Arkansas River
Hatch Chart 2025
From high-country tailwaters to freestone runs through Buena Vista and Salida, the Arkansas River offers unmatched diversity. Our 2025 hatch chart breaks down the key insect activity month by month—helping you choose the right flies, time your trips, and fish more confidently.
Crack the Code on the Ark’s Wild Hatches
From spring BWOs to fall caddis flurries, the Arkansas River rewards those who follow the bugs. Get the monthly hatch chart + pro fly picks.
The Arkansas ("Ark" to locals) isn’t just Colorado’s longest river—it’s one of its most diverse. Stretching from Leadville to Pueblo, the Ark runs through freestone canyons, alpine valleys, and foamy riffles that serve as a buffet for wild browns and rainbows.
This river doesn’t coddle. Conditions change fast. Hatches vary by stretch. But with the right flies—and a little timing—you’ll have trout rising, slashing, and hammering your patterns all season long. Below is your month-by-month cheat sheet.
That’s why knowing the hatch matters. Below is a month-by-month breakdown of the most reliable bug activity on the South Platte, plus our top fly picks for matching the hatch. Whether you’re stalking sipping rainbows or dredging for grudging browns, this chart is your riverside cheat sheet.
Month | Main Hatch | Secondary Bugs | Tertiary Bugs | Guide Tip |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | Midges (#20–#26) | Winter Stoneflies | Micro BWOs | Slow drifts, long leaders, light tippet. Fish deep. |
February | Midges (#22–#26) | Stoneflies | Micro Baetis | Pair midges with egg patterns. Trout stay low. |
March | BWOs (#18–#22) | Midges | Early Stones | Cloudy days = swinging soft hackles goldmine. |
April | BWOs | Early Caddis | Midges | Focus on pods of risers. Delicate dry fly work. |
May | Mother's Day Caddis | BWOs | Early PMDs | Skittering caddis and emergers dominate the hatch. |
June | PMDs (#16–#18) | Caddis | Yellow Sallies | Dry + emerger combos are deadly in pocket water. |
July | Tricos (#20–#24) | Caddis | Hoppers | Start early. Switch to terrestrials after the spinner fall. |
August | Tricos | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers | PMDs | Prospect with a beetle + midge dropper mid-morning. |
September | BWOs | Fading Tricos | Late Caddis | RS2s and emergers shine on cloudy fall afternoons. |
October | BWOs | Midges | Streamers | Start with dries. Switch to meat if the clouds roll in. |
November | Midges | BWOs | Eggs | Mix midge nymphs with an egg pattern for depth. |
December | Midges | Winter Stones | Baetis | Drift small midge larvae slow and deep in tailouts. |
Month | Hatch Type | Recommended Flies | Size |
---|---|---|---|
April | Midges & Blue-Winged Olives | Zebra Midge, Sparkle Dun | 18–24 |
June | Caddis & PMDs | Elk Hair Caddis, RS2 Emerger | 14–18 |
July | Golden Stones | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Gooey Beaver | 8–12 |
August | Tricos | CDC Trico Spinner, Trico Spinner | 20–22 |
September | Stoneflies | Rubber Leg Stonefly, Golden Stone | 10–14 |
This river's a study in contrasts. At 10,000 feet, midges rule. In Bighorn Sheep Canyon, it’s hoppers and stoneflies. Always check flows, match size first, and fish the water in front of you—not the hatch chart in your pocket. Then go back and match both.
Salida fly fishing hatch chart is essential for your tip, When do stoneflies hatch Arkansas River? Find out with the Hatch Chart.
From spring creeks to canyon tailwaters, the Arkansas River offers diverse access across Colorado. These hand-picked sections give you consistent hatches and plenty of room to fish.
📍Brown’s Canyon (Buena Vista to Salida)
Why fish here: This gold medal section is known for prolific caddis and golden stonefly hatches in late spring and early summer. The canyon water stays cool, and dry-dropper setups crush it here when flows are stable.
Best time: April–July
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 9/10
📍Pueblo Tailwater (Below Pueblo Dam)
Why fish here: A year-round tailwater with strong winter and early spring midge and BWO hatches. This is your go-to spot when the upper river is locked in snow or mud.
Best time: December–May
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 8/10
📍Big Bend to Rincon
Why fish here: A less-pressured stretch between Cotopaxi and Howard that fishes well with dries during summer caddis, PMD, and hopper hatches. Perfect for wading anglers.
Best time: June–August
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 7.5/10
📍Hayden Meadows (Headwaters near Leadville)
Why fish here: Small water, cold flows, and stunning views. This is a technical dry-fly playground in early summer with PMDs, caddis, and midges. Great for solitude seekers.
Best time: June–July
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 7/10
📍Salida Town Run
Why fish here: Easy access, strong flows, and excellent dry-dropper action right in town. Fish concentrate here during runoff transitions. Great for afternoon or after-work sessions.
Best time: April–June & September
Map it | ⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10
-
Q: When do midges peak on the Arkansas River?
A: Midge hatches typically peak in spring (April–May) and late fall (September–October), especially in tailwater sections like Browns Canyon and Clear Creek. -
Q: Where are the most consistent hatches on the Arkansas River?
A: Sections near Pueblo Dam have stable flows and consistent early-season hatches, while the upper sections near Buena Vista offer more summer stonefly activity. -
Q: What flies work best in hot summer months?
A: During summer, terrestrial patterns and golden stoneflies shine—consider hopper-imitations and Pat’s Rubber Legs in sizes 8–12.
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