.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
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.
T
Fall in the Royal Gorge corridor isn’t just about rafters — the trout are keyed in too. With crisp mornings and active BWOs, this stretch near Cañon City is fishing better than its reputation for crowds might suggest.
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Conditions at a Glance
%20(3).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(3).png)
Flows have dropped to very wadeable levels, and water temps are sliding into prime fall range. BWOs are the ticket under cloud cover, while Tricos and midges fill in the rest of the day.
- Flow: 420 CFS at Wellsville ⬇
- Water Temp: 56°F ⬇
- Air Temp: 40–72°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Pressure: Medium–High (easy access draws more anglers)
- Best Times: 8–11 AM for Tricos, 12–3 PM for BWOs on cloudy afternoons
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐⭐
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐
Hatch Chart – October
| Hatch | Size | When to Fish | How to Fish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tricos | #22–24 | 8–11 AM | CDC Spinner, Trico Comparadun, drift in flats | Fish pod up in slicks, delicate presentations required |
| BWOs | #20–22 | 12–3 PM (cloud cover) | Sparkle Dun, Barr’s Emerger, soft hackle swing | Clouds = prime feeding window, emergers most consistent |
| Midges | #22–24 | All day | Zebra Midge, JuJuBee Midge under indicator | Reliable subsurface bite, especially mid-column |
| Caddis (stragglers) | #16–18 | Last light | Elk Hair Caddis skated across riffles | Winding down, but active at dusk in fast water |
📥 Download the Full Arkansas Hatch Chart PDF (printable + mobile-friendly).
-1.png?width=600&height=400&name=fly%20fishing%20in%20colorado%20(5)-1.png)
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Hi-Vis BWO Parachute #20–22, CDC Trico Spinner #22–24
- Nymph: Barr’s BWO Emerger #20–22, Black RS2 #22, Tungsten Pheasant Tail #18–20
- Streamer: Thin Mint Bugger #10–12, Olive Mini Dungeon #8–10
Tips Fly Fishing on the Arkansas (Cañon City stretch)
- Focus mornings on slower seams and slicks with Tricos.
- Midday, rig double nymphs — baetis emerger with midge trailer.
- Cloudy afternoons: emergers and soft hackles near riffle transitions shine.
- Evenings: toss a skated caddis or small streamer near structure.
- Fish can be pressured here, so stealth and light tippets matter.
Access Points
| Access Point | Description | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Park | In-town access | Easy walk-in, consistent riffle/run water | Good | Easy | Easy |
| Parkdale | Upstream of Royal Gorge | Productive pocket water | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
| Riverside Park | Central access | Good runs, easy to cover with nymphs | Good | Easy | Easy |
| Wellsville | Downstream | Mix of deep runs and tailouts | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Local Regulations & Landowner Notes
- State license required.
- Heavy public access — respect other anglers’ space.
- Watch for posted private stretches further downstream.
FAQ on this Spot
- What’s the prime hatch near Cañon City in October?
BWOs on cloudy days, Tricos in the morning. - What’s the best rig for pressured water?
A two-fly nymph rig with small emergers and midges on 6X. - When do streamers shine here?
Early morning low light or right before dusk along structure. - What’s the clarity like now?
Clear, so fish are spooky — long leaders and light tippet recommended. - Are caddis still around?
Just stragglers, mostly at dusk. - Is this section crowded?
Yes, especially around town parks, but you can hike a bit to find space. - Best beginner access?
Centennial Park and Riverside Park — easy wading and forgiving water.
What tippet sizes work best?
5X–6X for dries and nymphs, 4X for streamers.
.png?width=938&height=313&name=Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2010.29.24%20300x100px%20(3).png)
