Fishing Report: Arkansas River Lower Basin - Salida to Canyon City 10.28.2024

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!

The Lower Arkansas from Salida to Canon City is on fire this October, offering ideal conditions for trout and anglers alike. With steady flows at 367 CFS, this stretch is a paradise for both wading and floating. The water temps in the 50s-60s°F are keeping the trout active and ready to chase down well-presented flies. Picture-perfect fall foliage and the dramatic Bighorn Sheep Canyon make this one of the most scenic fishing experiences in Colorado.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 367 CFS
• Water Temperature: 50-60°F
• Clarity: Clear
• Best Times: Mid-morning to late afternoon

source: Colorado Divison of Resources Station Flow Report

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Chubby Chernobyl (#8-14) – Imitates hoppers and other terrestrials; best along banks in the early morning and late afternoon.
• Nymph: Pheasant Tail (#12-18) – Perfect for subsurface fishing through riffles and deeper pools during midday.
• Streamer: Woolly Bugger (#6-10) – Fish this in deeper pools or near structure to provoke aggressive strikes from larger browns.
  
  

Tips for Fly Fishing on the Lower Arkansas

Seasonal Tip
Fall is the perfect season for mixing it up with dry-dropper and streamer rigs, as the trout here respond well to both approaches. Just watch for spawning areas and avoid wading through them.

Dry Fly
Look for trout rising near banks or pockets on calm days, especially during late-morning Blue Wing Olive hatches. The Chubby Chernobyl also doubles as a great hopper imitator, so try drifting it along the edges.

Nymphing
Pair a Pheasant Tail with a smaller midge for a two-fly nymph rig that works well in riffles and slower seams. Trout are actively feeding below the surface, so cover as much water as possible.

Streamer Fishing
Streamers like Woolly Buggers or smaller leech patterns work best in the deeper, slower-moving pools or near rocks. Larger browns are more aggressive during fall, so don’t be afraid to throw bigger streamers.

Access Points

Wellsville Access

• Description: Popular access point with a mix of riffles and deep pools.
• Why Fish Here: Great for both wade and float anglers, offering easy access to quality trout waters.
• Location: [Google Maps link here]
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Five Points Recreation Area

• Description: Scenic section with picnic areas and trail access to the river.
• Why Fish Here: Known for excellent dry-dropper action and lots of pocket water.
• Location: [Google Maps link here]
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pinnacle Rock

• Description: Steeper canyon access with productive pools and runs.
• Why Fish Here: Ideal for targeting larger trout with nymphs and streamers, especially during fall.
• Location: [Google Maps link here]
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

The Lower Arkansas Basin through Bighorn Sheep Canyon has well-marked public access points but passes through private land in sections, so stick to designated areas. October is peak for brown trout spawning; please avoid wading through spawning beds to preserve the trout population for future seasons