Fishing Report for the Arkansas River

 

Arkansas River Fishing Report

 

Preseason Fly Fishing Sale

 

 

 

March 18th, 2024

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

 

General Overview

We saw one of the larger Spring snow storms of the last several years last week on Thursday and Friday (at least on the Front Range)…however that’s had zero effect on the very productive fishing in Bighorn Canyon. There was a fraction of that snowfall upstream and conditions remain excellent for wade fishing in Bighorn and Canon City. We had very strong reports from our guides this weekend and we are primed for an excellent fishing week on the Ark! The Blue Winged Olive nymph population is now very mature on the substrate and we've beginning to see some localized hatches. Now is the time to plan your days to get on the Arkansas freestone this Spring...late March and April can feature some tremendous fishing! *Note: Our guide calendar is beginning to fill quickly for late March, April and early May...call us today to get a trip on the books if that is something you're considering! 719-371-4530
 

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

With exception of one big snowstorm, the weather has been very mild thus far in March. 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, BWO nymphs, 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 and be prepared with BWO emergers and dries for those cloudy days. We will begin to see fish push into heavier riffle and pocket water with the warmer weather that's on tap the next several weeks...so be ready to cover water.

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...

 

Royal Gorge Anglers Fly Fishing Guide Arkansas River

Royal Gorge Anglers Fishing Guide Arkansas River, Colorado Royal Gorge Anglers google review, flyshop Colorado

 

 

 

Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

 

General Overview

 Mild weather returns to the Upper Basin this week after a little weather this past week. Much less snowfall up here than on the front range, so conditions do still remain very ideal for early Spring.
 
Although the Upper Basin certainly isn't fishing as well as Bighorn Canyon or Canon City, you can certainly find some good fishable water and moments to do well with the much warmer weather at hand. We've had some reports of some pretty steady fishing in and around Salida and our upstream guides are finding options as high up as Granite. You need to remember that these higher elevation sections will still offer much shorter windows of opportunity until Spring really rolls around. *There is continued construction on the Scout Wave in Salida, so steer clear of that section and immediately downstream.
 

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...

 

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