September 3rd, 2026

Arkansas Freestone (Lower Basin)

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Conditions have improved significantly throughout Bighorn Canyon, with good visibility returning through much of the canyon and clarity continuing to improve downstream. While the substantial rainfall over the past few weeks has certainly created some temporary clarity challenges, the watershed as a whole is much better off because of it. Cooler weather, increased flows from rainfall, and dropping water temperatures have brought the river into excellent shape as we enter the magical early fall window.

We’re now moving into one of the most productive and consistent fishing periods of the entire year on the Arkansas. September through much of October typically brings stable conditions, cooler water, increasingly active brown trout, and a noticeable increase in insect activity. The recent moisture and cooler temperatures have accelerated that transition, and we’re already seeing stronger bug activity and more consistent feeding throughout the day. Project releases from Twin Lakes should also continue for the foreseeable future, helping maintain approximately 225-250 cfs at Wellsville and providing excellent wade-fishing access throughout Bighorn Canyon.

Fishing has responded accordingly. Dry/dropper and dry/double-dropper rigs remain our go-to approach, with the foam dry bite really beginning to shine as fish look up for Chubbies, hoppers, and other attractors. Streamers have been productive during lower-light periods, while traditional nymphing remains reliable throughout the day. With improving clarity, cooler water, stable flows, and increasing fall insect activity, expect fishing to become much more consistent from here. Fall is one of our favorite seasons on the Arkansas—and we’re just getting started.

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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: 221 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 170 cfs

Clarity- 3ft plus of Vis from Cotopaxi upstream, 12-24" of Viz in the Lower Canyon & Improving

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.