Arkansas River
FishableColorado
Current Conditions
The Arkansas River is running at 213 CFS — fishable but higher than ideal. Nymph rigs will outfish dries today. Streamers may produce.
Last updated: Apr 6, 2026, 7:45 PM from USGS gauge 07091200 (Arkansas River at Salida)
7-Day Flow Trend
Flow thresholds: Optimal 400–900 CFS | Fishable to 1500 CFS | Marginal to 2500 CFS
About the Arkansas River
The Arkansas through the Upper Valley from Leadville to Canon City offers over 100 miles of Gold Medal water. Below Salida, the river broadens with excellent dry fly water. Popular for both fly fishing and whitewater rafting.
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caddis Elk Hair Caddis #14-16 | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive BWO Parachute #18-20 | ||||||||||||
Pale Morning Dun PMD Sparkle Dun #16 | ||||||||||||
Golden Stonefly Stimulator #8 | ||||||||||||
Hopper Dave's Hopper #8 |
Active Hatches — April
Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Buckskin Caddis #14
Patterns: BWO Parachute #18-20, RS2 #20
River Sections
Leadville to Buena Vista
wade access213 CFS
High mountain section with smaller water and wild browns. Beautiful setting below the Continental Divide.
Buena Vista to Salida
wade/float access213 CFS
Brown's Canyon section. Excellent dry fly water mixed with rafting traffic in summer.
Salida to Canon City
float access281 CFS
Lower valley section with wide braids and big runs. Less pressure and larger fish.
Guides on the Arkansas River(15)
These fishing guides list the Arkansas River as one of their home waters.
ArkAnglers
Salida, Buena Vista and Pueblo, Colorado
Arkansas River Tours
Cotopaxi, Colorado
Bill Dvorak’s Expeditions
Nathrop, Colorado
Blue River Anglers
Frisco, Colorado
Breckenridge Outfitters
Breckenridge, Colorado
Culebra Creek Outfitters
San Pedro, Colorado
Drift Fly Shop
Pueblo, Colorado
Fly Fishing Services
Littleton, Colorado
Royal Gorge Anglers
Canon City, Colorado
Salida Fly
Salida, Colorado
Steel City Anglers
Pueblo, Colorado
The Blue Quill Angler
Evergreen, Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to fish the Arkansas River?+
The Arkansas River fishes well from spring through fall. Peak dry fly season is typically June through September. The best hatches occur during summer months with PMDs and caddis. Fall brings excellent streamer fishing and fewer crowds.
What flies work on the Arkansas River in April?+
In April, the Arkansas River sees Caddis, Blue-Winged Olive activity. Top patterns include Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, BWO Parachute #18-20. Always carry a selection of nymphs as well.
How many fishing guides operate on the Arkansas River?+
Avonture lists 15 fishing guides who operate on the Arkansas River. These guides offer local knowledge of hatches, access points, and current conditions that can significantly improve your experience.
What is the current flow on the Arkansas River?+
The Arkansas River's flow data is updated every 30 minutes from USGS gauge stations (waterdata.usgs.gov). Check the top of this page for current CFS readings, fishability status, and a 7-day flow trend chart. Optimal fishing flows are 400–900 CFS.
What fish species are in the Arkansas River?+
The Arkansas River primarily holds wild brown trout and rainbow trout. Fish sizes vary by section, with tailwater reaches typically holding larger fish.
Quick Conditions
Fishability Thresholds