkansas River Basin! We've got alot going on in Bighorn Canyon, but your main focuses should be on Stonefly Molt and BWO lifecycle activity. More consistent warm days will move things along rapidly, and with the exception of a few cooler overcast days (which are great for BWO hatches), it doesn't look like any big arctic fronts in our future.

You will be best suited to prepare with some smaller Stonefly representations in multiple shades and weights. Fish will also respond well to free swimming Caddis larva and Cranefly larva. There will be a continuation of heavy Midge activity in early April, but fish have already migrated heavily to the BWO lifecycle.

*Remember Caddis Lifecycle activity isn't far away...be ready!

Thursday 4/11, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 860 cfs

Water Temp.: Mid 40s - 50

Clarity: Good visibility in upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon, several feet of clarity. Poor conditions below Coaldale.

(Scroll down for Spring Sale info)

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

Call 719-539-4223 or email [email protected] with questions or to make your reservation.

***Flow Update - 3:35pm - Due to precipitation recieved downstream this week, the Twin Lakes release will be reduced by a net 200 cfs by the end of today (4/11), and a net of 125 cfs tomorrow leaving us around 535 cfs at Wellsville over the weekend.

Thursday Report - Braden Baker

Following increased project water releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir, we're now looking at flows in the mid-800s below Salida. A net increase of ~300 cfs has taken place in the past few days. This movement of water during the winter and spring is being made in anticipation of the impending snowmelt during late May and June, with the goal being to move some water early in the spring and then reduce flows in late April and early May (if possible) to benefit the fishery before true runoff begins. Target flows for the river during the spring are between 250-400 cfs (which is the ideal flow range for the health of the local brown trout population and coincidentally ideal for spring hatches of mayflies, caddis, etc.), so we're a little above the ideal for this time of year. The current flow limits the available habit that the fish are able to inhabit, and pushes them out towards the edges like we are accustomed to seeing in the summer months.

Due to increased flows, anglers are reporting success with shallow dry/dropper and nymph rigs focusing along the edges.

Blue winged olive hatches have been strong around Salida the past two and a half weeks, and anglers are reporting fish keying onto the insects as they emerge. There's been a marked migration of the nymphs out of deeper water into the shallower riffle and edges, and coinciding with the increase in flows, so have the fish. The afternoon heat of the past week has brought water temperatures up to the 50 degree mark, and foraging behavior has matched the increase in temperature. Traditionally, these spring mayflies are #16-18, and are more likely to hatch in the afternoons on cloudy days. The overcast weather in the forecast through the weekend could make for some exciting dry fly opportunities!

The best time of day to fish is generally 9am to 5pm. Midges and baetis are your primary forage, but we've also sampled considerable numbers of golden stonefly nymphs, free-living caddis larva and cranefly larva. Golden stonefly nymphs, caddis larva and midge larva/pupa are realistic offerings for the morning, and attractor nymphs and blue winged olive patterns are good afternoon alternatives to match the active insect activity.

Salida Spring Sale Items

(Discontinued or previous years models):

Simms Waders ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Stockingfoot Wader Retail: $249.95, Sale: $150

Mens Freestone Pant Wader Retail: $229.95, Sale: $140

Simms Boots ~40% off!

Mens Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots Retail: $149.95, Sale: $90

Rock Creek Felt Boots Retail: $99.95, Sale: $60

Sale also includes:

Discontinued rods from Sage, Scott, Orvis, and Redington

Discontinued reels from Ross and Sage

Discontinued fly Lines from Rio and Scientific Anglers

(Call 719-539-3474 for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:00-6:00, Sunday 8:00-5:00.

Buena Vista Shop: 517 S. Highway 24, 719-395-1796 / Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00-5:00.

General Overview

Flows are now at around 850cfs at the Wellsville gauge (575cfs of release water), and this is after a bump of 300cfs in the last 72 hours. Fish have bumped to the edges and soft water pockets where we've still got some strong clarity, making it a bit more like Summertime fishing. However, we were just notified that release out of Twin Lakes will be reduced by 200cfs TODAY, so that will improve conditions dramatically (flows should be in the 650cfs range tomorrow). In general, fish have been very opportunistic on bigger Rubberleg Stones, Caddis Larva and Streamers, and productivity has been there for those that like to cover water. The edge scouring from the releases is beginning to settle, so we should see dramatically better clarity in the next 24hrs along with better water temps with a bit of a warm-up as we head into the weekend. This flowrate is fine to wade, however crossing the river is not advised in many locations...for those of you that are floating, you've got some easy water for that. Remember, there are limitless great options within 30 minutes of Canon City, including the Arkansas Tailwater (which has been incredible).

Its time to make plans to get to the Arkansas River NOW! Check out our latest April Video Report Update Above!

Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 for up to the minute reports or if you have any questions about the other countless fly fishing opportunities in our area.

For guided trips on the Arkansas, other drainages and our private ranches..... Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 or CLICK HERE for more information.

Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 862 CFS (Decreasing by 200cfs TODAY)

Canon City Flowrate: 931 CFS

Clarity: Clear Edges (off-color center current tongue from edge scouring)

The VFMP (Voluntary Flow Management Program) is in effect now with around 575cfs of release out of Twin Lakes. We will continue to see a release at this level until April 15th due to the current snowpack levels (close to 150% of average) in order to make room for incoming snow melt in Late May. On April 15th, we should see a substantial reduction (200cfs or so) for Caddis Activity.

Suggested Methods

Its Spring on the Arkansas River Basin! We've got alot going on in Bighorn Canyon, but your main focuses should be on Stonefly Molt and BWO lifecycle activity. More consistent warm days will move things along rapidly, and with the exception of a few cooler overcast days (which are great for BWO hatches), it doesn't look like any big arctic fronts in our future.

You will be best suited to prepare with some smaller Stonefly representations in multiple shades and weights. Fish will also respond well to free swimming Caddis larva and Cranefly larva. There will be a continuation of heavy Midge activity in early April, but fish have already migrated heavily to the BWO lifecycle.

*Remember Caddis Lifecycle activity isn't far away...be ready!