April 25th, 2024

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

 

General Overview

With a return to highs in the upper 60's and 70's this week we’ve seen a return to the heavy Brachi Caddis lifecycle activity in Bighorn Canyon. Brachycentrus "Brachi" caddis hatches are now LIVE in the lower reaches of the river (large hatch reports up to Howard this week with localized hatches widespread in Bighorn) and we expect that to only build over the coming days. As is typical, look for Caddis hatch activity to progress upriver incrementally as conditions (air temp and water temp) are right. That hatch movement is a moving target and very much based on weather. Continue to lean heavily on Stonefly nymphs, Cranefly Larva, Free Swimming Caddis Larva and the full lifecycle of the BWO for best success. With overcast weather and some slight chances of showers this weekend we’ll likely see another weekend of insane BWO hatches and hot dry fly fishing along with streamer action. We expect some very, very solid dry fly and streamer fishing this weekend…grab a rain shell and your dry fly rod and get to the river.

Now is the time to plan your days to get on the Arkansas freestone this Spring...April and May can feature some tremendous fishing! Our guide calendar is beginning to fill quickly for 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 Primetime has arrived on the Arkansas! The weather is driving some heavy bug movement and a corresponding increase in opportunistic feeding within the trout population!  Though the majority of our trout will continue to be in tailouts and seams with "walking speed current," we are starting to see good numbers of fish in heavier riffles and pocketwater on those warmer days (which we have alot of coming up). Nymphing has been our staple method, but we are continuing to see some strong BWO hatches and fish will certainly respond to a dry fly especially with alot of bugs in the film or on the surface. Stoneflies, Craneflies, Free Swimming Caddis, Brachi Caddis (Full Lifecycle), BWO (Full Lifecycle) and Midges are all on the menu! Be ready for BWO and Caddis hatch activity any day of the week! 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: 404 CFS

Cañon City Flowrate: 444 CFS 

Clarity- Clear to Stained (some mid level snow melt coming through in little bubbles…still great fishability)

 

Suggested Methods

In the morning focus your efforts in deeper tailouts with heavy nymph rigs with immature Stonefly nymphs, Cranefly Larva, Caddis Larva, BWO nymphs, Midge Larva and Pupa. Fish will move into faster riffle water and pocketwater seams as the day progresses and things warm up. Never 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 and Caddis Adults/ Emergers any day. If you like to throw streamers, we're now seeing water temps in the upper 40's and 50's consistently which is conducive for fish to be opportunistic on larger streamers on a dead swing or slow retrieve.

 

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

Not a ton of Caddis in the upper reaches of the river yet, but the BWO activity has been red hot. Though we're certainly focusing more on Bighorn Canyon and Canon City with stronger bug activity...the Salida through Buena Vista stretch has been solid and there will be some great opportunities up to the headwater with the weather this week!
 

Although the Upper Basin certainly isn't fishing as well as Bighorn Canyon or Canon City, you can certainly find some good fish-able 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.

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 17.7 cfs

Granite Flowrate: 161 cfs

Salida Flowrate: 284 CFS

Clarity: Gin Clear

 

Suggested Methods

Its been a colder March with some strong precipitation on the Upper Basin. 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...