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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
Spring fishing is coming alive on the Upper Arkansas River above Buena Vista, and this high-elevation freestone stretch is a sleeper hit right now. With low flows, cold water, and clear conditions, it’s a technical angler’s paradise — perfect for stealthy approaches, lightweight rigs, and smaller bugs. Expect Blue Winged Olives in the afternoons, especially below Twin Lakes and near Granite.
This section fishes best during midday warmth, when water temps push into the mid-40s and trout begin sliding out of winter lies into feeding lanes. You won’t find huge numbers of fish stacked together, but you will find hungry, opportunistic browns and rainbows willing to rise to a well-presented dry or pounce on a smaller streamer. Pro tip: Pack a thermos and bring your patience — the payoff can be big.
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Conditions Summary
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- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 – Clear water, low pressure, rewarding to the persistent)
- Flow Rate: 90–125 CFS near Granite
- Water Temp: 38–44°F mid-day
- Air Temp: 55–65°F
- Clarity: Crystal clear
- Best Times: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fishing Pressure: Low – this is a quiet time before runoff and crowds
- Wind: Breezy in the afternoons; calm and crisp mornings
River Flow Chart
Source: USGS & Colorado DWR Stations
Upper Arkansas Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| Feb | Midges | Zebra Midge (#20–24), RS2 (#20–22) |
| Mar | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | Black Beauty (#20–24), BWO Emerger (#18–22) |
| Apr | Blue Winged Olives, Early Caddis | Barr’s Emerger (#18–20), Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18) |
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Top 3 Flies for April
- Dry Fly: Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18) – Drift through slower pockets midday when sun hits the water.
- Nymph: Zebra Midge (#20–22) – Use a double rig with a tungsten beadhead and natural drift.
- Streamer: Mini Sculpzilla (#8–10) – Strip slow and low along deep rock ledges during cloud cover.
Tips for Fly Fishing the Upper Arkansas
- Seasonal Tip: Water is still cold, so trout are sluggish early. Focus on sun-warmed pockets and tailouts of deeper runs.
- Dry Fly: BWOs are active 1–3 PM. Present dries gently, and use longer leaders in this ultra-clear water.
- Nymphing: Euro or tight-line techniques shine here. Use small, tungsten flies and thin tippet to reach bottom quickly.
- Streamer Fishing: Fish aren’t chasing far — jig-style streamers with slow retrieves near structure are key.
Access Points
Twin Lakes Inflow
Description: Above Buena Vista near the Twin Lakes drainage. Quiet, productive spring spot.
Why Fish Here: Stable winter flows and warmer tailwater influence.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: [Google Maps Link]
Granite Bridge Area
Description: Easy access, scenic pocket water, and spring-fed clarity.
Why Fish Here: Ideal for dry-dropper setups and small streamers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Clear Creek Confluence
Description: Just upstream from BV, this confluence zone offers slightly warmer temps and good structure.
Why Fish Here: Great transitional water for early spring activity.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hot Spots
- Behind the County Gravel Lot in Granite: Low pressure and nice tailouts with structure.
- Upstream of Clear Creek Confluence: Pocket water and slower edges perfect for a stealthy dry-dropper.
- Below Twin Lakes Outlet: Slightly warmer and more consistent flows with early hatch potential.
River Whisper: Colorado Fly Fishing Ranker
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Tired of outdated fishing reports? As a modern fly fisherman, you need fresh insights that actually help you reel in more fish. River Whisper brings you honest, up-to-date fly fishing reports for Colorado—no gimmicks, just the real deal. Elevate your fishing game with us—because your success on the river matters!
Local Regulations and Landowner Rights
The Upper Arkansas above Buena Vista offers a mix of public and private access, particularly around Granite and Twin Lakes. Respect all signage and private property markers. A valid Colorado fishing license is required. Standard state bag and gear regulations apply. For conservation-minded anglers, consider catch and release with barbless hooks in these sensitive headwaters.
FAQ on This Stretch
1. Is this stretch fishable year-round?
Yes, though mid-winter can be tough. Spring and fall offer the best conditions with low pressure.
2. Do I need a boat here?
Nope — this is prime walk-and-wade water with pullouts along Highway 24.
3. What flies work best in April?
Stick to small BWOs, midges, and soft hackles during the day — or go small and deep with a nymph rig.
