Arkansas River Fishing Report | Mid July part 2

Michael Atwood
Jul 16
4 min read

July 16, 2025

Arkansas River Flows

Leadville (Empire Gulch): ~140 cfs

Granite (below): ~620 cfs

Browns Canyon/Nathrop: ~710 cfs

Wellsville: ~720 cfs

Twin Lakes Release: ~290 cfs (will fluctuate/rise often this time of year)

Turquoise Res. Release: ~11 cfs

Clear Creek Res. Release: ~105 cfs

Arkansas River Fishing Report:

Evening view of Mt Massive from the upper Arkansas River on 7/14.

The Latest:

Not much has changed since last week's update on the Arkansas River fishing conditions. Flows have dropped a bit more in the past week, but 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 holding steady right now, and water temps are still nice and cool. 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:

Most of our favorite lakes are now fishable! 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. Scuds and caddis are also really common food sources at these alpine lakes.

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, which should be soon, and terrestrial bugs are out, the dry fly opportunities in the high country will really take off.

Alpine streams should all be hot and firing right now with your favorite dry flies. These mountain streams can be a great escape from the heat and from the busy feeling along the Arkansas River.

Spinney Mtn and Antero Reservoir Fishing Report:

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. Lately, damsel fly nymphs, scud and callibaetis nymphs have been doing the most catching on the S. Park reservoirs. There are some dry fly opportunites as well, when the callibaetis adults are on the surface. Hoppers will start to be a decent option as the Summer season progresses. Look for fish to be cruising in and around the growing weed towers.