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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.
Arkansas River – Lower Basin Fly Fishing Report (Salida to Canon City) – Sep 2, 2025
Flows are dropping into the 280–330 CFS range, clarity is excellent, and water temps are holding in the mid-50s to low-60s°F. This is classic late-summer Arkansas fishing: hopper-dropper rigs along grassy banks, PMDs and baetis in riffles, and evening caddis keeping trout active until dark. Wade anglers are in prime shape with comfortable, accessible water.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~280–330 CFS
- Water Temp: Mid-50s to low-60s °F
- Air Temp: Highs in the 60s–70s °F
- Clarity: Clear with several feet of visibility
- Best Times: 7–11 AM and 5–8 PM
- Fishing Pressure: Moderate — busier closer to Canon, lighter upstream
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (excellent late-season conditions)
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Lower Arkansas Hatch Chart – Late August
| Month | Midges | Baetis/PMDs | Tricos | Caddis | Stoneflies | Terrestrials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| July | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ |
| August | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅✅ |
| Sept | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ |
Flies to Try
Nymphs
- RS2 Emerger (18–20)
- Perdigon (18–20)
- Golden Stonefly Nymph (10–12)
- Pheasant Tail (16–18)
Dries
- Parachute PMD or Red Quill (14–16)
- Elk Hair Caddis (14–18)
- CDC Morgan’s Midge (20–22)
Terrestrials
- Amy’s Ant (14)
- Foam Beetle (14–16)
- Hopper patterns (12–14)
Streamers
- Thin Mint (8–10)
- Baby Gonga (olive or brown)
- Slump Buster (6–10)
Tactical Playbook
- Morning: Target riffles with PMD and baetis emergers.
- Midday: Hopper-dropper rigs along banks and grassy edges.
- Evening: Caddis hatches fire up—swing soft hackles or skate dries.
- Presentation: Long leaders (12–14 ft) with 4X–5X tippet.
- Approach: Wade fishing is best; floating is possible but technical in low water.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Upstream Buena Vista | Cooler temps, more insect variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Salida to Coaldale | Classic pocket water and riffles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bighorn Canyon Area | Slight stain, excellent hopper water | ⭐⭐⭐ |
FAQs – Arkansas River (Salida → Canon City)
Q: What’s fishing best right now?
A: Hopper-dropper rigs are the ticket, with baetis nymphs producing in riffles and caddis dries in the evening.
Q: Is it wadeable?
A: Absolutely—flows are low and comfortable for wading.
Q: When are terrestrials most effective?
A: Midday through afternoon; ants and beetles are especially strong.
Q: Streamers worth it?
A: Yes, especially in low-light pockets and canyon runs.
Q: Crowds?
A: Moderate, with heaviest pressure closer to Canon City.
Q: Best rod setup?
A: 9’ 5-weight with a medium-fast action, 4X–5X leaders.
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