Arkansas River Fishing Forecast
Gold Medal freestone through banana belt with 90% wild browns and Mother's Day caddis hatch
Open year-round
Gold Medal Water (Lake Fork to Parkdale). Year-round
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 2:11 AM
49°F
-999999 CFS
11 PM - 1 AM
Scud
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Quick Facts
Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout
freestone
36°F - 45°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Early hatches begin. Look for BWOs.
March Hatches
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall BWO. Overcast days most productive.
Midge
Midge
Winter tailwater fishing. Bighorn Sheep Canyon.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Deep nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| February | 33-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs, Deep pools |
| March(Now) | 36-45°F | BWO dries, Streamers, Early stonefly nymphs |
| April | 40-50°F | Skwala dries, BWO patterns, Streamers |
| May | 45-55°F | Mother's Day Caddis, Nymphing, Streamers |
| June | 50-60°F | Salmonfly dries, Golden Stones, PMDs |
| July | 55-68°F | PMDs, Hoppers, Caddis, Attractor dries |
| August | 55-70°F | Hoppers, Tricos, PMDs, Terrestrials |
| September | 48-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, Hoppers |
| October | 40-50°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg patterns |
| November | 35-42°F | Streamers, Deep nymphs, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-38°F | Deep nymphs, Midges, Slow presentations |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for Arkansas River
Leadville
Upper river access in the headwaters.
Buena Vista
Popular middle river access.
Salida
Town access with productive water.
Canon City
Lower river access through the Royal Gorge area.
How to Fish Arkansas River: Tips & Tactics
The Arkansas River is Colorado's longest continuous trout fishery, offering over 100 miles of Gold Medal water. Brown and rainbow trout thrive in this diverse freestone river.
Best Times of Day
The famous caddis hatch in May-June brings incredible surface action. Early morning and evening are best in summer. Fall offers excellent streamer fishing.
Recommended Techniques
Match the prolific caddis hatch. Nymphing with stoneflies and caddis larvae is productive. Streamers work well for larger browns. Float fishing covers more water.
Water Conditions
Spring runoff can be significant and last into July. Summer offers excellent conditions. The river is divided into several distinct sections with different characteristics.
Fly Selection
Mother's Day Caddis hatch patterns are essential. Stonefly nymphs produce year-round. San Juan Worms and eggs in early spring. Hoppers in late summer.
Local Knowledge
The Arkansas is known for its Mother's Day Caddis hatch. Buena Vista and Salida are the primary fishing towns. The Royal Gorge section offers spectacular scenery.
Local Tips
Buena Vista and Salida are charming mountain towns. The Mother's Day Caddis hatch is worth planning a trip around. Whitewater rafting is also popular.
When is the Best Time to Fish Arkansas River?
Spring
Mother's Day Caddis hatch is legendary. Runoff can be challenging.
Summer
Prime season after runoff. Golden stoneflies and caddis.
Fall
Excellent streamer fishing. Browns become aggressive.
Winter
Fishable with midge patterns on warmer days.
Recommended Equipment for Arkansas River
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight is standard. 7-weight for big streamers.
Line
Floating line for most fishing. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Studded boots for wading the Arkansas.
Essential Flies
Arkansas River Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Gold Medal water has special regulations. Check CPW.
Special Regulations
Artificial flies and lures only in Gold Medal sections.
Bait Restrictions
Prohibited in Gold Medal sections.
Notes
Over 100 miles of Gold Medal water - check regulations by section.
Always verify current regulations with Colorado fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Arkansas River
Local Fly Shops
- ArkAnglers - Buena Vista
- The Ark Anglers - Salida
- Royal Gorge Anglers - Canon City
Guide Services
- ArkAnglers Guide Service
- DVL Fly Fishing
- Ark Valley Anglers
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
400 - 1200 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 64°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Colorado Trout Rivers
South Platte (Cheesman)
Gunnison (below Taylor)
Animas
Fryingpan
Colorado River
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