Arkansas River
Lower

Monday 2/19, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 300 cfs

Water Temp.: Mid-High 30s

Clarity: Some ice flows on the coldest mornings. Clarity has been good upstream of Vallie Bridge, but below Coaldale, conditions are still poor following runoff from the Hayden Pass Fire burnscar. Considerable shelf ice in the lower basin in shaded regions.

(Scroll down for New Year Sale info)

Spring Rowing School: March 27-31

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

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

Monday Report - Braden Baker

Following increased project water releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir, we're now looking at flows around 300 cfs below Salida. This movement of water during the winter and spring is being made in an attempt to protect the fishery during the critical months of spring, when brown trout fry emerge from the redds, several key hatches occur, and our resident trout are able to feed in preparation for the high water season of summer. Rather than purge Twin Lakes and Turquoise Reservoir later in the spring to make room for incoming runoff and imported water, endangering that critical spring season with higher flows and over-stressing the fish, water managers move a small amount of water throughout the winter and spring to prepare for the eventual snowmelt. With target flows for the river during the spring being 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.), the gradual release will help ensure that our brown trout fry are able to get safely established, that the critical spring hatches are successful and available to the fish, and that Arkansas River trout are in peak condition heading into the stresses of runoff and summer flows.

The river is quite slushy this morning from the colder night last night. The forecast is calling for tempuratures to be in the mid to upper 20's today which wont allow for much of a warm up on the river and the slush will most likely remain throughout the morning. The last few days with warmer tempuratures were very productive however and the forecast shows a slightly warmer week ahead which could result in some good opportunities. The best time of day to fish is generally 10am to 3pm, during the warmest and sunniest hours. Guide trips are reporting excellent mid-day fish feeding activity, primarily on midges, and great luck on larger attractors like stonefly nymphs. This is the time of year when we begin to encounter molting stonefly nymphs vulnerable in the river, so stonefly nymph patterns become true forage options rather than mere attractors. We've also had scattered reports of good success on flies imitating both caddis larva and immature baetis nymphs. This would indicate that the spring behavioral drifts of these insect varieties are underway, and these fly imitations will be increasingly effective as we move towards the hatches of spring.

Fish are congregated together in some of the deeper runs and pools typical of winter. However, on warmer days fish will move into the shallows to feed on daily insect drifts. Depth is critical during these months, so cover water thoroughly by adjusting weight and depth. A slow, methodical approach can pay big dividends.

FYI Salida East is no longer a free access point! Prepare for day fees as you would the other recreation area sites.

Salida New Year Sale Items at 15-50% off (Discontinued or previous years models):

Waders:

Freestone Z Wader

Freestone Stockingfoot Wader

Freestone Pant Wader

Boots:

Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots

Vaportread Rubber Boots

Rock Creek Felt Boots

Rods:

9 4wt. 4pc. Sage Method

9 6wt. 4pc. Sage Approach

9 4wt. 4pc. Approach Outfit w/ Sage 2230 Reel

9 6wt. 4pc. Scott A4

9 6wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

9 5wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

Reels:

Ross Animas: 4/5, 5/6 (Past season model)

Ross Cimarron 2: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

Ross Rapid 3/4

Fly Lines:

Rio Lines, Fresh and Salt (Past season models)

Scientific Anglers Sharkwave Textured

Scientific Anglers Wavelength Textured

Misc:

ArkAnglers L/S logo fishing shirts

Orvis Clearwater Vests (Past season model)

Select packs from Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia (Past season models)

And MORE!

(Call for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Sunday 8:30-3:00.

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

Friday 2/15, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 335 cfs

Water Temp.: High 30s

Clarity: Some ice flows on the coldest mornings. Clarity has been good upstream of Vallie Bridge, but below Coaldale, conditions are still poor following runoff from the Hayden Pass Fire burnscar. Considerable shelf ice in the lower basin in shaded regions.

