Arkansas River
Hatch Chart 2026

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.

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.