Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
September 13, 2025
Flow in Hayden Meadows | 91 CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 121 CFS |
Water Temp: | 50s-60s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Clarity and wadeability in the upper Arkansas is excellent and the dry and dry-dropper fishing has been very productive. Late season flows allow fish to spread out and disperse into all available habitat. Cooler temperatures have also returned to the valley for the foreseeable future, moderating river temperatures and keeping the trout population happy. 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. At lower flows, fish will now also hold along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Attractor patterns can still produce but you may find that realistic patterns are more productive as fish key in on specific food. Try to take extra time to read the nuances of the structure in the river, rather than just the obvious holding water. Expect to also see golden stoneflies (10-12), caddis (14-20) midges (18-20), and lots of terrestrials as we move through September.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
September 13, 2025
Flow at Hecla Junction: | 323 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 50s-60s |
Water Clarity: | Slightly stained following yesterday's precipitation, generally 3' or better visibility. |
The middle basin is fishing well this week and a cool, mild forecast for the foreseeable future is having a positive cooling effect on the river and will keep our trout population happy. 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 now also hold along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Wade anglers will celebrate 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. Float fishing will be a technical experience, favoring veteran boaters who can navigate the low water. The best float fishing will be further downstream as we head towards the fall. Expect to see golden stoneflies (10-12), red quills (#14-16), caddis (14-18), midges (18-20), tricos (22-24), baetis (18-22), and lots of terrestrials as we move through September. Take care to thoroughly revive fish before release. We've enjoyed comfortable weather this week and see a cool, mild forecast for the foreseeable future, which is having a positive cooling effect on the river and will keep our trout population happy. 3x-5x tippet is appropriate.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
September 13, 2025
Flow at Wellsville: | 386 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 50s-60s |
Water Clarity: | Dirty |
Precipitation in Salida the past two days has significantly compromised the river below town again this morning, especially below Rincon. In general, anglers are better served getting above the confluence of the South Arkansas. The river through Salida and further upstream is generally today, with maybe some slight isolated discoloration here and there above town. You may still find success in the upper miles of Bighorn Sheep Canyon with streamers or darker nymphs, but expect to work harder to find fish due to the turbidity.
Before this disturbance, the lower river fished very well this week, benefitting from cooler temperatures and stable weather conditions. The flow is now 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. Wade anglers will celebrate 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. Float fishing will be a technical experience, favoring veteran boaters who can navigate the low water. The extended forecast is for cooler, mild weather which will have a positive cooling effect on the river, a great way to start September and keep our trout population happy. The hopper-dropper fishing has been excellent as of late, but we still see many successful anglers leaning on dry and double-dry rigs and picking apart prime lies with accurate, controlled casts. At lower flows, fish will now also hold along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Expect to see golden stoneflies (10-12), red quills (14-16), tricos (20-24), caddis (14-18), midges (18-20), baetis (18-22), and various terrestrials through September. Take care to thoroughly revive fish before release. 3x-5x tippet is appropriate.