May 7th, 2026

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

Well folks, we received some much needed precipitation mid-week, but we've now returned to 70 degree weather...and the weather looks fantastic for the foreseeable future! Based on the upcoming forecast we should see dramatically warmer water and that likely will spur some pretty heavy Caddis action. Those bright sunny days are going to lean more Caddis lifecycle activity, while the cloudier cooler days will be more of a BWO lifecycle focus. We've found that fish are very conditioned to both bugs however, so you can go out about any day and get it done with Caddis Pupa/ Larva attractors, and BWO nymphs/ emergers. 

Really strong reports from our guides and independent anglers over the last month using a variety of methods. We’ve seen some very strong activity on the surface already in the BWO, Midge and Caddis categories, so it’s certainly time to have that dry fly rod prepped and ready to roll! Nymphing continues to be a staple and fish have been opportunistic on big bugs (stoneflies/ craneflies) with a keen focus on your micro BWOs and Midges. Here recently fish have really began to respond to streamers...so be sure to be prepped with your streamer rod!

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Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 338 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 273 cfs

Clarity- Clear to Tinted (3ft Plus Viz)

Snowpack is still sitting at around 20% of average even after this recent snow. Essentially there is little to no snow left to melt, even at elevation. We will likely see very little release this Spring as water managers make an effort to hold water for release this Summer. Flows should hold in the 250-400cfs range for the next several months

Suggested Methods

Its Spring-time on the Ark...act accordingly with your rigging! The entire river has a very active BWO population and Caddis hatching on those warm days pretty widespread from Canon City to Salida...along with continuing Stonefly molt activity. With your nymphing rigs focus on a combination of Stonefly/ Cranefly, Caddis Larva/ Pupa and BWO Nymph/ Emerger. Your fly selection and rigging will all depend on the water you're fishing and where you're seeing fish in the water column. Fish are in alot of different water types right now...so changing weight/ adjusting your indicator, tight line nymphing and or dry/ dropper fishing will be crucial to get to fish effectively. We have seen very good activity on top...so be sure that you're prepared with Blue Winged Olive dries and Midge dries...and heavy Caddis hatch activity isn't far away. Fish your dries on a long leader with these low gin clear flows. For those streamer junkies out there...it's time! With more consistent water temps and alot of Brown Trout fry emerging at the moment...streamers have been very effective!

Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

General Overview

Might be a chilly week at higher elevation this week, with snow in the forecast. This will reduce the prime hours of the day slightly...but if you like to fish dries and streamers I'd try to get on the water this week. The daytime highs are much higher in the Bighorn Canyon and Canon City stretch...if you're looking for a bit warmer conditions. 

While the Canon City and Bighorn Canyon stretch will certainly offer you more Caddis lifecycle activity, the fishing has been very good (especially on the warm days) all the way to the headwater! BWO and Midge lifecycle activity remains on the forefront from Salida through Leadville, with strong Stonefly nymph activity as well. Nymphing and Dry fly fishing will both take equal opportunity, so be prepared with your full lifecycles!