Well, runoff isn't here yet folks (at least in the Collegiate Range). This morning we've got a solid 2-3ft of visibility from Coaldale upstream (2mins upstream from Cotopaxi), and flows are sitting at nearly 400cfs below the historical average for this date. With the relatively cool weather thus far this week, it looks like we'll have some strong fishability through Memorial Day weekend!
With the flow fluctuations we've seen alot of fish on the edges, and very opportunistic. Our guides have done very well on streamers and dry dropper rigs the last few days and that will continue as flows bump. We should see fishability last the week, but true runoff isn't far away folks...get some edge fishing or float fishing in before the push!
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For guided trips on the Arkansas, other drainages and our private ranches..... Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 or CLICK HERE for more information.
Wellsville Flowrate: 856 CFS
Canon City Flowrate: 864 CFS
Clarity: 2-3 ft from Salida to Coaldale, 12" or less below
Its Spring on the Arkansas River Basin! We've got alot going on in Bighorn Canyon, but your main focuses at this point in time should be on Stonefly Molt, Caddis & BWO lifecycle activity. Caddis have really ramped up over the last 10 days from Canon City all the way to Salida. Continue to have all 3 phases of BWO covered with a keen focus on nymphing in the mornings followed by short nymph rigs, dry/dropper and single dry hatch matcher rigs in the afternoons.
You will be best suited to prepare with some smaller Stonefly representations in multiple shades and weights in the mornings, followed by larger rubberleg style representations in the afternoons. Fish will also respond positively to free swimming Caddis larva and Cranefly larva. Streamer fishing is really turning on with warmer water temps and tinted water...so if you like to throw meat, bring a bigger rod and get at it!
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...
The upper basin will continue to fish with the BWO lifecycle. Heavier flows out of Twin Lakes will eventually discolor the water below once edges begin to scour
Leadville Flowrate: 122 CFS
Granite Flowrate: 648 CFS
Salida Flowrate: 834 CFS
Clarity: 2-3ft
Its Spring on the Arkansas River Basin! We've got alot going on in Bighorn Canyon, but your main focuses upstream at this point in time should be on Stonefly Molt and BWO lifecycle activity...however, heavy Caddis Lifecycle activity is only days away on this section!
You will be best suited to prepare with some smaller Stonefly representations in multiple shades and weights in the mornings, followed by larger rubberleg style representations in the afternoons. Fish will also respond positively to free swimming Caddis larva and Cranefly larva.
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...