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If you’re looking for the Goldilocks zone of the Arkansas River, the Middle Basin from Buena Vista to Salida is just right.
Salida’s golden cottonwoods aren’t the only thing turning heads this month — the browns are shifting shallow and looking up. With crisp mornings and cooling flows, the middle Ark is in classic fall form.
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Conditions at a Glance
Flows are low and clear, perfect for wading but tricky for sloppy presentations. Nymphs and emergers are the bread and butter, while morning Trico pods and afternoon BWOs keep dry fly purists honest.
- Flow: 281 CFS at Hecla Junction ⬇
- Water Temp: 54°F ⬆
- Air Temp: 42–68°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Pressure: Medium
- Best Times: 7–11 AM for Tricos, cloudy afternoons for BWOs
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐
Hatch Chart – October
| Hatch | Size | When to Fish | How to Fish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tricos | #22–24 | 7–11 AM | CDC Spinner, Trico Comparadun, long slick drifts | Pods rise early, very technical fishing |
| BWOs | #20–22 | 12–3 PM (clouds) | Sparkle Dun, Barr’s Emerger, soft hackle swing | Afternoon emergers are reliable in riffle transitions |
| Midges | #22–24 | All day | Zebra Midge, JuJuBee under indicator | Always productive sub-surface |
| Red Quills | #16–18 | Warm afternoons | Parachute Red Quill, Flashback PT dropper | Sporadic but worth having in the box |
| Caddis (stragglers) | #16–18 | Last light | Elk Hair Caddis skated | Tapering but can bring splashy takes at dusk |
📥 Download the Full Arkansas Hatch Chart PDF (printable + mobile-friendly).
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: CDC Trico Spinner #22–24 (morning), Hi-Vis BWO Parachute #20–22 (cloud cover)
- Nymph: JuJu Baetis #20–22, Barr’s BWO Emerger #20–22, Tungsten Pheasant Tail #18–20
- Streamer: Olive Mini Dungeon #8–10, Thin Mint Bugger #10–12
Tips Fly Fishing on the Arkansas (Salida stretch)
- Target morning Trico pods in slicks with delicate drifts.
- Midday double nymph rigs with baetis emergers and midge trailers.
- Overcast afternoons = perfect for BWO emergers.
- Evenings: soft hackle swings and small caddis skated.
- Use 6X tippet for dries in clear water, 5X for nymphs.
Access Points
| Access Point | Description | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hecla Junction | Upper entry | Reliable riffle/run habitat | Good | Easy | Easy |
| Salida East | Central basin | Variety of seams, consistent action | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Rincon Crossing | Downstream | Deeper structure, fall holding water | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Big Bend | Mid-basin | Easier access, productive pocket water | Good | Easy | Easy |
Local Regulations & Landowner Notes
- Colorado fishing license required.
- Respect private ranch property along the corridor.
- Avoid redds in gravel runs during brown trout spawn.
FAQ on this Spot
- When are the best hours to fish in October?
7–11 AM for Tricos, 12–3 PM for BWOs with cloud cover. - What’s the most consistent rig right now?
A baetis emerger paired with a small midge under an indicator. - Are terrestrials still in play?
A few hoppers linger, but they’re sporadic — better to focus on Tricos and BWOs. - Do streamers work in this section?
Yes, but mostly early and late; stick to olive or darker patterns. - Is this stretch crowded in October?
Moderate — it’s popular, but you can always find water by walking a bit. - How clear is the water?
Crystal clear, so long leaders and stealth presentations matter. - Where should a beginner start?
Hecla Junction or Salida East offer forgiving water and easy wading. - What tippet sizes should I carry?
6X for dries, 5X for nymphs, 4X for streamers.
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