July 25th, 2024

 

Arkansas River (Lower Freestone Basin)

 

Check out our latest Streamside video report (CLICK HERE or see above)! Phenomenal conditions and hungry fish have combined for some pretty special fishing over the last 3-4 days. Flows are now steady in that 700cfs range at Wellsville and clarity is exceptional. Our guides continue to find fish very opportunistic on double dry (attracto/ hatch matcher), big dry/ dropper rigs, nymphing is solid...and streamer fishing can be fantastic at times. If you love to throw dries, fish early or late when the light is low...and you can nymph or streamer fish about anytime. The time is NOW for fantastic double dry, dry/ dropper & streamer fishing...fish are hungry and willing! Swing by the flyshop for a handful of the latest hot patterns and go have some fun!

 

Availability is getting tight for guide trips during Summer Primetime! 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: 730 cfs

Cañon City Flowrate: 691 cfs 

Clarity-  CLEAR

 

Suggested Methods

Its a Dry/ Dropper game in the morning and evening, and a nymphing focus during the middle of the day...Streamers anytime! Think big, bushy attractor dries with heavier attractor nymph droppers! Adjust dropper depth based on the water depth, but we like 24-30" drops typically in this window. Dropper nymphs should be in the Yellow Sally, PMD, Red Quill and Caddis categories...and dries should be in the Stonefly, Hopper, Yellow Sally, PMD and Caddis categories. Plenty of fish up on hatches of PMDs, Yellow Sallys and Caddis as well, so be prepared with your smaller hatch matching dries as well. For you streamer junkies, go big or go home. Fish are very opportunistic on streamers. Big Natural, Black or Olive streamer up front with a trailer 6-8" below to seal the deal. If you're nymphing during the heat of the day, focus on the heavier oxygenated water with cranefly larva or stonefly nymphs, dropping any of the previously mentioned droppers. Swing by the flyshop for our go-to patterns...and all of our favorites are available online or via phone order 888-994-6743.

 

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

It's GAME ON on the Upper Basin with very strong clarity and now stable flows under the historical average. The river is fantastic shape all the way to the headwater. "Summer Primetime" has arrived folks! Fish are certainly beginning to spread out now with flows stable under 700cfs, so covering water will be key for the remainder of the Summer season. The time is NOW for fantastic dry/ dropper & streamer fishing...fish are hungry and willing! Swing by the flyshop for a handful of the latest hot patterns and go have some fun!

*Remember that we have a bunch of awesome options in our neck of the woods in addition to the Arkansas River Freestone section...particularly phenomenal small water options, along with stillwater, and tailwater venues. Check out our latest report above to explore learn more about the myriad of other options in our area. We're guiding every day...give us a shout for the best options (888) 994-6743

 

Stream Conditions

Leadville Flowrate: 92 CFS

Granite Flowrate: 377 CFS

Salida Flowrate: 573 CFS

 

Clarity-  Clear!

 

 

 

Suggested Methods

Its a Dry/ Dropper game in the morning and evening, and a nymphing focus during the middle of the day...Streamers anytime! Think big, bushy attractor dries with heavier attractor nymph droppers! Adjust dropper depth based on the water depth, but we like 24-30" drops typically in this window. Dropper nymphs should be in the Yellow Sally, PMD, Red Quill and Caddis categories...and dries should be in the Stonefly, Hopper, Yellow Sally, PMD and Caddis categories. Plenty of fish up on hatches of PMDs, Yellow Sallys and Caddis as well, so be prepared with your smaller hatch matching dries as well. For you streamer junkies, go big or go home. Fish are very opportunistic on streamers. Big Natural, Black or Olive streamer up front with a trailer 6-8" below to seal the deal. If you're nymphing during the heat of the day, focus on the heavier oxygenated water with cranefly larva or stonefly nymphs, dropping any of the previously mentioned droppers. Swing by the flyshop for our go-to patterns...and all of our favorites are available online or via phone order 888-994-6743.

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...