Arkansas River Fishing Report | Late June
- Michael Atwood
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
June 25, 2025
Arkansas River Flows
Leadville (Empire Gulch): ~390 cfs
Granite (below): ~830 cfs
Browns Canyon/Nathrop: ~980 cfs
Wellsville: ~1,000 cfs
Twin Lakes Release: ~220 cfs
Turquoise Res. Release: ~17 cfs
Clear Creek Res. Release: ~125 cfs
Arkansas River Fishing Report:
The Latest: Right now (and the next 6 weeks) 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:
Some of our favorite lakes are now fishable! Some others... still need a week. If you happen to catch the alpine lakes within a few weeks of ice-off, the fishing can be really splendid! 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.
Look out for spawning cutthroat trout, and consider the ethics of fishing to clearly spawning fish. Once the spawn is over, and terrestrial bugs are out, the dry fly opportunities in the high country will really take off!
Check out this week's YouTube video update on the alpine conditions, and some helpful tactics to fool some high country trout!
Antero Reservoir and Spinney Fishing Report:
Antero continues to fish well. It has become a complete bug factory out there, midges and callibaetis galore, with damsel fly nymphs also becoming more active.
Try suspending chironomids, callibaetis nymphs, damsels or leeches below an indicator, around any drop offs and depth changes. Make sure you are using fluorocarbon tippet/leader for any subsurface flies that you are fishing. Fluorocarbon is a true difference maker in a lake such as Antero.
Go ahead... give it a little twitch!
Spinney Mountain Reservoir boat ramp is now open for the season, and there are reports of good fishing! Use similar tactics as listed above for Antero.
Contact Us:
Phone: 719-395-9227
Website: www.Upriverflyfishing.com
Socials: @UpriverFlyFishing
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