Fishing Report: Arkansas River Lower Basin - Salida to Canyon City 10.08.24

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. With flows often around 478 CFS, it’s a dream for float trips but just as welcoming to waders, offering a mix of riffles, runs, and deep pools where trout are lurking. The dry-dropper game is strong here, especially during the late-summer and fall months when the hopper-dropper combo reigns supreme. And don't forget your streamers—because the bigger trout here love a good chase in the deeper water!

Expect hatches of caddis, BWOs, and red quills, with trout rising near the banks and in pocket water. The beauty of this section isn’t just the great fishing; it’s the backdrop of the Bighorn Sheep Canyon, where you might spot more wildlife than anglers. This is the section where you go to experience it all—gorgeous scenery, hefty trout, and the kind of fishing action that makes you lose track of time. If you’re chasing trophy browns and rainbows, this stretch is your ticket to a great day on the water. Just be prepared for some serious fish stories by the end!

October Fishing Report: Lower Basin of the Arkansas River (Salida to Canyon City)

Current River Conditions

The Lower Arkansas River is currently rolling out the red carpet for anglers, and the trout are taking center stage. Picture perfect flows at 478 CFS make it feel like the river’s practically whispering, "Come wade or float; I’ve got something good for you." With the water clarity improving and the fall hatches in full swing, it's a fish-a-palooza out there.

The water's sitting pretty in the 50s-60s°F, which means those trout are active, hungry, and not too picky. Terrestrials? You bet. Hoppers are the stars of the show along the banks, and they're getting gulped like free popcorn at a movie. Meanwhile, streamer fans will rejoice in the deep pools where the browns are lurking, waiting for your well-placed Woolly Bugger to swing by.

If you're into nymphing (who isn’t?), throw a Pheasant Tail Nymph into those riffles and get ready for the fight of your life. Oh, and don’t sleep on that Chubby Chernobyl; it’s like dessert for the trout and a must-have on the late-afternoon menu. Get ready to cover some water, enjoy epic canyon views, and catch some big fish with an even bigger smile on your face!

Conditions Summary

• Flows: 478 CFS at Wellsville – Perfect for both wading and floating, offering excellent coverage of riffles, seams, and deeper pools.

• Air Temperatures: High 40s to mid-70s°F – Mornings are cool, with warmer afternoons that encourage active feeding throughout the day.

• Water Temperatures: 50s-60s°F – Ideal trout fishing conditions, with fish feeding consistently in shallower areas during the late afternoon.

source: Colorado Divison of Resources Station Flow Report

Top 3 Flies

• Chubby Chernobyl (#8-14) – A great attractor dry fly that imitates grasshoppers and other terrestrials. Fish this in the early morning or late afternoon along the banks.
• Pheasant Tail Nymph (#12-18) – Perfect for nymphing through deeper runs and riffles during the middle of the day.
• Woolly Bugger (#6-10) – Effective in deeper pools or around structure, especially for targeting larger browns.

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Nymphs

Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16-20) – This classic pattern is ideal for imitating mayfly nymphs, including BWOs and Red Quills. Fish it in riffles and pocket water, especially during mid-morning before the hatches take off.

RS2 (#18-22) – A great emerger pattern for Blue Wing Olive (BWO) hatches. Use this when fish are feeding just below the surface in slower runs and seams.

Pat’s Rubber Legs (#8-12) – Effective for mimicking stonefly nymphs, this larger pattern works well in deeper runs and faster water.

Dry Flies

Blue Wing Olive (BWO) Parachute (#18-22) – A must-have during fall, when BWO hatches are common in the afternoon. This fly is perfect for targeting rising trout in slower water and along the banks.

Red Quill (#14-16) – With red quill hatches peaking in late morning, this fly will work well in the middle of the day. Fish it in slower pools and runs where trout are feeding on top.

Hopper-Dropper Combo (Hopper with a Nymph Dropper) – Grasshoppers are still productive along the banks, and pairing a hopper with a dropper nymph will help you cover different water columns effectively.

Streamers

Woolly Bugger (#8-12) – A versatile streamer that works great in deeper pools and around structure. Strip it or swing it through riffles to provoke aggressive strikes from larger trout.

Sculpzilla (#6-10) – Ideal for targeting larger trout in faster water. Strip it through deeper pools or swing it along seams for the best results.

Access Points

Hecla Junction

• Why Fish Here: Hecla Junction is one of the most popular access points for both wading and floating. It provides access to excellent riffles, deep runs, and pockets where trout are active. The stretch near Browns Canyon offers spectacular scenery and consistent fishing.
• Location: About 10 miles south of Buena Vista, off County Road 194. It also serves as a popular boat launch for float trips down to Stone Bridge or beyond.

Buena Vista River Park

• Why Fish Here: Located right in Buena Vista, this access point gives you easy wading access to great stretches of water that include riffles and deep pools. Perfect for anglers looking to fish without venturing too far from town. It’s also a good spot to fish dry flies during the afternoon hatches of BWOs and Red Quills.
• Location: Just off East Main Street in Buena Vista, with multiple parking spots and river trails for easy access.

Rincon Access

• Why Fish Here: Rincon is a quieter access point further downstream from Buena Vista, offering less-crowded water and a variety of fishing conditions. This section is great for nymphing and streamer fishing in deeper water, with plenty of opportunities to land larger fish.
• Location: Along Highway 285, approximately 10 miles north of Salida.