Watch our latest "We went fishing report" for the upper Arkansas River!
Date: 03/08/2025 @ 12:00pm
Arkansas River Flows
Leadville (Empire Gulch): Not Reporting
Granite: 67 cfs
Browns Canyon/Nathrop: Not Reporting
Salida: 225 cfs
Wellsville: 250 cfs
Twin Lakes Release: 16 cfs
Turquoise Res. Release: 3 cfs
Clear Creek Res. Release: 1 cfs
Arkansas River Fishing Report:
The Latest: We have finally emerged out of the coldest, darkest period of the year, and there are signs that Spring is right around the corner. Tomorrow morning, our clocks "spring forward" which is always a personal signal that the blue-winged olive hatch is not far away! BWOs in the spring on the Arkansas River is about as good as it gets, and that is just a couple weeks away... But for now, look for consistent midge activity, especially on some of these warmer days in the forecast. We have been seeing fish consistently rising for emergers and adults. Always look closely into any swirling foam covered pockets. Trout love to hide beneath the cover of the foam, and sip midges.
Flows are very low right now, which can make the fishing feel a bit technical at times when it comes to getting a proper dead-drift. Low flows also make it easier to identify likely area where fish are grouped up and holding.
The weather forecast for the coming week looks to be mostly sunny and mild, until Friday when low temps and snow is in the forecast. This will be an excellent week to get out and fish on the Ark.
General Fishing Report/Tactics: Winter fishing tactics still reign supreme on the upper Ark. Although there are always exceptions, most fish are still holding in "winter water". I would define winter water as deep, slow runs. Often fish will hang on the seam lines in these areas, making the proper drift slightly technical at these low flows. Sometimes you will see fish facing in confusing directions as the current swirls and eddys discretely.
I would recommend fishing a tandem nymph setup under a small indicator for best results right now. Unless you are seeing rising fish, and you want to target them specifically. I like to use two tungsten beaded flies, and leave the split shot out of the equation. Although using split shot with non-weighted or lightly-weighted flies works for many folks. Nymphing the deeper and slower water is going to result in the most action. Long and slender leader/tippets down for 5X or smaller will get the job done. I prefer using fluorocarbon to my nymphs, just for that added stealth. Although it may not be completely necessary, I like to use anything that gives me the advantage in the low flows and crystal clear water.
I would fish your favorite attractor nymph (Duracell, CDC Pheasant Tail, French Jig, Rozas Jig) or a stonefly imitation, and pairing that with a smaller offering such as a zebra midge, caddis larva, spanish bullet, flashy perdigon, etc.
I say this a lot, but I truly believe that your presentation/depth/drift add up to be more important than the specific pattern that you are fishing with. Master your presentation on the turbulent currents of the Arkansas, and you will catch more fish. Another tip is to REALLY pay attention to your indicator during the drift! The more you stay ready and prepared for a take, the more successful hooksets you will have. If your indicator does anything unnatural, you ought to be setting the hook. Don't miss those opportunities.
Lake County: Starting to open up and become decently fishable. The further South you go in Lake County, the more open water you will find.
Buena Vista/Browns Canyon: Browns Canyon and the BV town stretch were each fishing excellent at the beginning of this week.
Salida and Downstream: Fishing very well!
Stillwaters:
Stillwater season is right around the corner, stay tuned for a better update!
High Alpine Lakes and Streams:
Frozen until June-ish!
Comments