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The Upper Arkansas River, running from Leadville to Buena Vista, is an angler’s dream, especially during the fall months when the air is crisp, the water is clear, and the fish are hungry
Above Buena Vista, the Upper Ark feels crisp and quiet, with golden aspens dropping leaves into riffles. Browns are staging for the spawn, and trout that survived summer flows are putting on weight before winter locks things down.
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Conditions at a Glance
Low, cold water keeps mornings slow, but as temps rise midday, trout push into feeding lanes. Nymphs and emergers are the play, with the occasional BWO rise when clouds move in.
- Flow: 145 CFS at Granite ⬇
- Water Temp: 48°F ⬇
- Air Temp: 30–60°F
- Clarity: Clear
- Pressure: Low (light angling traffic compared to downstream)
- Best Times: Midday 11 AM–3 PM when temps peak and BWOs emerge
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐
Hatch Chart – October
| Hatch | Size | When to Fish | How to Fish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BWOs | #20–22 | 11 AM–3 PM (clouds) | Sparkle Dun, Barr’s BWO Emerger, soft hackle swing | Best hatch in the upper basin, fish riffle transitions |
| Midges | #22–24 | All day | Zebra Midge, JuJuBee Midge under light indicator | Staple sub-surface, especially mornings |
| Caddis (few) | #16–18 | Late evening | Elk Hair Caddis skated | Mostly gone but possible in riffly water |
📥 Download the Full Arkansas Hatch Chart PDF (printable + mobile-friendly).
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Sparkle Dun BWO #20–22
- Nymph: JuJu Baetis #20–22, Black RS2 #22, Tungsten Pheasant Tail #18
- Streamer: Small Sculpzilla #10–12, Thin Mint Bugger #12
Tips Fly Fishing on the Upper Arkansas
- Focus on slower, deeper runs in the cold mornings.
- Shift to baetis emergers late morning as water warms.
- Midges stay reliable in clear water — trail them behind small PTs.
- Streamers are limited but can work at dusk in deeper pools.
- Fish are spooky here — long leaders and 6X tippet recommended.
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Access Points
| Access Point | Description | Why Fish Here | Parking | Wading | Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayden Meadows | Near Leadville | Cold, clear headwaters, smaller fish | Good | Easy | Easy |
| Granite | Mid-section | Pocket water, riffle/run habitat | Good | Moderate | Easy |
| River Park (Buena Vista) | In-town | Easy access, mix of runs and pools | Good | Easy | Easy |
| Johnson Village | Just below BV | Deeper holding water, browns staging | Moderate | Moderate | Easy |
Local Regulations & Landowner Notes
- State license required.
- Mostly public water with great access above Buena Vista.
- Avoid disturbing spawning fish in shallow gravel.
FAQ on this Spot
- When does the upper river fish best in October?
Midday, once water temps climb into the high 40s. - What’s the key hatch right now?
BWOs under cloud cover. - What flies should I have ready?
Baetis emergers, midges, and small pheasant tails. - Do streamers work this high up?
Occasionally in deeper pools at dusk. - How’s the crowding in October?
Light compared to Salida or Cañon City stretches. - What size tippet is best?
6X for dries, 5–6X for nymphs, 4X for streamers. - Is wading easy here?
Yes, flows are low and crossing is possible in many stretches. - What’s the scenery like in October?
Stunning — golden aspens line the banks with snow creeping into the peaks.
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