Fishing Report for the Arkansas River

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Check out our ALL NEW November Streamside Report!

November 26, 2022

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

General Overview

We've had some very nice weather here this week which has offered up some great opportunities to fish the Freestone in late November!
Fish continue to be keyed on Fall Blue Winged Olive (Pseudocloeon Baetis) lifecycle activity, but are still very opportunistic on free swimming caddis larva/ pupa, Midges, cranefly larva, and stonefly nymphs. Mostly nymphing now, with the majority of the trout population in post-spawn feeding lies (deep tailouts), but streamer fishing continues to be an option as well. No need to hit the water until 10AM or so this time of year with colder overnight lows, but that 11AM to 3PM window seems to be the most productive window of the day right now.

Questions? Call us (888) 994-6743 or CLICK HERE for more information.

Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 315 CFS

Cañon City Flowrate: 361 CFS

Clarity- Clear

Releases out of Twin Lakes have now been fully stepped down with the end of the VFMP (Voluntary Flow Management Program), and we expect to see the river hold at round 300-400cfs in Bighorn Canyon. Clarity has been exceptional, and that will continue. We will see some added release this winter, which is part of the VFMP for water movement downstream.

Suggested Methods

Wading is now optimal, and we recommend you steer clear of floating at this point in time...but conditions will typically be very stable and the Brown Trout population will be entering "post-spawn" which typically moves them all to deeper tailouts.

Nymphing should be your focal point if you want to maximize productivity (especially in the middle of the day as the sun gets high), so be sure you're prepared with a strong selection of Stonefly nymphs, leeches, Annelids (worms), and Cranefly Larva for lead flies on a double nymph rig. Your tag or trailer flies will want to be in the Midge and BWO categories. Keep a streamer rod handy...you will certainly find a few fish willing to play on that front. Slower, dead swing will be most effective on your streamers at this point.

Royal Gorge Anglers operates the oldest fly fishing guide service and full service flyshop on the Arkansas River Freestone and Arkansas River Tailwater. Our guide service also offers various guided fly fishing experiences on the South Platte River, Gunnison River, Stillwater, Private Ranches, Backcountry and more. CLICK HERE to Learn more about our Guided Trip Options or Call us (888) 994-6743 ext 2 to talk to us directly...

Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

General Overview

Things are slowing down pretty rapidly from say Stone Bridge upstream. With higher elevations come lower temps this time of year, so we recommend you look at the Bighorn Canyon to Canon City section for best productivity. The technical aspect of the Upper Basin does present some hurdles for many anglers, however, as fish are alot spookier! Stealth is the name of the game now upstream...long leaders and long casts. We've seen alot of the same bug activity continue on the Upper Basin as on the lower, however your window of productivity is very small.

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 28 CFS

Granite Flowrate: 76 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 278 CFS

Clarity: Clear

Suggested Methods