June 12th, 2025

 

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

Flows are continuing to recede, and with some big release cuts out of Twin Lakes it looks like we may see 1600cfs or less at Wellsville within the next few days!! Even with very warm weather the last week or so, native flows are all on the way down (snow just isn't there this year). There is some snow left in the high elevation snow fields in the far north but that's it. To be honest, we've got some very fishable edge clarity RIGHT NOW (2-3ft of Viz on the edges in Salida and 2' in Canon City). We expect for alot of walkeable edges to present themselves within the week and you could get out and float now if you like to get sporty. Remember, this is fishing in a barrel...fish are all within 10ft of the bank. Stay in touch with any questions and remember there are a ton of phenomenal small water and stillwater venues in the Royal Gorge Region to take advantage of while we enter post-runoff on the Arkansas. Get those big dry flies ready for mid-June...Stonefly and Hopper season is just ahead!

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Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 1660 cfs

Cañon City Flowrate: 1880 cfs 

Clarity-  2-3ft of edge visibility

 

Suggested Methods

With higher flows fish are quick to find low velocity shelters, think soft pockets and edge water. Visibility is diminished during the runoff window so if you wish to walk the edges it is certainly best to focus on larger/ dark attractor flies that are most visible to fish. Large attractor dry/ dropper rigs can find fish...think Large Chubby with a Rubberleg Stone Dropper. Euro nymphing the soft edges can also be very effective focusing on Stonefly nymphs, PMD nymphs and Yellow Sally nymphs. Streamers are always in play at higher water, and go as big and dark as you can on that front. 

 

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Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

 

General Overview

Conditions are excellent for this time frame. We are in the "Runoff" window but with lower than average snowpack, less melt and more release in the mix...conditions are remaining strong. In addition, tributary flows have leveled and are receding. It looks like we're on the way back down barring any major increases in release. As it stands, Hayden Meadows is in great shape with clear conditions as is anything above Lake Creek. Below Lake Creek (Twin Lakes Release), there is diminished clarity simply due to the velocity however there is several feet of visibility and fishable conditions where you can find edges to walk. 

 

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 377 CFS

Granite Flowrate: 1130 CFS

Salida Flowrate:  1740 CFS

Clarity- Clear in Hayden Meadows, 3' Plus above Lake Creek, 2-3' on the edges in Salida 

 

 

 

Suggested Methods

With higher flows fish are quick to find low velocity shelters, think soft pockets and edge water. Visibility is diminished during the runoff window so if you wish to walk the edges it is certainly best to focus on larger/ dark attractor flies that are most visible to fish. Large attractor dry/ dropper rigs can find fish...think Large Chubby with a Rubberleg Stone Dropper. Euro nymphing the soft edges can also be very effective focusing on Stonefly nymphs, PMD nymphs and Yellow Sally nymphs. Streamers are always in play at higher water, and go as big and dark as you can on that front.