(Scroll down for New Year Sale info)

Spring Rowing School: March 27-31

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

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

Friday Report - Braden Baker

Following increased project water releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir, we're now looking at flows around 335 cfs below Salida. This movement of water during the winter and spring is being made in an attempt to protect the fishery during the critical months of spring, when brown trout fry emerge from the redds, several key hatches occur, and our resident trout are able to feed in preparation for the high water season of summer. Rather than purge Twin Lakes and Turquoise Reservoir later in the spring to make room for incoming runoff and imported water, endangering that critical spring season with higher flows and over-stressing the fish, water managers move a small amount of water throughout the winter and spring to prepare for the eventual snowmelt. With target flows for the river during the spring being 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.), the gradual release will help ensure that our brown trout fry are able to get safely established, that the critical spring hatches are successful and available to the fish, and that Arkansas River trout are in peak condition heading into the stresses of runoff and summer flows.

The high in Salida today should be around 46 degrees, and following several warmer days and nights is flowing slush-free this morning. We've had great reports from anglers the past couple of days, as the warmth has motivated fish into strong feeding activity. The best time of day to fish is generally 10am to 3pm, during the warmest and sunniest hours. Guide trips are reporting excellent mid-day fish feeding activity, primarily on midges, and great luck on larger attractors like stonefly nymphs. This is the time of year when we begin to encounter molting stonefly nymphs vulnerable in the river, so stonefly nymph patterns become true forage options rather than mere attractors. We've also had scattered reports of good success on flies imitating both caddis larva and immature baetis nymphs. This would indicate that the spring behavioral drifts of these insect varieties are underway, and these fly imitations will be increasingly effective as we move towards the hatches of spring.

Fish are congregated together in some of the deeper runs and pools typical of winter. However, on warmer days fish will move into the shallows to feed on daily insect drifts. Depth is critical during these months, so cover water thoroughly by adjusting weight and depth. A slow, methodical approach can pay big dividends.

FYI Salida East is no longer a free access point! Prepare for day fees as you would the other recreation area sites.

Salida New Year Sale Items at 15-50% off (Discontinued or previous years models):

Waders:

Freestone Z Wader

Freestone Stockingfoot Wader

Freestone Pant Wader

Boots:

Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots

Vaportread Rubber Boots

Rock Creek Felt Boots

Rods:

9 4wt. 4pc. Sage Method

9 6wt. 4pc. Sage Approach

9 4wt. 4pc. Approach Outfit w/ Sage 2230 Reel

9 6wt. 4pc. Scott A4

9 6wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

9 5wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

Reels:

Ross Animas: 4/5, 5/6 (Past season model)

Ross Cimarron 2: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

Ross Rapid 3/4

Fly Lines:

Rio Lines, Fresh and Salt (Past season models)

Scientific Anglers Sharkwave Textured

Scientific Anglers Wavelength Textured

Misc:

ArkAnglers L/S logo fishing shirts

Orvis Clearwater Vests (Past season model)

Select packs from Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia (Past season models)

And MORE!

(Call for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Sunday 8:30-3:00.

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

Wednesday 2/13, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: ~300 cfs

Water Temp.: High 30s

Clarity: Some ice flows on the coldest mornings. Clarity has been good upstream of Vallie Bridge, but below Coaldale, conditions are still poor following runoff from the Hayden Pass Fire burnscar. Considerable shelf ice in the lower basin in shaded regions.

(Scroll down for New Year Sale info)

Spring Rowing School: March 27-31

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

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

Tuesday Report - Braden Baker

Following increased project water releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir, we're now looking at flows around 300 cfs below Salida. This movement of water during the winter and spring is being made in an attempt to protect the fishery during the critical months of spring, when brown trout fry emerge from the redds, several key hatches occur, and our resident trout are able to feed in preparation for the high water season of summer. Rather than purge Twin Lakes and Turquoise Reservoir later in the spring to make room for incoming runoff and imported water, endangering that critical spring season with higher flows and over-stressing the fish, water managers move a small amount of water throughout the winter and spring to prepare for the eventual snowmelt. With target flows for the river during the spring being 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.), the gradual release will help ensure that our brown trout fry are able to get safely established, that the critical spring hatches are successful and available to the fish, and that Arkansas River trout are in peak condition heading into the stresses of runoff and summer flows.

