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If you’re looking for the Goldilocks zone of the Arkansas River, the Middle Basin from Buena Vista to Salida is just right.
Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report – Salida, CO (8/20 Update)
The Arkansas near Salida is in late-summer mode, and the fish are making you earn it. Flows are steady, clarity is excellent, and the bug activity is still strong if you’re dialed in. This stretch fishes big, fast, and diverse—from pocket water to slick tailouts—and rewards anglers who can adapt on the fly.
Expect pods of browns sipping in softer seams, with a mix of caddis, PMDs, and hoppers keeping things lively. The canyon sections are producing with tight-line rigs, while around town terrestrial rigs and smaller mayfly emergers are key.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~450 CFS (Salida gauge)
- Water Temp: ~61°F mid-morning
- Air Temp: 65–85°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Best Times: 9 AM – 2 PM (hopper bite lingers later)
- Crowds: Moderate around town, lighter upriver
Arkansas River Hatch Chart – August
| Month | PMDs | Caddis | Yellow Sally | Hoppers | Tricos | Midges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| July | ✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| August | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
| September | ✅ | ✅✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ✅✅ |
Flies to Try – Arkansas River (Salida Section)
Nymphs
- TDJ Golden Stone – #12–16
- Sparkle Wing RS2 – #20–24
- Frenchie – #16–18
- Two Bit Hooker (black) – #16
- Pheasant Tail – #16–18
- Juju Baetis – #18–22
Dries
- Amy’s Ant – #12–14
- CDC Comparadun (PMD) – #18–20
- Parachute Adams – #16–20
- Yellow Sally – #14–16
- Elk Hair Caddis – #14–16
- Trico Spinner – #22–24
- Streamers
- Thin Mint Bugger – #8–10
- Slump Buster (olive) – #6–8
- Mini Dungeon (natural) – #6–8
Pro Tip: Around Salida, hopper-dropper rigs do heavy lifting right now. Go big on the hopper (Amy’s Ant, size 12–14) and micro on the dropper (RS2, size 22). The contrast works magic in pocket water.
Tips for Fishing the Arkansas near Salida
- Seasonal Tip: Terrestrials are hot—focus on grassy banks and foam lines.
- Dry Fly: Low-light windows = caddis & tricos. Midday = hopper time.
- Nymphing: Tight-line rigs with stonefly anchors and baetis/midge droppers shine in riffles.
- Streamer Fishing: Downsized streamers in the morning/evening; keep retrieves short and sharp.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Salida | Easy access, mixed pocket water & runs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Big Bend | Productive riffles and hopper banks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Browns Canyon | Technical, scenic, fewer crowds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rincon | Great hopper-dropper water, steady hatches | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Local Regulations & Notes
- Catch & release encouraged on wild browns
- Barbless hooks recommended
- Watch out for heavy recreational traffic in town (tubers, rafters)
FAQs on the Arkansas River near Salida
Q: Is the Arkansas fishable in August?
A: Yes—flows stabilize and hatches keep fish looking up. Midday hoppers are prime.
Q: What weight rod works best?
A: A 9’ 5-weight is perfect, but a 6-weight helps with wind and bigger dries.
Q: Are hoppers working?
A: Yes. Big time. Especially between 10 AM – 3 PM.
Q: Where should I fish if I only have half a day?
A: Browns Canyon or Rincon for fewer crowds, downtown for convenience.
Q: What’s the trout mix like?
A: Mostly browns, with occasional rainbows. Wild, strong fish that fight hard.
Q: Best flies for beginners?
A: Hopper-dropper rigs with a Pat’s Rubber Legs and a Parachute Adams on top.
