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If you're looking for a river section that serves up big trout, consistent action, and stunning canyon views, the Lower Arkansas River is calling your name. From Salida to Cañon City, this stretch is known for its slightly warmer waters and bigger, bolder fish.
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The Ark through Cañon City is sitting at 354 CFS with clear water and a healthy early-fall bug menu. Morning Trico spinner falls keep trout feeding in riffles and flats, while BWOs sneak in on overcast days. The river is very wadable at this flow, but fish are selective — light tippet, long drifts, and small emergers will out-produce chuck-and-duck rigs.
Expect medium pressure around town stretches, but with this much water, there’s elbow room if you walk a bit.
Listen to the Podcast
Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Royal Gorge Front Range Dispatch
We cover which riffles are producing, why Tricos are still the main ticket, and how to rig smart for picky Arkansas browns.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 354 CFS — stable, wadeable, very fishable
- Water Temp: Low/mid 50s°F — safe and active for trout
- Air Temp: 50s°F mornings, rising into the high 70s
- Clarity: Clear — excellent sight-fishing conditions
- Best Times: 7–11 AM for Trico spinner falls; cloudy afternoons can push BWOs
- Fishing Pressure: Medium — urban access draws anglers, but spread is possible
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — strong fishing if you hit the hatch windows
Hatch Chart – September at Cañon City
| Insect Group | Presence |
|---|---|
| Tricos | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| BWOs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Midges | ⭐⭐ |
| Caddis | ⭐⭐ |
| PMDs | ⭐ |
Notes: Tricos and BWOs headline the show. Midges and lingering caddis keep subsurface nymphing productive.
Flies to Tie On
Nymphs / Emergers
- JuJu Baetis (#20)
- WD-40 (#20-22)
- RS2 (#20-22)
- Pheasant Tail (#18-20)
Dries / Terrestrials
- Parachute Adams (#20-22)
- Trico Spinner (#22)
- BWO Parachute (#20)
- Amy’s Ant (#14-16, warm afternoons)
Streamers
- Lil’ Kim (#8-10)
- Thin Mint Bugger (#10-12)
- Slumpbuster (#10-12)
Tactical Playbook
- Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinner falls in riffles and slow flats; fish light leaders and long drifts.
- Midday: Nymph rigs with small baetis and midge patterns in seams and pocket water.
- Afternoon: Cloud cover? BWOs and caddis show up. No clouds? Tight nymphing or small streamers are best.
- Rig Note: 10–12 ft leaders with 5X–6X; 4X for streamers.
Access & Flow Zones
- Downtown Cañon City: Easy access, solid Trico water.
- Riverwalk Trail: Great wading water with riffle-run structure.
- Upstream toward Royal Gorge: Less pressure, technical water with deep slots.
FAQs – Arkansas River (Cañon City)
Q: What’s the best hatch right now?
A: Trico spinner fall in the morning, BWOs if clouds roll in.
Q: Is the river safe to wade at this flow?
A: Yes, 354 CFS is very manageable. Just be cautious near deeper runs.
Q: Do streamers work here?
A: Yes, especially Lil’ Kims and Thin Mints in the afternoon shade.
Q: What size rod?
A: 9’ 4–5 wt handles most setups well.
Q: Best quick access?
A: Riverwalk Trail through Cañon City offers productive, easy-entry runs.
River Whisper: Colorado Fly Fishing Edge
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Tired of outdated fishing reports? As a modern fly fisherman, you need fresh insights that actually help you reel in more fish. River Whisper brings you honest, up-to-date fly fishing reports for Colorado—no gimmicks, just the real deal. Elevate your fishing game with us—because your success on the river matters!
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