November 2nd, 2026

Arkansas Freestone (Lower Basin)

Conditions Update: Some good precipitation on the Upper and Lower Basin this past weekend, but everything is holding with just a slight bump in flowrate and fish-able conditions in the vast majority of Bighorn Canyon and Canon City. This week looks prime with highs in the 50's and 60's and dry for the most part. The fishing has been as good as we've seen it thus far in the Fall season and we've got some great weeks ahead. Make some plans to get on the water!

Late October is transitioning into November on the Arkansas River, and the fall fishing continues to impress! Cooler days and nights have kept the river in excellent shape, and brown trout remain active, aggressive, and opportunistic as we move through the heart of the fall season. As long as our mild weather pattern holds, anglers can expect continued productive fishing throughout the system. Fall BWO activity remains a major player, but we're also seeing increasing Midge activity entering the scene as we approach November. Small BWO and Midge nymphs, emergers, and adults are becoming increasingly important, particularly during the cooler portions of the day. Dry/Dropper and Dry/Double Dropper rigs continue to be our go-to approaches, allowing anglers to capitalize on both opportunistic surface feeders and fish working the subsurface. Don't be afraid to keep a larger attractor dry or foam pattern in the mix, as these fish are still more than willing to come up for a substantial meal. Streamers also remain a productive option, particularly for aggressive brown trout working structure, banks, and deeper holding water.

The prime fishing window is now generally 10 AM to 3 PM, as warming water temperatures and increased insect activity bring trout into their most active feeding periods. There's little need to rush to the river at daylight this time of year—take advantage of the warmer midday hours! One of the biggest advantages of fishing the Arkansas this time of year is our unique climate. Bighorn Canyon and Cañon City sit squarely in Colorado's "Banana Belt," where considerably milder temperatures often extend our prime fishing season well into November. While many of Colorado's higher-elevation fisheries are transitioning toward winter, we can still enjoy comfortable days, active trout, and outstanding fishing opportunities.

The bottom line? Don't put the fly rods away just yet! Keep an eye on the forecast, take advantage of those beautiful Banana Belt days, and get out and enjoy some of the best late-season fishing Colorado has to offer!

We're moving through the tail end of the Fall Season and already pre-booking for prime Winter dates on the Tailwater and Spring 2027! Call us today to get a trip on the books if that is something you're considering! Call us at 719-371-4530 or CLICK HERE for more information.

Stream Conditions

Clarity- Looks good all the way through Canon City, tinted in patches from rain and you may see a short slug or two...but the vast majority of this section is good to go (2-3ft plus visibility)

Suggested Methods

Dry/Dropper and Dry/Double Dropper rigs remain our go-to approaches as we move into November. Opportunistic trout are still willing to chase larger attractor dries, while BWO and Midge activity continues to drive subsurface feeding. Start with a buoyant attractor dry, followed by smaller BWO or Midge nymphs, pupae, and emergers. Adding a larger attractor nymph as a lead fly can be especially productive. Be prepared to downsize flies and lighten tippet as fish become more selective, and watch for midday surface activity during BWO and Midge hatches.

Traditional nymphing remains effective in deeper runs, riffles, and pockets, with an emphasis on BWO and Midge lifecycles. Streamers are also producing aggressive Brown Trout, particularly around structure, banks, and transition water during cloudy or low-light conditions. The prime fishing window is generally 10 AM–3 PM, when warmer temperatures and increased insect activity create the most consistent feeding opportunities.

Arkansas Freestone (Upper Basin)

General Overview

The Upper Arkansas Basin from Salida to Leadville is transitioning toward early winter conditions, with colder nights, low flows, and gin-clear water making fishing increasingly technical. Trout are still feeding, particularly during the warmer midday hours, but stealth and presentation are critical. Approach holding water carefully, minimize wading, and rely on longer leaders, lighter tippet, and smaller flies to consistently find success.

Fall BWO activity remains important, with Midges becoming an increasingly significant part of the daily menu. Focus on small BWO nymphs, emergers, and dries, along with Midge larvae, pupae, and adults. Light Dry/Dropper and Dry/Double Dropper rigs remain productive, but keep presentations subtle and fly profiles small. Traditional nymphing is also effective through deeper runs, pockets, and riffles. The best fishing window is generally 10 AM–3 PM, when warmer temperatures encourage increased insect and trout activity. The Upper Basin continues to offer good fishing opportunities, but patience, precision, and a stealthy approach are essential as November arrives.