January 17th, 2025

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

 

Welcome to 2025 folks...one objective...FISH MORE THIS YEAR!

Winter temperatures have finally arrived, and highs are in the 30's and 40's this week which will not be ideal for the Freestone. We'll definitely be focusing our efforts on the Tailwater until a string of warm days arrives.

On days with highs in the 50's/ 60's there are some great options in Canon City and Bighorn Canyon. Though we will still see some slush and ice flow in the morning, this weather will present some great opportunities for anglers to get out and enjoy some pleasant winter fishing on the Freestone. Focus your efforts between the hours of 11AM-3PM for best success.

 

We're running guide trips on the Arkansas Tailwater throughout the season and we're already pre-booking prime dates for the Spring and Summer season in 2025! 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: 448 cfs

Cañon City Flowrate: 508 cfs 

Clarity-  Clear

*Winter release out of Twin Lakes has begun as part of the voluntary flow management program. We'll likely see flows hold in the 500 range at Wellsville for the majority of the winter season.

 

Suggested Methods

Look for fish in post-spawn feeding lies...deep tailouts and pocketwater seams. BWOs, Tricos and Midges will continue to be your heavy hitters. Nymphing will certainly be your focus throughout the winter months. Run a stonefly nymph, crane fly larva or free-swimming caddis larva as an attractor and focus on the midges, tricos and micro blue winged olives as droppers or tags. Very little dry fly action in the winter, but if you want to be prepared think Midges. Swing by the flyshop for our go-to patterns...and all of our favorites are available online or via phone order 888-994-6743.

 

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 (719) 371-4530 to talk to us directly...

 

Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

 

General Overview

Winter has set in on the Upper Arkansas River basin. It's definitely best to focus your efforts in Bighorn Canyon or Canon City for more consistent fishing, however you can still have some OK fishing on the warmer days especially around Salida.

 

 

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: ICE

Granite Flowrate: 214 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 430 CFS

Clarity-  Clear

 

*Winter release out of Twin Lakes has begun as part of the voluntary flow management program. We'll likely see flows hold in the 150-200 cfs range at Granite for the majority of the winter season.

 

 

Suggested Methods

As the brown trout wrap up spawning activity look for fish in those post-spawn feeding lies...deep tailouts and pocketwater seams. BWOs, Tricos and Midges will continue to be your heavy hitters. Nymphing will certainly be your focus throughout the winter months. Run a stonefly nymph, crane fly larva or free-swimming caddis larva as an attractor and focus on the midges, tricos and micro blue winged olives as droppers or tags. Very little dry fly action in the winter, but if you want to be prepared think Midges. Swing by the flyshop for our go-to patterns...and all of our favorites are available online or via phone order 888-994-6743.

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 (719) 269-3474 to talk to us directly...