Fishing Report for the Arkansas River
October 12th, 2021
Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)
General Overview
Things have been very consistent over the course of the 3-4 weeks, featuring some of the best fishing of the season. This week we've got some more typical Fall weather...60's with chances of light precipitation early in the week, rounding out with highs in the low-70's as we move into the weekend. Though the Red Quill Hatch/ Spinnerfall activity has waned, the Fall BWO activity has really ramped up...and this week's weather is prime for some great dry fly fishing. With the Brown Trout population entering or in "pre-spawn," that large segment of the trout population is certainly hard on the feed and opportunities (bugs) are plentiful. While float season is most certainly done with low gin clear water...wading is exceptional and as easy as it gets.
We're officially moving into the Fall season on the Arkansas Freestone. Overnight lows are cooling, especially in the high elevations, with freezes nearly every night at the headwater (Leadville). These cooler overnight lows mean water temps will stay in alot better range for more consistent fishing throughout the day, but our guides are still finding best success in the early AM as well as evenings. Fall is certainly one of our favorite seasons on all of our fisheries...with lighter pressure, cooler temps, steady hatches, easy wading and happy fish.
Be sure to get some days on the calendar to get on the water, and we do have a few available guide days so give us a shout if you're ready to take your skillset up a notch this Fall (888) 994-6743.
Check out our video report above for the Fall season (September-Early October)...WATCH NOW!
Red Quills, Tricos, Midges, Pseudo Baetis (Fall BWOs)...and lingering Yellow Sallies, Caddis, Stoneflies, and Terrestrials are all present in all lifecycle stages and fish are very opportunistic feeders especially in the low light time periods. However, fish are certainly very spread out with low flows, so be sure to cover water.
For guided trip bookings on the Arkansas Freestone/ Tailwater, other drainages and our private ranches. Remember, we have options on public & private sections as well as float options on both the Freestone and Tailwater! Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 or CLICK HERE for more information.
Stream Conditions
Wellsville Flowrate: 308 CFS
Cañon City Flowrate: 222 CFS
Clarity: Clear
The VFMP (Voluntary Flow Management Program) has ended. Flows will maintain at the Native 250-300 cfs range in Bighorn Canyon for the next month or so, presenting excellent wade opportunities but a bit more technical floating. Clarity has been exceptional…step down your tippet size!
Suggested Methods
Methods for success haven't really changed for the last 4-6 weeks. We advise you take a peek at our Fall video report (above) as there is much more in-depth info on suggested patterns and rigging. That being said, as we move through the "Summer Primetime" into the Fall window plethora of hatches will be present. Fish are very spread out with lower flows, but will still be found in the heavier riffles and deep seams/ tailouts. Red Quills, Caddis, Psuedocleon Baetis (Fall BWOs), Tricos, Craneflies...and some lingering Hoppers and Stoneflies will all be in the mix. Attractor Dry/ Dropper rigs and streamers will be optimal in the Early AM and Evening, and you'll need to be prepared to nymph in the mid-day and afternoon time periods.
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
Fantastic conditions characterize the Upper Basin, and we've seen quite the variety show hatch wise. Definitely more of a small bug and nymphing game on the upper basin with alot cooler conditions and low gin clear water.
Stream Conditions
Granite Flowrate: 121 CFS
Salida Flowrate: 252 CFS
Clarity: Clear
Suggested Methods
Methods for success haven't really changed for the last 4-6 weeks. We advise you take a peek at our Fall video report (above) as there is much more in-depth info on suggested patterns and rigging. That being said, as we move through the "Summer Primetime" into the Fall window plethora of hatches will be present. Fish are very spread out with lower flows, but will still be found in the heavier riffles and deep seams/ tailouts. Red Quills, Caddis, Psuedocleon Baetis (Fall BWOs), Tricos, Craneflies...and some lingering Hoppers and Stoneflies will all be in the mix. Attractor Dry/ Dropper rigs and streamers will be optimal in the Early AM and Evening, and you'll need to be prepared to nymph in the mid-day and afternoon time periods.
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...
