August 20th, 2026

Arkansas Freestone (Lower Basin)

Conditions on the Arkansas Freestone continue to be very consistent, and fishing has been STRONG. Cooler weather is settling into the high country, and we’re beginning to see the first signs of the seasonal transition that makes late summer and fall such an exciting time on the Arkansas.

Project releases out of Twin Lakes will continue for the foreseeable future, with the goal of maintaining approximately 250 cfs at the Wellsville gauge. That additional water, combined with steadily cooling air and water temperatures, should create an ideal environment for the fishery as we roll into the fall season. And fall on the Arkansas is something to look forward to. September through much of October consistently provides one of the most productive fishing windows of the year on the Freestone. Stable flows, cooling water, increasingly active brown trout, and strong late-season insect activity can produce exceptional fishing from one end of the river to the other.

The temperature conversation is also becoming much less of a concern. Things are cooling down considerably in the high country, overnight temperatures are dropping, and water temperatures are responding accordingly. The Arkansas has not been under Hoot Owl restrictions, and similar restrictions that were implemented elsewhere around Colorado are beginning to lift as conditions improve. We still recommend targeting the morning and evening windows for the best overall fishing, but anglers can be considerably less concerned about temperature issues as we move toward fall. Continue to use good judgment on unusually warm afternoons, but overall conditions are trending exactly where we want them. Historically, trout populations on the Arkansas Freestone have performed extremely well during low-water years. Reduced fitness demands in lighter current, abundant food sources, and consistent conditions can create a very productive environment for wild trout. This year continues to prove no different.

The foam dry fly bite is really beginning to shine. Fish are looking up, and a well-presented Chubby, hopper, or other buoyant attractor has been getting plenty of attention. Dry/dropper and dry/double-dropper rigs continue to be our bread and butter, allowing anglers to effectively cover everything from shallow riffles and pocket water to deeper runs. Morning dry-fly activity has been strong, and we're seeing another noticeable increase in feeding activity during the evening hours. Streamer fishing has also been productive during periods of lower light, while traditional nymphing remains a reliable option throughout the day. One of the biggest advantages of the current flows continues to be exceptional wade-fishing access. In this 250 cfs window, an incredible amount of public water becomes accessible on foot in Bighorn Canyon, while there remains enough water in the system to provide floating opportunities in the right sections. We’re entering one of our favorite stretches of the entire fishing season. Cooling water, stable project flows, increasingly aggressive fish, excellent wade access, and trout looking up for foam dries should make for an incredible next few months on the Arkansas. Get out early, stay late, and start getting excited for fall. The Freestone is fishing extremely well right now—and conditions should only get better from here.

Call us at (719) 371-4530

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: 249 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 172 cfs

Clarity- Clear 

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.