August 12th, 2026

Arkansas Freestone (Lower Basin)

We’ve got some FryArk release water in the system now, bringing flows at Wellsville to approximately 250 cfs. The remainder of the week (next ten days) looks much cooler, with overcast conditions and good chances for evening rain. With additional moisture in the forecast, don’t be surprised to see flows bump or an occasional off-color slug move through the system. Even so, there should be plenty of quality, fish-able water to choose from, and the change in weather should have the fish very happy. While flows remain well below average, the fish are healthy and have been very active feeders during the cooler morning and evening windows. Water temperatures are maintaining within a safe fishing range during these periods, and, importantly, dissolved oxygen levels remain strong. Historically, trout populations on the Arkansas Freestone have performed very well during low-water years, benefiting from reduced fitness demands in lighter current and productive hatches associated with consistent conditions. This year is proving no different.

Dry fly and dry/dropper fishing has been strong from daybreak through the morning, with another significant uptick in activity from roughly 6 PM until dark. Streamer anglers have also been rewarded, particularly during lower-light evening conditions. For those who prefer to nymph, there are plenty of productive opportunities throughout the cooler portions of the day.

We strongly encourage anglers to monitor water temperatures and generally avoid fishing from 1 PM to 6 PM. Give the trout a break during the warmest part of the day and help protect the resource. One major benefit of the lower flows is exceptional access. This year is presenting some of the best late-summer wade fishing opportunities we’ve seen since 2012, while current flows still provide options for floating. At these levels, very little public water is out of reach for anglers on foot, opening up an incredible amount of river to explore.

Whether you’re wading or floating, we continue to lean heavily on dry/dropper and dry/double-dropper rigs, while the streamer bite has been exceptional during periods of lower light. Get out early, take advantage of the evening window, and enjoy these prime summer weeks while they last.

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We're moving through the tail end of the Summer Season and already pre-booking for the fantastic Fall Season! Call us today to get a trip on the books if that is something you're considering! 719-371-4530 or CLICK HERE for more information.

Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 249 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 175 cfs

Clarity- Clear 

Suggested Methods

We’re definitely beginning to transition into the early fall window on the Arkansas, and our guides are seeing an increasingly diverse mix of bugs on the water. Along with Hoppers, flying Ants, Yellow Sallies, Craneflies and Caddis, we’re now seeing more active Pseudocloeon Baetis (Fall BWOs) and Tricos. That diversity means anglers should be prepared to adjust fly size and rigging throughout the day as fish key in on different food sources.

Dry/Dropper and Dry/Double Dropper rigs remain our focal methods, with traditional nymphing as needed. We typically like a bushy foam dry up top with a heavier attractor nymph—Yellow Sally, Caddis, Red Quill or similar—in the middle position. From there, trail a smaller Trico or BWO nymph to match the increasingly important late-summer and early-fall mayfly activity. These same patterns can easily be transitioned into a traditional nymph rig when fish aren't looking up.

For the streamer junkies, this is also a great time to be on the water. More consistent water temperatures, lower-light conditions and plenty of Brown Trout fry in the system have produced some excellent streamer fishing. Early mornings, cloudy periods and evenings are all great opportunities to cover water and look for an aggressive eat.

The river is beginning to show those first signs of fall—stay versatile, pay attention to what’s happening around you, and be ready to change with the conditions.

Arkansas Freestone (Upper Basin)

General Overview

The Upper Arkansas Basin from Salida to Leadville continues to offer some excellent late-summer fishing, but the lower, clear flows have made these fish noticeably more technical. Anglers who adjust their approach, fish carefully and pay attention to presentation are being rewarded.

With less water in the system, trout are concentrated in deeper runs, pockets, riffles and areas with good structure and oxygenation. The clarity means fish can be considerably more wary, so longer leaders, lighter tippet, smaller flies and a more deliberate approach can make a big difference. Stealth is important right now—slow down, make the first cast count and avoid unnecessarily disturbing productive water.

Mornings have been the most consistent window, with good dry fly and Dry/Dropper opportunities as insect activity builds. We’re also beginning to see that late-summer transition toward fall, with Tricos and Pseudocloeon Baetis (Fall BWOs) becoming increasingly important alongside Caddis, Yellow Sallies and terrestrials. Pay close attention to what’s happening on the water, as these Upper Basin fish can quickly shift their attention from larger attractors to much smaller mayfly patterns.

Dry/Dropper and Dry/Double Dropper rigs remain our preferred approach, but don’t hesitate to downsize when fish get selective. Traditional nymphing can be extremely effective through deeper runs and pockets, while cloudy weather and lower-light periods can create some excellent streamer opportunities.

Despite the lower-than-average flows, Upper Basin trout are healthy, active and feeding well during the cooler portions of the day. Water temperatures are generally more favorable as you move higher in elevation, but anglers should still carry a thermometer, monitor conditions and give fish a break whenever temperatures warrant it.

Low, clear water can make the Upper Arkansas more challenging, but it also creates some outstanding opportunities for anglers willing to fish technically. Cover water carefully, stay stealthy, adjust your rig as conditions change and enjoy one of the most rewarding times of the season from Salida upstream through Leadville.