July 5th, 2025

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

 

We hope everyone had a fantastic Independence Day! The flyshop is open normal hours throughout the holiday weekend. Conditions are optimal and fish are hungry...get out there and enjoy!

 

We're moving into Summer Primetime on the Arkansas River! The river has settled into that 700-800cfs range that it knows and loves...an optimal flow range for wade and float access, and conditions have been excellent. We've had receding edges/ post-runoff conditions for nearly 3 weeks now and fish have certainly been on the edges during that time. We're now entering a window of time when fish will begin to spread out and occupy more of the river. While we do still focus our efforts heavily on on that first 20-30ft and softer edges...you will find fish in the choppy riffle water as well (especially in that 10am-3pm window of higher sun).

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: 763 cfs

Cañon City Flowrate: 752 cfs

Clarity-  Clear

 

Suggested Methods

Alot of productive methods catching fish out there as we move into Summer Primetime! Dry/ Dropper and Double Nymphing/ Euro nymphing the soft edges and pocketwater will be a staple. Rig with a Stonefly, Hopper or Chubby on the surface...Stonefly nymphs, PMD nymphs, Red Quill Nymphs and Yellow Sally nymphs for 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, PMD or Red Quill). Streamers are always in play in the Summer and we are fishing a variety of colors and sizes with good success. Cover as much water as you can and have fun! 

 

Swing by the flyshop for our go-to patterns...and all of our favorites are available online or via phone order 888-994-6743.

 

 

 

Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

 

General Overview

Upper basin is in excellent shape, with very clear water and much lower than average flowrates! We've had receding edges/ post-runoff conditions for nearly 3 weeks now and fish have certainly been on the edges during that time. We're now entering a window of time when fish will begin to spread out and occupy more of the river. While we do still focus our efforts heavily on on that first 20-30ft and softer edges...you will find fish in the choppy riffle water as well (especially in that 10am-3pm window of higher sun).

 

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 180 CFS

Granite Flowrate: 480 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 790 CFS

Clarity- Clear 

 

 

 

Suggested Methods

Alot of productive methods catching fish out there as we move into Summer Primetime! Dry/ Dropper and Double Nymphing/ Euro nymphing the soft edges and pocketwater will be a staple. Rig with a Stonefly, Hopper or Chubby on the surface...Stonefly nymphs, PMD nymphs, Red Quill Nymphs and Yellow Sally nymphs for 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, PMD or Red Quill). Streamers are always in play in the Summer and we are fishing a variety of colors and sizes with good success. Cover as much water as you can and have fun!