Arkansas River Fishing Report | Late August, 2026

Michael Atwood
14 hours ago
3 min read

Arkansas River Flows (8.28.2026)

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 These flows could quickly be outdated.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: ~45 cfs

Below Granite: ~150 cfs

Nathrop: ~220 cfs

Wellsville: ~245 cfs

Upriver staff Conner and Ben display an alpine Cutthroat double on a recent outing!

Arkansas River Fishing Report:

The Latest:

We have made it past the hottest period of the year, thankfully. High water temps are now much less of a concern on the upper Arkansas River. The air temps are now cooler as well, and the nights are really cooling things off. It feels amazing, cause this summer was a hot one!

The upper Arkansas River users are benefitting from a management decision that is keeping flows at a target of 250cfs at the Wellsville gauge, via releases from Twin lakes. This target flow should last another 2-3 weeks depending on rain that we receive. We did have some recent heavy rain events that caused some flash flood events in Browns Canyon and in the Bighorn Canyon. As of today, we are still seeing off-color water in Bighorn Canyon, although it is fishable. Try a dang streamer!

The off-color water takes a while to clear out at these lower flows, and afternoon rain storms can always stir things up in some un-named gulch and cause a blowout of varying intensity.

There is also a huge logjam in lower Browns Canyon right now, and it may be there for a while! This is affecting boaters going from Hecla to Stone Bridge, you will have to portage around the obstacle. We don't know for sure, but its possible that this jam will persist until Spring runoff in 2027 (cross your fingers for a normal snowpack!).

Upstream of the logjam, through BV and up towards Leadville, the Arkansas is in great shape with perfect clarity. Fishing has improved significantly from the more challenging days on early August. Dry fly action in the evenings is back on! Hopper dropper and nymphing strategies are proving to be quite productive once again.

As always, give us a ring for an update on current conditions.

General Arkansas River Fishing Report and Tactics:

The river is fishing quite well right now, and probably a bit better than it was 3-4 weeks ago. 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.

Our guides are still running hopper-dropper setups and having lots of success. Streamer fishing from the raft is really great too. Try black, olive or white streamers. If they aren't hitting those colors, maybe it isn't a streamer day. 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 seem a little played out at this point of the summer, but the Fall blue-winged olive hatches are not too far away... f 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. Try a duracell, a frenchie, a perdigon, or any old nymph that you can get a good drift with!

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

Alpine Lakes and Streams:

August might be the best month for alpine lake fishing, but September is wonderful as well. Dry fly action has been awesome on recent trips to cutthroat alpine lakes. Try beetles, ants, micro chubbies, as well as the classics like small midge dries and tiny parachute patterns. Stripping a scud or a leech for fish that are hanging down deeper is often a good choice.

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 has been drained and closed for the year due to ongoing drought conditions.

Spinney Mountain boat ramp is no longer an option for trailered boats, but you can hand launch your rig from shore.