Fishing Report

UPDATED: 10/14/24

Flow: The gauge at Salida has been turned off for the winter season River Graph

The Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Peublo offers at least 10 boat ramps for float fishing, and numerous wade fishing access areas. There are some serious class III-IV rapids throughout this zone, so educate yourself before you go. Being a freestone river, the Ark supports diverse bug life, including tons of Caddis, Baetis, PMD's, Drakes, Golden Stones, and more.

Current Conditions:

RIVER FLOW: 

Flows near Salida are close at 432 cfs. 

WATER TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F): 

40's -50's

WATER CLARITY:

2-3 feet 

CURRENT FOOD SOURCES:

Stoneflies | Eggs | Worms | Baetis | midges | small fish, leeches, etc.

Flies to Try

NYMPHS:

 Jigged Biot Epoxy Stonefly size 12 dark | Flashback PT Size 18-20 | TDJ Golden Stone size 14 -16 |  Shot Glass Baetis olive size 20 |  Tungsten Hare's Ear size 12 -18 | Nitro Caddis tan or chartreuse size 14-16 | Tungsten Sparkle Wing RS2 grey or black  size 18-20 |  UV Midge black or brown size 18-22 | Zebra Midges assorted colors size 18-22 |

DRIES:

 Elk Hair Caddis size 12-18, olive, brown, or black | Parachute Adams size 12-22 | Parachute Extended Body BWO or PMD size 16-22 | Matthew's Sparkel Dun BWO or PMD size 18-22 | purple Parachute Adams size 16-24  | CDC Morgans Midge size 18 - 22 | 

STREAMERS:

  Double or Baby Gongas  | Craven's Dirty Hippie | Wooly Buggers black and olive size 04-08 | Near Nuff Sculpin tan or olive size 04 - 06 | Crystal Buggers white size 08-10 | Pine Squirrel Leech black size 12

Guide Tip of the Week:

The lower Ark can be a great option or a picky one this time of year. Water temps near Salida are dropping as the days go on. Bobber rigs with small/medium sized stoneflies and small baetis or midge nymphs below are a great option, but expect more fish to eat the smaller flies Jigged flashy attractors are also worth trying this time of year. If you see patternable rises, don't be afraid to throw some dries. Extended body BWO's, Matthews Sparkle Dun and even small caddis dries are worth trying. 

RIVER ACCESS

Also check out the Town of Silverthorne's Blue River Fishing Access Map

OTHER LOCATIONS

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