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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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Jump to Upper Arkansas Report
Jump to Middle Arkansas Report
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Listen to the Audio Overview
Updated: February 3, 2026
The Arkansas River in winter is not a single decision. It is three different fisheries stitched together by geography, each rewarding a different style of angler. What works above Leadville will not translate directly to Salida or the lower canyon stretches unless you adjust expectations and water selection.
Winter success on the Ark comes down to matching your time, comfort with cold, and willingness to fish deliberately. There is productive water every day, but only if you choose the right section for the conditions and fish it with intent.
Arkansas River Conditions Overview
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Conditions Summary
- Flow: Stable winter flows basin-wide
- Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
- Air Temperature: Cold mornings with brief midday warming
- Clarity: Clear across most sections
- Crowds: Light to moderate depending on access and proximity to towns
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with midges and stonefly anchors
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
Zebra Midge 18 to 22
Fish deep through walking-speed seams.
Black Beauty 20 to 24
Dead drift tight to bottom in tailouts.
RS2 gray 18 to 22
Fish slightly above the midge dropper.
Mercury Midge 20 to 22
Use when trout refuse darker patterns.
Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
Drift slow along inside edges.
Secondary Hatch: Baetis
Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
Fish mid column during mild afternoons.
Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Dead drift through deeper seams.
Split Case BWO 18 to 20
Use during calm weather windows.
Attractor and Streamer
Mini Leech black or olive 10 to 12
Slow strip along deeper banks.
Woolly Bugger olive 8 to 10
Short swings through softer edges.
Pro Rig of the Week: Arkansas River Winter Seam Rig
Indicator: Yarn or tight-line presentation
Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger or Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 18 to 22
Weight: Moderate, adjusted to section flow
Target Water: Inside seams, tailouts, soft banks, deeper winter runs
Arkansas River Hatch Chart – February
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Secondary on mild afternoons |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Common in slower winter water |
Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report Near Buena Vista
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The upper Arkansas is a winter grinder. High elevation, cold water, and shallow structure push trout into very specific holding lanes. Fish are present but selective.
Flow: 260 CFS. Winter freestone flows concentrate trout in deeper runs and protected seams.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 42 °F
Wind: 5 to 10 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Overall Rating: Technical winter fishing with light pressure
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 18 to 22
- RS2 gray 18 to 22
- Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Small Stonefly Nymph 16 to 18
Pro Rig of the Week: Upper Arkansas Winter Seam Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or tight-line
- Lead Fly: Stonefly or Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 18 to 22
- Weight: Moderate, adjusted often
- Target Water: Riffle tails, inside bends, walking-speed seams
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
This is the most reliable winter section of the Arkansas. Added volume, valley shelter, and consistent structure create predictable holding water and dependable feeding windows.
Flow: 480 CFS. Stable winter flows create long seams and consistent holding water.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 45 °F
Wind: 6 to 12 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Medium
Primary Hatch: Midges, Baetis
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Most balanced winter section for access and consistency
Top Flies
- Mercury Midge 18 to 22
- Zebra Midge black or red 18 to 22
- RS2 18 to 22
- Scud tan or gray 14 to 16
- Small Leech black 12
Pro Rig of the Week: Middle Arkansas Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Yarn
- Lead Fly: Scud or Leech 12 to 16
- Dropper: Mercury Midge or RS2 18 to 22
- Weight: Light to moderate
- Target Water: Soft edges, deep bends, slower winter lanes
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
Downstream, the river slows and deepens. Softer edges, slightly warmer water, and longer drifts make this section more forgiving during winter.
Flow: 720 CFS. Broader winter flows push trout to inside bends and slower banks.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 52 °F
Wind: 4 to 8 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Productive winter fishing with room to spread out
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 18 to 22
- RS2 18 to 22
- San Juan Worm small 14
- Small Stonefly Nymph 14 to 16
Pro Rig of the Week: Lower Arkansas Winter Drift Rig
- Indicator: Yarn
- Lead Fly: Stonefly or Worm 14 to 16
- Dropper: Zebra Midge or RS2 18 to 22
- Weight: Moderate to heavy depending on depth
- Target Water: Deep bends, tailouts, and winter troughs
Access Points
Leadville Tailwater | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Cold clear water with defined winter seams.
Salida Whitewater Park | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Urban access with productive winter edges.
Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Broad seams and consistent winter holding water.
Local Regulations and Notes on LandOwner Rights
Artificial flies and lures only in most sections
Respect private property near agricultural stretches
Be cautious around ice shelves and slick banks
FAQ
Is the Arkansas River good for fly fishing in winter?
Yes. The middle and lower sections fish best, while upper sections are more technical.
Where is the most consistent winter fishing?
The Buena Vista to Salida corridor offers the best balance of flow, temperature, and structure.
Are dry flies an option?
Rarely. Subsurface midge patterns dominate.
What tippet works best?
5X in most water, dropping to 6X in clear slow sections.
Which Arkansas section fishes best in winter?
The Middle Arkansas offers the best balance of access and consistency.
Do I need different flies by section?
No. Depth and drift matter more than fly changes.
Is the Arkansas crowded in winter?
Upper and Middle see moderate pressure. Lower remains quieter.
Companion Article for December
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