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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.
The Arkansas through Cañon City is running 354 CFS, clear, and in full fall swing. Morning Trico spinner falls still drive the surface game, but BWOs are starting to show stronger on cloudy days. This is technical but rewarding fishing: riffles, seams, and pocket water are alive early, with trout sliding deeper as temps climb.
Flows are prime for wading, and while pressure is medium in town, a short walk will buy you elbow room.
Listen to the Podcast
Rise Beyond Fly Fishing – Royal Gorge Gateway Dispatch
We cover the best riffles for Trico spinners, which BWO emergers are producing, and how to set up a tactical nymph rig for browns that have seen it all.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 354 CFS — stable, wadeable, perfect pocket-water flows
- Water Temp: Low/mid 50s°F — safe, active trout temps
- Air Temp: 50s°F mornings, climbing to 70s-80s afternoons
- Clarity: Clear — excellent visibility, stealth required
- Best Times: 7–11 AM Trico spinner falls; BWOs on cloudy afternoons
- Fishing Pressure: Medium — easy access draws anglers, but room available
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — strong fishing if you match hatches
Hatch Chart – September at Cañon City
| Insect Group | Presence |
|---|---|
| Tricos | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| BWOs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Midges | ⭐⭐ |
| Caddis | ⭐⭐ |
| PMDs | ⭐ |
Notes: Tricos headline mornings; BWOs are on deck for cloudy afternoons. Midges and caddis keep fish feeding subsurface.
Flies to Tie On
Nymphs / Emergers
- JuJu Baetis (olive, #20-22) – staple baetis imitation; deadly on light rigs.
- Barr’s BWO Emerger (olive/gray, #20-22) – perfect for afternoon overcast.
- WD-40 (black/olive, #20-22) – midge/baetis crossover, great as a trailer.
- Tungsten Pheasant Tail (#18-20) – classic attractor, works in riffles.
- Duracell Jig Nymph (brown/black, #16-18) – high sink rate, picks up opportunistic feeders.
Dries / Terrestrials
- Trico Spinner (CDC, #22-24) – key for morning spinner falls.
- Parachute Adams (#20-22) – versatile, covers Tricos and BWOs.
- Hi-Vis BWO Parachute (#20) – for spotting in choppy riffles.
- Amy’s Ant (peacock/tan, #14-16) – warm afternoon terrestrial option.
- Micro Chubby Chernobyl (#16, olive/tan) – doubles as hopper/dropper anchor.
Streamers
- Lil’ Kim (white/olive, #8-10) – flashy, great in deeper slots.
- Thin Mint Bugger (#10-12) – brown/black/olive blend for all-around use.
- Slumpbuster (natural/black, #10-12) – swing through shadowed runs.
- Mini Dungeons (olive, #8-10) – for aggressive browns in off-color water.
Tactical Playbook
- Morning (7–11 AM): Trico spinners on 6X with RS2 or WD-40 droppers. Target riffle tails and glassy flats.
- Midday: Two-fly nymph rigs with JuJu Baetis and Barr’s BWO Emergers. Focus on seams and pocket water.
- Afternoon (if cloudy): BWOs hatch strong; hi-vis parachutes and BWO emergers shine.
- Evening: Streamer work in deeper runs or shadow lines.
- Rig Note: 10–12 ft leaders, 5X-6X fluoro. Anchor with a tungsten PT or Duracell, trail WD-40/RS2.
Access & Flow Zones
- Riverwalk Trail (Downtown Cañon City): Classic riffle/run sections; prime Trico water.
- Upstream toward Royal Gorge: Technical water with deeper pools; good for nymphing and streamers.
- Downstream of town: Lower pressure, slower seams, strong evening streamer water.
FAQs – Arkansas River (Cañon City)
Q: What’s the hatch schedule?
A: Tricos in the morning, BWOs if cloudy in the afternoon, midges and caddis filling in throughout.
Q: What’s the go-to fly right now?
A: Trico spinner early, then nymphs like JuJu Baetis and WD-40 midday.
Q: Are streamers working?
A: Yes, especially Thin Mints and Lil’ Kims in deeper shadowed runs.
Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 5 wt for versatility — dries, nymphs, or streamers.
Q: Is it safe to wade at 354 CFS?
A: Yes, flows are prime for wading and covering pocket water.
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