Upper Basin: Leadville to Buena Vista
October 16, 2025
Flow in Hayden Meadows | ~80CFS |
|---|---|
Flow at Granite: | 105 CFS |
Water Temp: | 40s - 50s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Clarity and wadeability in the upper Arkansas is excellent and nymphing and streamer fishing are excellent. 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. Fish will now also hold along midstream structure and in deeper troughs where a nymph rig can be highly effective. Mornings are pretty chilly up here so fishing is best late morning through the afternoon. 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. Midges and baetis 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.
Middle Basin: Buena Vista to Salida
October 16, 2025
Flow at Hecla Junction: | ~375 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 40s - 50s |
Water Clarity: | Clear |
Clarity is good in the middle basin and fishing should be procutive this weekend. 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. Expect the best fishing after 9AM as the water warms. Midges and baetis 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.
Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City
October 16, 2025
Flow at Wellsville: | 452 CFS |
|---|---|
Water Temp | 40s - 50s |
Water Clarity: | Clearing, still stained but very fishable. |
Clarity in lower basin has improved significantly and is very fishable this morning, especially in the upper half of Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Nighttime temperatures are cooling down so plan to start your day after 9AM. At lower flows, fish will now also 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 cntinue to move into shallower riffles and pockets to forage. Expect to see baetis (18-22) and midges (18-20). 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. 4x-5x tippet is appropriate.