Fishing Report

UPDATED: 5/15/25

Flow: 419 at Salida 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 419 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:

Fishing on the Arkansas river near Salida is one of our favorite springtime destinations. Hatches of midges, Baetis and Caddis have been consistent. You may see slight runoff conditions with water clarity from gin clear to sub one foot. Fishing everything from dries to streamer could be productive at the right time. There have been reports of great dry fly fishing below Salida. Fishing flies such as the Antonios Adult bwo, and the corn fed caddis should do the trick.  

RIVER ACCESS

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

OTHER LOCATIONS

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