Fishing Report for the Arkansas River
January 24th, 2022
Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)
General Overview
With the warmer/ dry weather on the lower basin…there are a lot of opportunities to get on the Freestone right now. Bighorn Canyon is relatively ice free from stem to stern, and that certainly isn’t typical. Shelf ice is minimal and will only be found in the saddest parts of the canyon. You will see some ice flow every morning, but as of late that has been clearing out by mid morning. The warmer days will certainly produce some action for you, while its better to focus on the Arkansas Tailwater on the cooler days. Look for a large portion of the trout population to be holding in deeper tailouts and softer pockets as is typically the case as we move into the winter months and post-spawn. Lastly, there is certainly no reason to be on the water extra early anymore...fish don't really start feeding hard until about 9am, and things have been really good through the afternoon until sunset.
*Late February is always a marker for the beginning of Stonefly Molt activity on the Arkansas River from Canon City upstream. This is the beginning of the incredible and world renowned Spring fishing on the Arkansas...stay tuned for details, but be ready to fish hard in Late February!
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- October)...WATCH NOW!
Tricos, Midges, Pseudo Baetis (Fall BWOs)...and Stoneflies, lingering Terrestrials and October Caddis 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: 279 CFS
Cañon City Flowrate: 322 CFS
Clarity: Clear
Snowpack is below average so little release is coming down the pipe from Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Res. We’re going to have to get some snow in order for that to change. However excellent clarity and wade ability exists from stem to stern.
Suggested Methods
Fish are certainly now condensed in Winter feeding lies (deep tailouts and softer pockets). Don't waste your time on any heavy riffles or heavy oxygenated water as the majority of the trout population will not be found there. Our key rigging in the winter months will be focused on a select few core patterns, and nymphing will be king. Be prepared with a variety of stonefly nymphs, cranefly larva, caddis larva...and the full lifecycle of the midge.
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
Low Gin Clear water on the upper basin and much colder overnight lows are making things a bit tougher on the upper basin. There are still some good opportunities in the 10AM-3PM window especially on the warmer days. Its been alot cooler on the Upper Basin...short window of opportunity every day, and make sure you focus on the warmer days forecast wise.
Stream Conditions
Granite Flowrate: 74 CFS
Salida Flowrate: 271 CFS
Clarity: Clear
Suggested Methods
Fish are certainly now condensed in Winter feeding lies (deep tailouts and softer pockets). Don't waste your time on any heavy riffles or heavy oxygenated water as the majority of the trout population will not be found there. Our key rigging in the winter months will be focused on a select few core patterns, and nymphing will be king. Be prepared with a variety of stonefly nymphs, cranefly larva, caddis larva...and the full lifecycle of the midge.
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...
