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Leadville → Buena Vista → Salida → Cañon City
Updated: December 10, 2025
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 10, 2025
The Arkansas River near Leadville is technical, cold, and extremely clear, with trout holding in slow inside edges and deeper winter lies. Feeding windows are short but predictable when the sun reaches the valley floor.
The Arkansas River through Buena Vista and Salida is in its prime winter mode. Lower elevation, consistent sun exposure, and excellent structure give anglers reliable midge and baetis fishing from late morning into early afternoon.
Downstream, the Arkansas River near Cañon City benefits from warmer air temperatures and softer gradients. Trout slide into broader shelves, seams, and deep tailouts, often feeding with slightly more aggression compared to their upstream relatives.
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Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report Near Leadville
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 65 to 100 CFS, stable and low
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: Teens to upper 20s
Clarity: Ultra clear
Crowds: Minimal
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Technical winter nymphing with small midges
Weather
Leadville Colorado Weather
Cold and crisp with overnight lows that freeze everything solid. Short sun exposure creates a narrow but dependable window for trout to slide into deeper feeding lanes.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Top Secret Midge 22 to 24
- RS2 20 to 22
- Small Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Mole Fly 20 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: Leadville Low-Flow Micro Rig
- Indicator: Tiny yarn indicator
- Lead Fly: RS2 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty 22 to 24
- Weight: Minimal; just enough to tick once every 12 inches
- Target Water: Slow inside bends, deep oxygen-rich pockets, and winter troughs beneath structure
Access Points
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
Conditions Summary
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Flow: 150 to 200 CFS, stable
Water Temperature: Mid 30s to low 40s
Air Temperature: Upper 20s to low 40s
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Light
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter freestone nymphing with midges and baetis
Weather
Buena Vista Colorado Weather
More sun exposure than Leadville with frequent midday warmups. Short storm cycles can temporarily reduce clarity but often improve the midge bite.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Juju Baetis 18 to 20
- Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
- Black Beauty 20 to 22
- Pheasant Tail 18
- Mini Leech 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Browns Canyon Seam Rig
- Indicator: Small air-lock or yarn
- Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 20
- Weight: Moderate; deep runs demand precision
- Target Water: Long walking-speed seams and deeper transitions throughout Browns Canyon
Access Points
Browns Canyon National Monument ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prime winter water with deep seams and warming afternoon sun.
Rating: Five gold stars
Stone Bridge to Salida ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Consistent holding water with excellent access.
Rating: Four gold stars
Salida Town Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Productive winter water close to amenities.
Rating: Four gold stars
Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report Near Cañon City
Conditions Summary
Flow: 200 to 300 CFS
Water Temperature: Mid to upper 30s
Air Temperature: High 30s to mid 40s
Clarity: Clear to slightly stained
Crowds: Light
Best Window: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Midges, baetis, scuds, leeches
Weather
Cañon City Colorado Weather
Warmer than upstream sections with broad sunlight exposure. Afternoon warming creates longer feeding windows than Leadville or Salida.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Midge Larva 18 to 22
- Scud 12 to 16
- Leech 10 to 12
- Pheasant Tail 18 to 20
- Egg Patterns 14 to 16
Pro Rig of the Week: Royal Gorge Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn
- Lead Fly: Scud 14
- Dropper: Midge Larva 20
- Weight: Slight; avoid hanging up in slower edges
- Target Water: Slow runs, deep shelves, mid-channel troughs, and soft flats
Looking for a Guide on the South Platte?
Hatch Chart for December
Bug Type | Size | Notes
Midges | 18 to 22 | Dominant forage
Baetis | 20 | Active with cloud cover
Scuds | 12 to 16 | Excellent winter protein
Leeches | 10 to 12 | Strong in stained water
Download the Arkansas River Hatch Chart
Access Points
Parkdale Access ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prime winter water with depth, warmth, and structure.
Rating: Five gold stars
Canon City Riverwalk ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Gentle seams and soft edges ideal for winter nymphing.
Rating: Four gold stars
Texas Creek Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Consistent winter holding water with varied structure.
Rating: Four gold stars
Companion Article for December
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