Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report - Cañon City | Modern Reports

Arkansas River Fishing Report – Salida to Cañon City – April 2025

Spring has hit its stride on the Arkansas River between Salida and Cañon City, and the fishing is heating up right along with the weather. Flows are currently stable and clear, running between 339–380 CFS, making for easy wading and productive drift boat runs. Fish are spreading out of winter lies and feeding consistently through the day, especially during afternoon Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches.

Expect action to ramp up around midday, with caddis beginning to show signs of an early arrival near Cañon City. These transitional weeks are prime time for double nymph rigs in the morning, followed by dry-dropper and surface action later in the day. If you're heading out, be ready to switch tactics — and bring your Elk Hair Caddis and Pat’s Rubber Legs.

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Conditions Summary

• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 – Productive fishing with seasonal hatches emerging)
• Flow Rate: 339–380 CFS
• Water Temp: 45–50°F
• Air Temp: 65–72°F
• Clarity: Clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Fishing Pressure: Moderate, especially on weekends
• Wind: Mild mornings, gusts possible by late afternoon

River Flow Chart

Source: Colorado DWR Stations | U.S. Geological Survey

Arkansas River Hatch Chart

Top 3 Flies for April

• Dry Fly: Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18) – Excellent during warm afternoons when caddis are active.
• Nymph: Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10–12) – Dead drift through riffles and pool edges.
• Streamer: Sculpzilla (#6–8) – Strip through deep runs during overcast mornings or just after sunset.

Tips for Fly Fishing the Arkansas River

• Seasonal Tip: As water warms, trout become more aggressive and shift into feeding lanes. Focus on transitional water where fast meets slow.
• Dry Fly: Fish are rising during BWO hatches between noon and 4 PM. Present your fly upstream with a natural drift.
• Nymphing: Use a double nymph rig with a heavier anchor fly like the Pat's Rubber Legs, followed by a smaller RS2.
• Streamer Fishing: Overcast mornings and dusk are ideal for tossing a Sculpzilla across current seams.

Access Points

Wellsville Access

• Description: Easy roadside pull-off with varied water types.
• Why Fish Here: Great for wading, with a mix of riffles, seams, and deep pockets.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pinnacle Rock

• Description: Scenic canyon access with slower pools and fishy tailouts.
• Why Fish Here: Productive for both nymphing and streamer fishing.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Parkdale Recreation Area

• Description: Easy access with plenty of space to spread out.
• Why Fish Here: A perfect blend of structure and swing water for streamers and dry-dropper.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔥 Hot Spots

• Behind the Outlet Malls (Cañon City): Soft seams hold trout midday — great for RS2 and Zebra Midges.
• Under the Pedestrian Bridge: Mysis and BWO combo water — fish sit deep, then rise fast.
• Cement Wall Run (above Parkdale): Classic indicator nymphing water — bring your double nymph rig.

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

The Arkansas between Salida and Cañon City has abundant public access, much of it paralleling Highway 50. Always check signage and respect private land. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. Many anglers practice catch and release to protect this Gold Medal stretch.

FAQ on This Spot

1. Is this stretch fishable year-round?
Yes, especially the lower reaches near Cañon City where water stays open through winter.

2. Can I fish here without a boat?
Absolutely. There are miles of walk-and-wade access from pull-offs and recreation sites.

3. What flies work best in early spring?
Start with midges and BWOs like the RS2, then switch to caddis and stonefly patterns as temps rise.

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