January 5th, 2026

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

 

Welcome to 2026! The last several months have been characterized by extremely warm and dry weather which in turn has allowed for some tremendous winter fishing conditions in Bighorn Canyon and Canon City. Its pretty wild that at this stage in the winter season, we're not dealing with ice flow and shelf ice...but there is none! So, long story short...pick those warmest hours of the day and get out on the water and enjoy. This week looks beautiful through Wednesday with a little dip in air temps towards the end of the week. Remember, if we've got highs in the 40's and 50's, you've got options!

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. 

 

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: 292 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 375 cfs

Clarity- Clear

 

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

Tough sledding on the Upper Basin now that things are cooling down dramatically. Really looking like winter from Salida upstream. 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: 111 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 233 CFS

Clarity- Clear

 

 

 

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.