Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
November 7, 2025
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~60 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 92 CFS |
Water Temp: | 30s - 40s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
We expect great fishing conditions this weekend with the nice weather in the forecast. Clarity and wadeability in the upper Arkansas is excellent and nymphing is the most productive approach. With temperatures dropping, expect the best productivity to be after noon. Expect fish to be in slower, deeper water through much of the day where they can hold without expending much energy. In areas like Hayden Meadows, deeper water isn't as common as elsewhere on the river so when you find it you'll likely find fish podded up in higher numbers within these lies. With lower, clear flows you can expect fish to be more discerning so pay attention to available forage so you can closely match the natural insects with your imitations. Attractor patterns can still produce but you may find that realistic patterns are more productive as fish key in on specific food. Midges are your primary forage but fish will still feed on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae opportunistically, too. The brown trout spawn is currently underway so take time to avoid walking through obvious spawning areas and try to avoid targeting actively spawning trout. Egg flies can be effective offerings for fish in the vicinity who are not fully engaged in spawning but are taking advantage of the extra protein in the system. Streamers can also be an effective way to create opportunities, as fish tend to be more reactive and territorial around the spawning window and very likely to chase and attack encroaching "prey".
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
November 7, 2025
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~315 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 30s - 40s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
We expect great fishing conditions this weekend with the nice weather in the forecast. Clarity is good in the middle basin and fishing here is consistently productive mid-day through the afternoon. The flow here is in the ideal range for the health of the fishery itself, allowing trout to fully disperse and occupy nearly all available structure in the river, efficiently and effectively feeding at their leisure in the reduced velocities. At lower flows, fish can along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Wade anglers will enjoy the lower flows as access on foot is now optimal in all basins, with as good of wadeability as you could ask for during the year. Expect the best fishing after 10AM as the water warms. Boating is minimal on the river this time of year. Midges are your primary hatches but fish will still feed on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae opportunistically, too. The brown trout spawn is now underway so take time to avoid walking through spawning areas and try to avoid targeting actively spawning trout. Egg flies can be effective offerings for fish in the vicinity who are not fully engaged in spawning but are taking advantage of the extra protein in the system. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate. Streamer fishing is very productive now as brown trout are amped up around their spawn, so pack some heavier tippet to manage larger flies and aggressive strikes.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
November 7, 2025
Flow at Wellsville: | 378 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 40s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
We expect great fishing conditions this weekend with the nice weather in the forecast. Bighorn Sheep Canyon is in great shape and is fishing very well, offering a wider productive window on the water than the river further north.. Nighttime temperatures are cooling down so plan to start your day after 9 or 10AM. At lower flows, fish will hold along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Deeper water is especially productive in the mornings but as temperatures warm and aquatic insects become more active many fish continue to move into shallower riffles and pockets to forage. Midges (#18-22) are the primary forage with sporadic hatches prompting localized surface feeding from trout. We're also seeing fish feed opportunistically on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae. The brown trout spawn is now underway so take time to avoid walking through spawning areas and try to avoid targeting actively spawning trout. Egg flies can be effective offerings for fish in the vicinity who are not fully engaged in spawning but are taking advantage of the extra protein in the system. Streamers can also be effective in triggering aggressive, territorial reactions from resident browns. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate, but choose heavier material on streamers.