The high in Salida today should be around 43 degrees, and we'll be seeing daytime temperatures in the 40s the rest of the week. These are great conditions for winter fishing on the Arkansas.

The best hours of the day are generally 10am to 3pm, at the warmest time of day. Guide trips are reporting excellent mid-day fish feeding activity, primarily on midges, and great luck on larger attractors like stonefly nymphs. This is the time of year when we begin to encounter molting stonefly nymphs vulnerable in the river, so stonefly nymph patterns become true forage options rather than mere attractors.

Fish are congregated together in some of the deeper runs and pools typical of winter. However, on warmer days fish will move into the shallows to feed on daily insect drifts. Depth is critical during these months, so cover water thoroughly by adjusting weight and depth. A slow, methodical approach can pay big dividends.

FYI Salida East is no longer a free access point! Prepare for day fees as you would the other recreation area sites.

Salida New Year Sale Items at 15-50% off (Discontinued or previous years models):

Waders:

Freestone Z Wader

Freestone Stockingfoot Wader

Freestone Pant Wader

Boots:

Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots

Vaportread Rubber Boots

Rock Creek Felt Boots

Rods:

9 4wt. 4pc. Sage Method

9 6wt. 4pc. Sage Approach

9 4wt. 4pc. Approach Outfit w/ Sage 2230 Reel

9 6wt. 4pc. Scott A4

9 6wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

9 5wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

Reels:

Ross Animas: 4/5, 5/6 (Past season model)

Ross Cimarron 2: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

Ross Rapid 3/4

Fly Lines:

Rio Lines, Fresh and Salt (Past season models)

Scientific Anglers Sharkwave Textured

Scientific Anglers Wavelength Textured

Misc:

ArkAnglers L/S logo fishing shirts

Orvis Clearwater Vests (Past season model)

Select packs from Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia (Past season models)

And MORE!

(Call for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Sunday 8:30-3:00.

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

Tuesday 2/12, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: ~300 cfs

Water Temp.: High 30s

Clarity: Some ice flows on the coldest mornings. Clarity has been good upstream of Vallie Bridge, but below Coaldale, conditions are still poor following runoff from the Hayden Pass Fire burnscar. Considerable shelf ice in the lower basin in shaded regions.

(Scroll down for New Year Sale info)

Spring Rowing School: March 27-31

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

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

Tuesday Report - Braden Baker

Following increased project water releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir, we're now looking at flows around 300 cfs below Salida. This movement of water during the winter and spring is being made in an attempt to protect the fishery during the critical months of spring, when several key hatches occur and our resident trout are able to feed in preparation for the high water season of summer. Rather than purge Twin Lakes later in the spring to make room for incoming runoff, endangering that critical hatch season with higher flows and over-stressing the fish, water managers move a small amount of water throughout the winter and spring to prepare for the eventual snowmelt. With target flows for the river during the spring being between 200-400 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.), the gradual release will help ensure that our paramount spring hatches occur and that Arkansas River trout are in peak condition heading into the stresses of runoff and summer flows.

The high in Salida today should be around 43 degrees, and we'll be seeing daytime temperatures in the 40s the rest of the week. These are great conditions for winter fishing on the Arkansas.

The best hours of the day are generally 10am to 3pm, at the warmest time of day. Guide trips are reporting excellent mid-day fish feeding activity, primarily on midges, and great luck on larger attractors like stonefly nymphs. This is the time of year when we begin to encounter molting stonefly nymphs vulnerable in the river, so stonefly nymph patterns become true forage options rather than mere attractors.

Fish are congregated together in some of the deeper runs and pools typical of winter. However, on warmer days fish will move into the shallows to feed on daily insect drifts. Depth is critical during these months, so cover water thoroughly by adjusting weight and depth. A slow, methodical approach can pay big dividends.

FYI Salida East is no longer a free access point! Prepare for day fees as you would the other recreation area sites.

