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The Arkansas River is deep into its winter transition, and like the Colorado, each section behaves differently depending on elevation, gradient, canyon structure, and overnight temperatures. From the cold oxygen-rich pocket water above Leadville, to the more forgiving mid-elevation freestone through Buena Vista and Salida, down to the wider, warmer water near Cañon City, the Arkansas is showing its classic split personality this time of year.
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Updated: December 15, 2025
Up high, the Arkansas River near Leadville is cold, clear, and technical, with trout pinned tight to structure and feeding in short windows when sunlight reaches the valley. Mid-elevation stretches near Buena Vista and Salida provide the most consistent winter fishing, with excellent structure, steady flows, and predictable holding water. Farther downstream near Cañon City, warmer air temperatures and a softer gradient extend feeding windows and introduce scuds and leeches as meaningful winter food sources.
Conditions Overall in the Arkansas River
Flow: Low to moderate winter freestone flows, increasing downstream
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: Cold mornings with milder afternoons at lower elevations
Clarity: Clear to lightly stained depending on section and weather
Crowds: Light in winter across most sections
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., longer near Cañon City
Fishing Type Focus: Winter freestone nymphing with midges, baetis, scuds, and selective leeches
Weather
Arkansas River Corridor Weather
Expect hard overnight freezes throughout the basin. Upper sections warm slowly and shut down early. Mid and lower sections benefit from longer sun exposure and more forgiving afternoon temperatures. Calm days consistently fish better than windy ones.
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Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report Near Leadville
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This upper stretch fishes cold and technical in winter. Trout hold in deep pocket tails, slow inside seams, and winter troughs where they can feed efficiently without fighting current. Midges dominate, with occasional baetis activity on warmer afternoons.
Top Flies
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
Pro Rig of the Week: Leadville Winter Pocket Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn
- Lead Fly: RS2 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty 22
- Weight: Light split shot
- Target Water: Pocket tails, inside seams, and slow winter slots
Access Points
Granite State Wildlife Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Exceptional winter structure and reliable holding water.
Riverside Pullouts Near Granite ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Compact pocket water with consistent winter lies.
Leadville Tailwater Approaches ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Cold but productive winter habitat with deep slow shelves.
Rating: Four gold stars
Granite State Wildlife Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Exceptional winter structure in pocket water and deep slots.
Rating: Five gold stars
Riverside Pullouts Near Granite ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Accessible winter water with predictable trout positioning.
Rating: Four gold stars
Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report Buena Vista and Salida
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This middle stretch offers the most consistent winter fishing on the Arkansas. Freestone structure, excellent depth variation, and consistent sunlight create predictable feeding lanes. Midges dominate, with baetis becoming important on cloudy days.
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Juju Baetis 18 to 20
- Barrs Emerger 18
- Pheasant Tail 18
- Mini Leech 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Browns Canyon Winter Seam Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or small air-lock
- Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 20
- Weight: Moderate
- Target Water: Long seams, deep glides, and walking-speed runs
Access Points
Browns Canyon National Monument ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prime winter structure with consistent depth and sun exposure.
Salida Town Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Reliable winter runs close to amenities.
Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report Near Cañon City
The lower Arkansas fishes broader and warmer in winter. Trout spread into deep shelves, soft edges, and slow runs. Scuds and leeches become key food sources, and feeding windows last longer than upstream sections.
Top Flies
- Midge Larva 18 to 22
- Scud 12 to 16
- Leech 10 to 12
- Pheasant Tail 18
Pro Rig of the Week: Cañon City Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Small air-lock
- Lead Fly: Scud 14
- Dropper: Midge Larva 20
- Weight: Light
- Target Water: Soft edges, deep troughs, and slow winter runs
Access Points
Parkdale Access ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent winter structure with broad productive water.
Cañon City Riverwalk ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Slower winter lanes with easy access and extended feeding windows.
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Best on mild cloudy days |
| Scuds | 12 to 16 | Important downstream protein |
| Leeches | 10 to 14 | Effective in deeper winter water |
Companion Article for December
