Arkansas River Fishing Report | Early August

Michael Atwood
2 days ago
3 min read

Arkansas River Flows (8.2.2026)

Always check flows before heading out to get the most up to date info! These flows could quickly be outdated. Visit dwr.state.co.us for current data. You can also find live water temp data at the same link (Granite and Wellsville gauges).

Empire Gulch near Malta: ~40 cfs

Below Granite: ~110 cfs

Nathrop: ~185 cfs

Wellsville: ~200 cfs

Upriver guide, Adam Groskin, proudly displays a multi-species double up on an Arkansas River float trip.

Arkansas River Fishing Report:

The Latest:

Hi folks! We made it through July... Every year it happens in a blink, and this year was no different.

Fishing is a bit tough on the Arkansas River currently, but if you adjust your tactics and timing, there are plenty of fish to be caught (and released healthy).

Flows on the upper Arkansas River are about as low as you will ever see them. This has made the wade fishing much easier than normal. But it also means that water temps warm up faster.

Water temperatures are something to keep an eye on! You can see up to date temp data for the Granite gauge and the Wellsville gauge by following this link, dwr.state.co.us and enabling the temp data to show on the graph. Regardless of where you are on the river, the water temps are spiking at 3-5pm daily. The best recommendation we can make is to get our early in the mornings, and make the most of your day before noon. In the mid afternoon, taking a water temp, or checking the data will inform you on whether or not you should continue fishing, or if you should find something else to do with your time. We recommend not fishing when the water temps exceed 68-70 degrees. We also recommend you land fish quickly, use a net, and don't hold fish out of the water. Let's all use our noggins and try to minimize the stress on our trout buddies.

This is a great time of year to turn your attention to the higher elevation streams and alpine lakes.

General Arkansas River Fishing Report and Tactics:

The river is still fishing well, but it can be tough! Your presentation matters more currently than it would in a normal year. Flows are so low, fish have more time to scruitinize your flies/drift. Longer leaders 9-12' and smaller diameters 5-6X will help you get the best looking drifts.

Getting out early means you will have more time to enjoy your time on the water, and more time to target the trout when the are active and feeding. I don't believe you could get out to fish too early.

Our guides are still running hopper-dropper setups and having lots of success. There are also a lot of fish looking up, so a single or double dry setup can be deadly if fished well. Late mornings and early afternoons, fish will be stacked in riffle water and some of the fastest flowing parts of the river. You might be shocked at the speed and depth of water that these browns and rainbows will be holding in. 8'' to 4' of depth, with a good strong current is where lots of fish will be hanging out, feeding actively. I cannot stress enough how you shouldn't overlook the riffle water! Hatches will vary depending on where in the drainage you are, what time of day, and what the weather is like... That being said, you can see midges, PMDs, red quills, golden stoneflies, yellow sallies, and caddis. If there are no active hatches, just throw a micro chubby and have fun! Throw a little sz 18 tungsten dropper nymph on if you want to bring a few more fish to the net.

Fish The Riffles, yes, they're in that fast current!

Alpine Lakes and Streams:

Things happened 6-8 weeks early this year, so many of our cutthroat lakes have already gone through the spawning process. This means more cruising and feeding cutties! Try a small terrestrial dry with a chironomid dropper, or try stripping a black or olive leech pattern back to yourself. On recent outings, we have been seeing lots of flying ants in and around our alpine lakes.

The tributary streams are flowing very low and clear, so tie on your favorite dry fly, don't spook these fish, and they will rise with reckless abandon.

Spinney Mtn and Antero Reservoir Fishing Report:

Antero is closed for the year due to drought conditions.

Spinney Mountain boat ramp is no longer an option for trailered boats, but you can hand launch your rig from shore. Some really solid reports have been coming out of Spinney lately. Callibaetis and damsel hatches can create some chaotic dry fly fishing if you're out there when everything lines up.