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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
Upper Arkansas River Fly Fishing Report – Leadville to Buena Vista (Sep 2, 2025)
Low native flows and cooling temperatures have turned the upper basin into a wade-fishing paradise. At Hayden Meadows, flows are hovering around 150-190 CFS, with water temperatures lingering in the low 50s°F and visibility ranging 1–3 feet depending on upstream runoff. Dry and dry-dropper tactics are currently producing best, though terrestrials and small mayflies are on the rise. Afternoon temperatures remain inviting, giving anglers a full-day window to fish with finesse.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: ~100 CFS at Hayden Meadows — ideal low-volume runoff level
- Water Temp: Low 50s °F
- Air Temp: High 60s to low 70s °F with cooler patterns returning
- Clarity: Clear, offering excellent sight opportunities (1–3 ft visibility)
- Best Times: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Fishing Pressure: Light — remote access helps spread pressure
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (clear, technical, and very wade-friendly)
Hatch Chart – Upper Arkansas (August)
| Month | Midges | Baetis/PMDs | Caddis | Stoneflies | Terrestrials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | Present | Present | Present | Some | Increasing |
| August | Present | Moderate | Present | Some | Strong |
| Sept | Present | Light | Declining | Minimal | Lingering |
Flies to Highlight
Dry + Terrestrial Flies
- Small dries: Griffith’s Gnat, Parachute Adams (18–22)
- Larger terrestrials: Foam Beetle, Ant patterns (14–18)
Nymphs
- Golden Stonefly nymphs (sizes 10–12)
- RS2 Emerger (18–20)
- Fine midges (20–24)
Streamers
- Baby Gonga, Thin Mint, small leeches—most effective in shaded or deep runs
Angling Tips
- Early Day: Lean into dries and dry-dropper combos over pocket water and riffles. Terrestrials shine by mid-afternoon.
- Precision Matters: Fish are visual—long leaders, small flies, accurate casts deliver.
- Wade-Ready: The low water level makes this stretch great for waders—scope pockets in riffles and bends.
- Casting Strategy: Float dry flies for a drift, then follow up with a nymph dropper in deeper current seams.
Access Highlights
| Area | Why It Works | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hayden Meadows | Easy access, great early dry fly water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Granite to BV stretch | Secluded, technical, minimal pressure | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Higher freestone riffles | Low traffic, picky fish-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
FAQs – Upper Arkansas (Leadville → BV)
Q: Are hatches active this late in August?
A: Yes — small mayflies, caddis, and midges are present; terrestrials are heating up.
Q: Are these flows fishable?
A: Ideal — low enough to wade easily, with great visibility for sight fishing.
Q: Best flies right now?
A: Dry-dropper with Griffith’s Gnat or Adams on top; Golden Stonefly and RS2 below.
Q: Float or wade?
A: Wading is strongly preferred right now — technical float fishing is challenging in low water.
Q: Any cooler alternatives?
A: Alpine lakes and streams are firing for duns, ant patterns, and scenic stalking sessions.
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