Salida New Year Sale Items at 15-50% off (Discontinued or previous years models):

Waders:

Freestone Z Wader

Freestone Stockingfoot Wader

Freestone Pant Wader

Boots:

Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots

Vaportread Rubber Boots

Rock Creek Felt Boots

Rods:

9 4wt. 4pc. Sage Method

9 6wt. 4pc. Sage Approach

9 4wt. 4pc. Approach Outfit w/ Sage 2230 Reel

9 6wt. 4pc. Scott A4

9 6wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

9 5wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

Reels:

Ross Animas: 4/5, 5/6 (Past season model)

Ross Cimarron 2: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

Ross Rapid 3/4

Fly Lines:

Rio Lines, Fresh and Salt (Past season models)

Scientific Anglers Sharkwave Textured

Scientific Anglers Wavelength Textured

Misc:

ArkAnglers L/S logo fishing shirts

Orvis Clearwater Vests (Past season model)

Select packs from Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia (Past season models)

And MORE!

(Call for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Sunday 8:30-3:00.

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

Monday 2/11, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 308 cfs

Water Temp.: 30s

Clarity: Some ice flows on the coldest mornings. Clarity has been good upstream of Vallie Bridge, but below Coaldale, conditions are still poor following runoff from the Hayden Pass Fire burnscar. Considerable shelf ice in the lower basin in shaded regions.

(Scroll down for New Year Sale info)

Spring Rowing School: March 27-31

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

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

Monday Report - Braden Baker

Following increased project water releases from Twin Lakes to Pueblo Reservoir, we're now looking at flows just above 300 cfs around Salida. The high in Salida today should be around 36 degrees, and we'll be seeing daytime temperatures in the 40s the rest of the week. These are great conditions for winter fishing on the Arkansas.

The best hours of the day are generally 10am to 3pm, at the warmest time of day. Guide trips are reporting excellent mid-day fish feeding activity, primarily on midges, and great luck on larger attractors like stonefly nymphs. This is the time of year when we begin to encounter molting stonefly nymphs vulnerable in the river, so stonefly nymph patterns become true forage options rather than mere attractors.

Fish are congregated together in some of the deeper runs and pools typical of winter. However, on warmer days fish will move into the shallows to feed on daily insect drifts. Depth is critical during these months, so cover water thoroughly by adjusting weight and depth. A slow, methodical approach can pay big dividends.

FYI Salida East is no longer a free access point! Prepare for day fees as you would the other recreation area sites.

Salida New Year Sale Items at 15-50% off (Discontinued or previous years models):

Waders:

Freestone Z Wader

Freestone Stockingfoot Wader

Freestone Pant Wader

Boots:

Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots

Vaportread Rubber Boots

Rock Creek Felt Boots

Rods:

9 4wt. 4pc. Sage Method

9 6wt. 4pc. Sage Approach

9 4wt. 4pc. Approach Outfit w/ Sage 2230 Reel

9 6wt. 4pc. Scott A4

9 6wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

9 5wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

Reels:

Ross Animas: 4/5, 5/6 (Past season model)

Ross Cimarron 2: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

Ross Rapid 3/4

Fly Lines:

Rio Lines, Fresh and Salt (Past season models)

Scientific Anglers Sharkwave Textured

Scientific Anglers Wavelength Textured

Misc:

ArkAnglers L/S logo fishing shirts

Orvis Clearwater Vests (Past season model)

Select packs from Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia (Past season models)

And MORE!

(Call for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Sunday 8:30-3:00.

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

General Overview

Its been a cold few days, with negatives in Canon City the last few evenings. However, we'll have a good warm up this weekend through next week, so we should see some productive fishing...and the stonefly molt isn't far away! It will be best to focus your efforts in Canon City or Upper Bighorn Canyon until late February, as there is considerable shelf ice in the lower canyon.

Water temps have been fluctuating with cooler weather, which will affect the fishing dramatically. Its best to focus on warm days that are preceded by a warm overnight low. In addition focus your efforts between the hours of 11AM and 3PM.

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: 210 CFS

Canon City Flowrate: 243 CFS

Clarity: Clear (On Warm Days some Shelf Ice Melt will stain the water from Texas Creek Downstream)

The VFMP (Voluntary Flow Management Program) is finished for the year and flows are now at close to native on the Arkansas Freestone. Clarity has been very good, while flows are lower than average and closer to our early Springtime levels.

