February 19th, 2026

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

*ATTENTION: We've moved to early Spring Hours...8AM-5PM Mon-Sat, 8AM-12Noon Sun. We're not far from a big ramp up in early Spring fishing and this winter has been great to say the least...Swing by the flyshop and we'll point you in the right direction!

It looks like we've got a bit cooler conditions in the forecast for the next 48hrs with a return to more average weather through the weekend...and then 60's all week next week! We've seen some very abnormal conditions in the Canon City and Bighorn Sheep Canyon stretches with very productive fishing this winter. 

The Canon City riverwalk section will be ideal for those seeking the best conditions in the winter season, but those warmer days will present some opportunities in Bighorn Canyon. As a reminder, the Arkansas Tailwater is likely the most consistent fishery in Colorado during the winter season and we guide it on a daily basis. Check out our report and if you're ready to take your game to the next level on the tailwater, hire one of our guides to show you the ropes! 

The winter season on the lower basin of the Arkansas Freestone can present some great opportunities to for solitude and productive fishing (at times). Its key to look for strings of warm days to find water with less ice flow, and more bug activity. Look for fish in post-spawn feeding lies...deep slower tailouts below riffles with walking speed current. Dissect the appropriate water with heavier nymphing rigs and when you find a fish, focus on that water as fish are typically densely congregated during this time period. 

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We're pre-booking prime dates for Spring and Summer 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: 258 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 309 cfs

Clarity- Clear

*Snowpack is at a record low this year (48% of average). We expect for to see less release water come down the river this Winter in an effort to keep as much water as possible in storage upstream. 

Suggested Methods

Lean on your heavy nymphing rigs in the winter season, as you'll need to hit fish in the face in deeper tailouts. Fish will not expend calories to move up in the water column unless there is a substantial midge hatch. Your rigs should focus on a stonefly nymph or cranefly larva for a lead or point fly in combination with a variety of freeswimming caddis larva and or midge larva. Focus your efforts on those post-spawn feeding lies...deep tailouts with walking speed current and dissect that water. 

Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

General Overview

Still looking like winter from Buena Vista upstream even though there is little to no snowpack. Focus your efforts in Canon City or Bighorn Sheep Canyon...and remember the Arkansas Tailwater is a very productive option in the winter. 

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 14 CFS

Granite Flowrate: 82 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 239 CFS

Clarity- Clear

 

*Snowpack is at a record low this year (48% of average). We expect for to see less release water come down the river this Winter in an effort to keep as much water as possible in storage upstream. 

 

 

Suggested Methods

Lean on your heavy nymphing rigs in the winter season, as you'll need to hit fish in the face in deeper tailouts. Fish will not expend calories to move up in the water column unless there is a substantial midge hatch. Your rigs should focus on a stonefly nymph or cranefly larva for a lead or point fly in combination with a variety of freeswimming caddis larva and or midge larva. Focus your efforts on those post-spawn feeding lies...deep tailouts with walking speed current and dissect that water.