Fishing Report for the Arkansas River
July 9th, 2025
Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)
We're moving into Summer Primetime on the Arkansas River! The river has settled into that 700cfs sweet spot...an optimal flow range for wade and float access, and conditions have been excellent. We've had receding edges/ post-runoff conditions for nearly 3 weeks now and fish have certainly been on the edges during that time. We're now entering a window of time when fish will begin to spread out and occupy more of the river. While we do still focus our efforts heavily on on that first 20-30ft and softer edges...you will find fish in the choppy riffle water as well (especially in that 10am-3pm window of higher sun).
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Stream Conditions
Wellsville Flowrate: 681 cfs
Cañon City Flowrate: 677 cfs
Clarity- Clear
Suggested Methods
Alot of productive methods catching fish out there as we move into Summer Primetime! Dry/ Dropper and Double Nymphing/ Euro nymphing the soft edges and pocketwater will be a staple. Rig with a Stonefly, Hopper or Chubby on the surface...Stonefly nymphs, PMD nymphs, Red Quill Nymphs and Yellow Sally nymphs for droppers. If you need to get deeper or fish heavier water, lead with a Stonefly or Cranefly larva. Double Dry fishing will also be a winner for you especially in the lower light time frames (focus on your smaller attractor dries trailing a Caddis, PMD or Red Quill). Streamers are always in play in the Summer and we are fishing a variety of colors and sizes with good success. Cover as much water as you can and have fun!
Swing by the flyshop for our go-to patterns...and all of our favorites are available online or via phone order 888-994-6743.
Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)
General Overview
Upper basin is in excellent shape, with very clear water and much lower than average flowrates! We've had receding edges/ post-runoff conditions for nearly 3 weeks now and fish have certainly been on the edges during that time. We're now entering a window of time when fish will begin to spread out and occupy more of the river. While we do still focus our efforts heavily on on that first 20-30ft and softer edges...you will find fish in the choppy riffle water as well (especially in that 10am-3pm window of higher sun).
Stream Conditions
Leadville Flowrate: 75 CFS
Granite Flowrate: 475 CFS
Salida Flowrate: 725 CFS
Clarity- Clear
Suggested Methods
Alot of productive methods catching fish out there as we move into Summer Primetime! Dry/ Dropper and Double Nymphing/ Euro nymphing the soft edges and pocketwater will be a staple. Rig with a Stonefly, Hopper or Chubby on the surface...Stonefly nymphs, PMD nymphs, Red Quill Nymphs and Yellow Sally nymphs for droppers. If you need to get deeper or fish heavier water, lead with a Stonefly or Cranefly larva. Double Dry fishing will also be a winner for you especially in the lower light time frames (focus on your smaller attractor dries trailing a Caddis, PMD or Red Quill). Streamers are always in play in the Summer and we are fishing a variety of colors and sizes with good success. Cover as much water as you can and have fun!
