September 16th, 2025

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

Tuesday Update: After some steady rain storms late last week, we saw some offcolor water move through the system over the weekend. Today we've got a return of strong conditions from Cotopaxi upstream. This week looks like exceptional fishing weather and we should see great clarity return to the entire basin over the next several days!

September is fishing absolutely excellent so far on the Freestone and likely will only get better as the weather continues to cool down more. Though its a bit technical for floating (do-able for experienced rowers), it is wade angler's paradise and conditions are perfect for the trout population. The next several months are going to be ALOT of fun...we hope to see you in the flyshop or on the water!

With lower flows in the native range fish will require a bit more precise casting and drifts. Getting the fly in the right place and getting a drag free drift means alot more than the flies you're fishing...although there are certainly are some key bugs as we roll into the early Fall season. With Pseudocloeon Baetis (Fall BWOs) and Tricos beginning to make their way on scene to join the already strong Red Quill and Caddis activity...there is alot of great bug activity, and the fishing will continue to be ALOT of fun on North America's Longest Gold Medal Trout River!

 

Call us at 888-994-6743

 

We're pre-booking prime dates for the Summer and Fall seasons! 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: 356 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 344 cfs

Clarity- Solid clarity from Cotopaxi upstream, clearing below

 

Suggested Methods

We're using a variety of tactics for consistent production on the Arkansas right now and will continue to work these techniques through the Fall season. Dry/ Double Dropper and Double Nymphing/ Euro nymphing the soft edges and pocketwater will be a staple. Rig with a Cranefly adult, Stonefly, Hopper or Chubby on the surface...Stonefly nymphs, Red Quill Nymphs, Caddis attractors and BWO/ Trico nymphs as droppers. If you need to get deeper or fish heavier water, lead with a Stonefly or Cranefly larva. Double Dry fishing will also be a winner for you especially in the lower light time frames (focus on your smaller attractor dries trailing a Caddis, Flying Ant, Trico or Red Quill). We're moving into one of the absolute best Streamer windows of the entire season. We're running double streamer rigs with great success, especially at low light time periods or with cloudcover present. Remember, fish are very spread out and you will catch fish in any kind of water...cover as much water as you can and have fun! 

 

 

 

Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

 

General Overview

The Upper Basin is in beautiful shape and a great option for anglers. Things are becoming a bit more technical as the Upper Basin moves into the late Summer/ early Fall season and will become even more techy when flows drop. However...if you cast accurately and get a good drift, and you'll do well. 

 

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 22 CFS

Granite Flowrate: 119 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 311 CFS

Clarity- Clear

 

 

 

Suggested Methods

We're using a variety of tactics for consistent production on the Arkansas right now and will continue to work these techniques through the Fall season. Dry/ Double Dropper and Double Nymphing/ Euro nymphing the soft edges and pocketwater will be a staple. Rig with a Cranefly adult, Stonefly, Hopper or Chubby on the surface...Stonefly nymphs, Red Quill Nymphs, Caddis attractors and BWO/ Trico nymphs as droppers. If you need to get deeper or fish heavier water, lead with a Stonefly or Cranefly larva. Double Dry fishing will also be a winner for you especially in the lower light time frames (focus on your smaller attractor dries trailing a Caddis, Flying Ant, Trico or Red Quill). We're moving into one of the absolute best Streamer windows of the entire season. We're running double streamer rigs with great success, especially at low light time periods or with cloudcover present. Remember, fish are very spread out and you will catch fish in any kind of water...cover as much water as you can and have fun!