October 22nd, 2025

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

 

We've got great conditions back on the entire basin...excellent clarity and a great flowrate. We will likely see flows stabilize in the mid 300 range in the next few days and the weather forecast looks great all week...plan some days!

 

Welcome to October...what many who know the Arkansas River well, consider the best fishing month of the Fall season. The weather is beautiful, the fall foliage is popping, the river conditions are exceptional, and our Brown Trout population is hard on the feed going into pre-spawn. 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. It's been a Trico, BWO and Midge lifecycle focus and a variety of methods will get it done out there right now! As far as conditions go, you certainly can't get any better from the wading aspect...its as easy as it gets. Be sure to plan some days to get on North America's longest Gold Medal trout river before cooler weather arrives!

 

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: 386 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 385 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! 

 

 

 

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 through the Fall Season. However...if you cast accurately and get a good drift, and you'll do well. Do keep an eye out for spawning Brown Trout...as we are beginning to see some redds at higher elevation. Give them a wide berth if they're actively spawning. 

 

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 19 CFS

Granite Flowrate: 99 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 304 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!