Suggested Methods

We've entered the Winter season on the Arkansas River Basin. While there will be some cold, less opportune days to be on the river...remember, that the Lower Basin is in the Banana Belt of Colorado and receives much warmer weather than much of the state. Watch the weather and look for days in the 40's and 50's with overnight lows around 30 degrees...those will be the days when you can expect fair productivity. On the bug scene, much of what we focus on is in the Midge lifecycle along with our standard staples of Stoneflies, Caddis Larva and BWO nymphs. Focus your efforts on the substrate in deeper tail-outs.

Wednesday 2/6, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 260 cfs

Water Temp.: 30s

Clarity: Some ice flows on the coldest mornings. Clarity has been good upstream of Vallie Bridge, but below Coaldale, conditions are still poor following runoff from the Hayden Pass Fire burnscar. Considerable shelf ice in the lower basin in shaded regions.

(Scroll down for New Year Sale info)

Spring Rowing School: March 27-31

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

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

Wednesday Report - Braden Baker

The high in Salida today should be around 36 degrees, and following warmer temperatures last night, there is little to no slush in the river first thing this morning. The challenge today will be wind; a front is moving in which will make Thursday and Friday considerably colder. Through the weekend, be prepared for morning slush flows that last until 10:30 or 11am. Once you can get a successful drift, fish will already be seeking food.

The best hours of the day are generally 10am to 3pm, at the warmest time of day. Guide trips are reporting excellent mid-day fish feeding activity, primarily on midges, and great luck on larger attractors like stonefly nymphs. Fish are congregated together in some of the deeper runs and pools typical of winter. However, on warmer days fish will move into the shallows to feed on daily insect drifts. Depth is critical during these months, so cover water thoroughly by adjusting weight and depth. A slow, methodical approach can pay big dividends.

FYI Salida East is no longer a free access point! Prepare for day fees as you would the other recreation area sites.

Salida New Year Sale Items at 15-50% off (Discontinued or previous years models):

Waders:

Freestone Z Wader

Freestone Stockingfoot Wader

Freestone Pant Wader

Boots:

Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots

Vaportread Rubber Boots

Rock Creek Felt Boots

Rods:

9 4wt. 4pc. Sage Method

9 6wt. 4pc. Sage Approach

9 4wt. 4pc. Approach Outfit w/ Sage 2230 Reel

9 6wt. 4pc. Scott A4

9 6wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

Reels:

Ross Animas: 4/4, 4/5, 5/6 (Past season model)

Ross Cimarron 2: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

Ross Rapid 3/4

Sage 3230

Fly Lines:

Rio Lines, Fresh and Salt (Past season models)

Scientific Anglers Sharkwave Textured

Scientific Anglers Wavelength Textured

Misc:

ArkAnglers L/S logo fishing shirts

Orvis Clearwater Vests (Past season model)

Select packs from Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia (Past season models)

And MORE!

(Call for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Sunday 8:30-3:00.

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

Tuesday 2/5, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 260 cfs

Water Temp.: 30s

Clarity: Some ice flows on the coldest mornings. Clarity has been good upstream of Vallie Bridge, but below Coaldale, conditions are still poor following runoff from the Hayden Pass Fire burnscar. Considerable shelf ice in the lower basin in shaded regions.

(Scroll down for New Year Sale info)

Spring Rowing School: March 27-31

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

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

Tuesday Report - Braden Baker

The high in Salida today should be around 45 degrees, and following warmer temperatures last night, there is little to no slush in the river first thing this morning. These are ideal conditions for February. Even through the cooler temperatures of the weekend, we saw fish feeding heavily during the warmest hours of the day, a trend that should continue for several weeks to come. Later this week temperatures drop again, so be prepared for morning slush flows that last until 10:30 or 11am. Once you can get a successful drift, fish will already be seeking food.

The best hours of the day are generally 10am to 3pm, at the warmest time of day. Guide trips are reporting excellent mid-day fish feeding activity, primarily on midges, and great luck on larger attractors like stonefly nymphs. Fish are congregated together in some of the deeper runs and pools typical of winter. However, on warmer days fish will move into the shallows to feed on daily insect drifts. Depth is critical during these months, so cover water thoroughly by adjusting weight and depth. A slow, methodical approach can pay big dividends.

