Fishing Report for the Arkansas River
March 18th, 2024
Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)
General Overview
Spring fishing has arrived on the Arkansas! The weather is driving some bug movement and a corresponding increase in opportunistic feeding within the trout population! Location will be key for you, as the vast majority of our trout will be in tailouts and seams with "walking speed current." These locations include slower, deeper tailouts below heavy riffles or pocketwater. "Foam is Home" right now, so look for those deeper foam lines to hold alot of fish. Other than that, it will be key to get your nymph rigs deep, quickly. Euro nymphing will be optimal in the Early Spring, so many of our guides will focus on that tactic. Stoneflies, Craneflies, Free Swimming Caddis, BWO nymphs and Midges are all on the menu! Be ready for BWO hatch activity as we should see some heavy hatches in Bighorn Canyon any day now! *Please do keep an eye out for Redds and actively spawning Rainbows and give them a wide berth! For in depth info check out our latest video report.
Questions? Call us (719) 371-4530 or CLICK HERE for more information.
Stream Conditions
Wellsville Flowrate: 259 CFS
Cañon City Flowrate: 327 CFS
Clarity- Clear
Suggested Methods
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
Stream Conditions
Leadville Flowrate: ICE
Granite Flowrate: ICE
Salida Flowrate: 196 CFS
Clarity: Gin Clear
Suggested Methods
Its been very warm for February, which has allowed for some strong options on the Freestone. Still, you'll want to look for fish in deeper, slower tailouts. Think of where you would be to conserve calories, and that will be where you will find fish. Bug life is simplified in February. Focus your efforts on deep, heavy dredging style rigs with immature Stonefly nymphs, Cranefly Larva, Caddis Larva, Midge Larva and Pupa. Not a bad idea to have a handful of midge dries on hand in case you see pockets of feeding fish during a substantial midge hatch.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...