November 3rd, 2025

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

 

We've got another warm week on tap to start November. Keep an eye out for redds (patches of clean gravel) and actively spawning fish, as the Brown Trout population is spawning actively throughout the river corridor. Browns are still very opportunistic in deep tailouts and soft edges and the Rainbow population has been on the feed bag in a major way...go have fun!

 

No real changes on approaching the river right now, with exception of watching for Redds. Best fishing hours have pushing back slightly into that 10AM-3PM window, so no need to be out there early. Conditions are exceptional, the foliage is still breathtaking and there is fun Fall fishing to be had. With lower flows in the native range fish will require a bit more precise casting and drifts. Getting the fly in the right place and getting a drag free drift means alot more than the flies you're fishing...although there are certainly are some key bugs as we roll into the early Fall season. It's been a Trico, BWO and Midge lifecycle focus and a variety of methods will get it done out there right now! As far as conditions go, you certainly can't get any better from the wading aspect...its as easy as it gets. Be sure to plan some days to get on North America's longest Gold Medal trout river before cooler weather arrives!

 

Call us at 888-994-6743

 

We're pre-booking prime dates for the Summer and Fall seasons! Call us today to get a trip on the books if that is something you're considering! 719-371-4530 or CLICK HERE for more information.

 

 

Stream Conditions

Wellsville Flowrate: 374 cfs 

Cañon City Flowrate: 399 cfs

Clarity- Clear

 

Suggested Methods

We're using a variety of tactics for consistent production on the Arkansas right now and will continue to work these techniques through the Fall season. Dry/ Double Dropper and Double Nymphing/ Euro nymphing the soft edges and pocketwater will be a staple. Rig with a Cranefly adult, Stonefly, Hopper or Chubby on the surface...Stonefly nymphs, Red Quill Nymphs, Caddis attractors and BWO/ Trico nymphs as 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, Flying Ant, Trico or Red Quill). We're moving into one of the absolute best Streamer windows of the entire season. We're running double streamer rigs with great success, especially at low light time periods or with cloudcover present. Remember, fish are very spread out and you will catch fish in any kind of water...cover as much water as you can and have fun! 

 

 

 

Arkansas River (Upper Freestone Basin)

 

General Overview

Its getting cold from Salida up, however you can still find some productive fishing in the Mid-day window of time. Fishing is technical and mostly nyphing...however...if you cast accurately and get a good drift, and you'll do well. Do keep an eye out for spawning Brown Trout...as we are beginning to see some redds at higher elevation. Give them a wide berth if they're actively spawning. 

 

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 23 CFS

Granite Flowrate: 88 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 311 CFS

Clarity- Clear

 

 

 

Suggested Methods

We're using a variety of tactics for consistent production on the Arkansas right now and will continue to work these techniques through the Fall season. Dry/ Double Dropper and Double Nymphing/ Euro nymphing the soft edges and pocketwater will be a staple. Rig with a Cranefly adult, Stonefly, Hopper or Chubby on the surface...Stonefly nymphs, Red Quill Nymphs, Caddis attractors and BWO/ Trico nymphs as 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, Flying Ant, Trico or Red Quill). We're moving into one of the absolute best Streamer windows of the entire season. We're running double streamer rigs with great success, especially at low light time periods or with cloudcover present. Remember, fish are very spread out and you will catch fish in any kind of water...cover as much water as you can and have fun!