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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 & Cañon City (September 11, 2025)
Flows are dropping into wade-friendly territory near 700 CFS, clarity is strong, and morning hatches are steady. PMDs and BWOs are around, Tricos are fading, and terrestrials are still delivering. Afternoons are warm but not oppressive, with fish shifting deeper when the sun climbs. Expect plenty of feisty browns, technical but fair.
At-a-Glance Conditions
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Rating: Excellent clarity and steady hatches, with fish spread across riffles and pockets
Flow (CFS): ~700
Water Temp: 58–62°F
Air Temp: 70s–80s°F afternoons
Clarity: Clear
Best Times: 7–11 AM (hatches), 5–8 PM (low-light streamer window)
Fishing Pressure: Moderate — busier near Salida, lighter toward Cañon City
Top Flies: RS2 #20 | Amy’s Ant #14 | Mini Leech #10
🎧 Listen to the Podcast
We cover the hot stretches near Salida and Cañon City, what hatches are driving the bite, and why terrestrials are still money in early September.
Weather Snapshot
Source: OpenWeather / NOAA
Hatch Chart
| Month | Midges | BWOs | PMDs | Tricos | Caddis | Terrestrials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Aug | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sept | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Flies for the Arkansas River (Salida/Cañon City)
- Dry Fly Setup: Amy’s Ant #14 or Parachute Adams #20, 9’ 5X leader.
- Nymph Setup: RS2 #20 below a Pheasant Tail #18, 18” apart, 5X fluoro.
- Streamer Setup: Mini Leech (olive/black) #10, swung in deeper slots.
- Pro Rig (Guide’s Pick): Hopper-dropper with Chubby Chernobyl #12 + Juju Baetis #20 dropper.
Access Points
| Spot | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Crowds | Overall | Map Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salida Runs | Classic riffles, easy access, good hatches | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
| Browns Canyon | Pocket water, excellent brown trout habitat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
| Cañon City Bend | Warmer water, streamer potential, less pressure | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ | [Map] |
Extended FAQ – Arkansas River
Q: When’s the best time to fish the Arkansas in September?
A: Mornings (7–11 AM) for hatches, evenings for streamer runs.
Q: What flies are working best right now?
A: RS2s, PMD/BWO emergers, ants and beetles, plus streamers in low light.
Q: Where can I park for access?
A: Plenty of pull-offs along Hwy 50 near Salida and public access near Cañon City bends.
Q: Is it crowded?
A: Moderate—expect more anglers near Salida, lighter pressure downstream.
Q: Any special regs?
A: Catch-and-release encouraged, barbless hooks recommended. Watch afternoon temps.
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