Arkansas River and Spinney Mtn Res Fishing Report | Early July

Michael Atwood
Jul 3
3 min read

Updated: Jul 4

July 3, 2025

Arkansas River Flows

Leadville (Empire Gulch): ~275 cfs

Granite (below): ~665 cfs

Browns Canyon/Nathrop: ~725 cfs

Wellsville: ~750 cfs

Twin Lakes Release: ~208 cfs

Turquoise Res. Release: ~17 cfs

Clear Creek Res. Release: ~100 cfs

Arkansas River Fishing Report:

The Latest:

With the Voluntary Flow Management Program now in effect, you can expect these current flows on the Ark to remain relatively consistent through August 15th. The "target" flow is 700cfs at the Wellsville gauge, and they will augment the flows with releases from Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Reservoir to try and maintain that flow into mid Aug.

Right now is what many folks would consider "prime time" fishing on the Arkansas River. There is plenty of cool water in the river, and it has slowly decreased to a level that is more workable for the wade angler. Fish are no longer only found right along the banks, as they are able to spread out and occupy more parts of the river as the overall discharge decreases. Wading is easier, and fish are spreading out a bit, what's not to love?!

A smattering of insects will now be found of the river, depending on what river section you are on, and the time of day. Look for stoneflies, caddis and mayflies to increase in regularity as we progress into July. If you love fishing dry flies, then you will enjoy the current and upcoming conditions.

You can always keep an eye on flows by visiting dwr.state.co.us/tools/stations and looking at the hydrographs.

General Arkansas River Fishing Report and Tactics: Flows are dropping, and all is well on the upper Arkansas River. Dry-dropper fishing is probably our most recommended tactic currently, but the dry fly enthusiast and the nymphing angler will also find the fishing to be quite good. Take your pick!

Many caddis flies are fluttering around along the banks of the Ark through BV. Yellow sallie and golden stoneflies have also joined the mix of adult insects flying around the river corridor. Try skating or skittering an elk haired caddis or stimulator pattern close to the river bank for some good dry fly action. In my opinion, fishing in the evening hours with dry flies will be the best action!

Nymphing? I would fish your favorite attractor nymph (Duracell, CDC Pheasant Tail, French Jig, Rozas Jig) or a stonefly imitation, and pair that with a smaller offering such as flashy nymph/perdigon, etc. If you see caddis fluttering in the afternoon, try a classic such as an X-Caddis or an Elk-hair caddis. Sometimes skating/popping a caddis dry on the surface will result in more takes than a classic dead drift. Caddis flies are naturally fluttery and random with their flight, so it never hurts to try and imitate that.

Alpine Lakes and Streams:

Upriver clients display an awesome Cutthroat and Grayling double on a recent guided trip with Tanner!

Most of our favorite lakes are now fishable! Some of our highest lakes in the area are fishable now, as the last chunks of ice are still floating around and breaking up. Try a leech or a chironomid under a dry fly or small indicator. Sight fishing is usually the name of the game at the alpine lakes. Cover some ground, and spend lots of time looking for cruising fish along drop offs. Usually we don't have to blind fish at the alpine lakes. If you aren't seeing cruising fish, find a deep drop off and fish some deeper flies under an indicator for your best chance.

Look out for spawning cutthroat trout, and consider the ethics of fishing to clearly spawning fish!

Dragging streamers or other flies across the backs of spawning fish in the shallow water really isn't very sporting or rewarding. Once the spawn is over, and terrestrial bugs are out, the dry fly opportunities in the high country will really take off.

Spinney Mtn and Antero Reservoir Fishing Report:

Spinney Mountain Reservoir Fishing Report | July 2025

Check out this week's update on Spinney Mtn Reservoir from our Upriver guides!

The S. Park Reservoirs can be tough this time of year, but they can still reward the persistent angler. A variety of food options are available to the fish, and the great challenge is finding what the fish are feeding on, and where they are doing it. Midges, callibaetis, damselflies and even big caddis flies are on the menu. Some days are better than others, and I guess that's just fishing!