FYI Salida East is no longer a free access point! Prepare for day fees as you would the other recreation area sites.

Salida New Year Sale Items at 15-50% off (Discontinued or previous years models):

Waders:

Freestone Z Wader

Freestone Stockingfoot Wader

Freestone Pant Wader

Boots:

Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots

Vaportread Rubber Boots

Rock Creek Felt Boots

Rods:

9 4wt. 4pc. Sage Method

9 6wt. 4pc. Sage Approach

9 4wt. 4pc. Approach Outfit w/ Sage 2230 Reel

9 6wt. 4pc. Scott A4

9 6wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

Reels:

Ross Animas: 4/4, 4/5, 5/6 (Past season model)

Ross Cimarron 2: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

Ross Rapid 3/4

Sage 3230

Fly Lines:

Rio Lines, Fresh and Salt (Past season models)

Scientific Anglers Sharkwave Textured

Scientific Anglers Wavelength Textured

Misc:

ArkAnglers L/S logo fishing shirts

Orvis Clearwater Vests (Past season model)

Select packs from Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia (Past season models)

And MORE!

(Call for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Sunday 8:30-3:00.

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

Wednesday 1/30, 2019

Flow at Wellsville: 220 cfs

Water Temp.: 30s

Clarity: Some ice flows on the coldest mornings. Clarity has been good upstream of Vallie Bridge, but below Coaldale, conditions are still poor following runoff from the Hayden Pass Fire burnscar. Considerable shelf ice in the lower basin in shaded regions.

(Scroll down for New Year Sale info)

Spring Rowing School: March 27-31

Spring 101 Fly Fishing Class Dates: March 23, April 13, April 27, May 11, June 1

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

Wednesday Report - Braden Baker

The high in Salida today should be around 40 degrees, and should be in the 40s through the weekend. These are prime daytime tepmperatures for January and February. Even through the cooler temperatures of the weekend, we saw fish feeding heavily during the warmest hours of the day, a trend that should continue for several weeks to come. Morning slush flows following colder nighttime temperatures may last until 10:30 or 11am, but once you can get a successful drift, fish are already seeking food.

The best hours of the day are generally 10am to 3pm, at the warmest time of day. Guide trips are reporting excellent mid-day fish feeding activity, primarily on midges, and great luck on larger attractors like stonefly nymphs. Fish are congregated together in some of the deeper runs and pools typical of winter. However, on warmer days fish will move into the shallows to feed on daily insect drifts. Depth is critical during these months, so cover water thoroughly by adjusting weight and depth. A slow, methodical approach can pay big dividends.

FYI Salida East is no longer a free access point! Prepare for day fees as you would the other recreation area sites.

Salida New Year Sale Items at 15-50% off (Discontinued or previous years models):

Waders:

Freestone Z Wader

Freestone Stockingfoot Wader

Freestone Pant Wader

Boots:

Freestone Felt and Vibram Boots

Vaportread Rubber Boots

Rock Creek Felt Boots

Rods:

9 4wt. 4pc. Sage Method

9 6wt. 4pc. Sage Approach

9 4wt. 4pc. Approach Outfit w/ Sage 2230 Reel

9 6wt. 4pc. Scott A4

9 6wt. 4pc. Redington Path (Past season model)

Reels:

Ross Animas: 4/4, 4/5, 5/6 (Past season model)

Ross Cimarron 2: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6

Ross Rapid 3/4

Sage 3230

Fly Lines:

Rio Lines, Fresh and Salt (Past season models)

Scientific Anglers Sharkwave Textured

Scientific Anglers Wavelength Textured

Misc:

ArkAnglers L/S logo fishing shirts

Orvis Clearwater Vests (Past season model)

Select packs from Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia (Past season models)

And MORE!

(Call for specific pricing and sizes.)

Salida Shop: 7500 W. Highway 50, 719-539-4223 / Open Monday-Saturday 8:30-5:30, Sunday 8:30-3:00.

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