Arkansas River
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- Prince Nymph
- Pat's Rubberlegs
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Recent Guide Reports
May 16
ArkAnglers
Thursday, 5/16 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 820 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained, 2' visibility below Salida. Improved over the past few days.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 8
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
We recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage.
Following the significant precipitation we saw over the weekend, flows have risen and are again scouring the edges of the river. Clarity has bounced back significantly, with upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon showing about 20-24" visibility this AM. You'll need to prepare to work harder for opportunities with fish but it is still worthwhile through these conditions. At this level, your productive water will be constrained to right along the banks or along mid-stream structure like boudlers. You're looking for any structure that slows the velocity of the river and gives the fish shelter from the fast fows. Often fish are going to be more opportunistic than not so rather than matching a particular hatch we can get away with more generic, buggy patterns that stand out in the off-colored water. The prince nymph is a great example, with a dark body and contrasting white wings. Rubberlegs stoneflies are also a good bet as their large, dark silhouettes present an easy, obvious, worthy meal. With rising flows, it's likely that more stonefly nymphs are dislodged and vulnerable to predation. We do see good streamer fishing with conditions like today's, especially out of a boat where it's easy to target the banks. Black or white streamers are often the first choice because they are most likely to stand out in the stained water. We confidently size up on leader material to 3x under these conditions because the fish are not spooky and there's just enough flow to make you appreciate a little extra strength in your line to help land fish more quickly.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 820 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained, 2' visibility below Salida. Improved over the past few days.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 8
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
We recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage.
Following the significant precipitation we saw over the weekend, flows have risen and are again scouring the edges of the river. Clarity has bounced back significantly, with upper Bighorn Sheep Canyon showing about 20-24" visibility this AM. You'll need to prepare to work harder for opportunities with fish but it is still worthwhile through these conditions. At this level, your productive water will be constrained to right along the banks or along mid-stream structure like boudlers. You're looking for any structure that slows the velocity of the river and gives the fish shelter from the fast fows. Often fish are going to be more opportunistic than not so rather than matching a particular hatch we can get away with more generic, buggy patterns that stand out in the off-colored water. The prince nymph is a great example, with a dark body and contrasting white wings. Rubberlegs stoneflies are also a good bet as their large, dark silhouettes present an easy, obvious, worthy meal. With rising flows, it's likely that more stonefly nymphs are dislodged and vulnerable to predation. We do see good streamer fishing with conditions like today's, especially out of a boat where it's easy to target the banks. Black or white streamers are often the first choice because they are most likely to stand out in the stained water. We confidently size up on leader material to 3x under these conditions because the fish are not spooky and there's just enough flow to make you appreciate a little extra strength in your line to help land fish more quickly.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
May 14
ArkAnglers
Tuesday, 5/14 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 898 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Diminished visibility, ~1' or less below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 8
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
We recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage.
Following the significant precipitation we saw over the weekend, flows have risen and are again scouring the edges of the river. There approximately 2' of visibility along the edges in Salida this morning and less as you get below Salida. It's not unfishable but it isn't pretty and you'll need to prepare to work harder for opportunities with fish. At this level, your productive water will be constrained to right along the banks or along mid-stream structure like boudlers. You're looking for any structure that slows the velocity of the river and gives the fish shelter from the fast fows. Often fish are going to be more opportunistic than not so rather than matching a particular hatch we can get away with more generic, buggy patterns that stand out in the off-colored water. The prince nymph is a great example, with a dark body and contrasting white wings. Rubberlegs stoneflies are also a good bet as their large, dark silhouettes present an easy, obvious, worthy meal. With rising flows, it's likely that more stonefly nymphs are dislodged and vulnerable to predation. We do see good streamer fishing with conditions like today's, especially out of a boat where it's easy to target the banks. Black or white streamers are often the first choice because they are most likely to stand out in the stained water. We confidently size up on leader material to 3x under these conditions because the fish are not spooky and there's just enough flow to make you appreciate a little extra strength in your line to help land fish more quickly.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 898 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Diminished visibility, ~1' or less below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 8
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
We recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage.
Following the significant precipitation we saw over the weekend, flows have risen and are again scouring the edges of the river. There approximately 2' of visibility along the edges in Salida this morning and less as you get below Salida. It's not unfishable but it isn't pretty and you'll need to prepare to work harder for opportunities with fish. At this level, your productive water will be constrained to right along the banks or along mid-stream structure like boudlers. You're looking for any structure that slows the velocity of the river and gives the fish shelter from the fast fows. Often fish are going to be more opportunistic than not so rather than matching a particular hatch we can get away with more generic, buggy patterns that stand out in the off-colored water. The prince nymph is a great example, with a dark body and contrasting white wings. Rubberlegs stoneflies are also a good bet as their large, dark silhouettes present an easy, obvious, worthy meal. With rising flows, it's likely that more stonefly nymphs are dislodged and vulnerable to predation. We do see good streamer fishing with conditions like today's, especially out of a boat where it's easy to target the banks. Black or white streamers are often the first choice because they are most likely to stand out in the stained water. We confidently size up on leader material to 3x under these conditions because the fish are not spooky and there's just enough flow to make you appreciate a little extra strength in your line to help land fish more quickly.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
May 11
ArkAnglers
Saturday, 5/11 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 643 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Dirty below the confluence of Bear Creek below Salida East, clear upstream.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 8
SaturdayReport - Braden Baker
We recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
Clarity has bounced back and the river has fished very well the past few days below Salida, despite serious wind earlier in the week. Dry dropper and streamer fishing have been the most productive methods with chances to fish single dry flies intermixed. Flows are in the mid 600 cfs range which makes for both very comfortable float fishing conditions and good wading conditions, though you probably shouldn't attempt to cross under current circumstances. We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. The rest of this week looks to offer prime conditions for hatches of these mayflies. Bring some insulation and some rain gear and you'll find the river is fishing very well! Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM and fish will move into the flatter, calmer edgewater and back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
Caddis hatches have slowed with the recent cooldown in weather and increase in flows but blue wing olive mayfly activity has been a strong substitute. Expect active caddis hatches to kickstart again when we see warmer weather return to the region. In the interim, swinging soft hackle caddis pupa through shallow riffles in areas where we recently had active caddis hatches continues to be a productive tactic. The highest reports of active caddis hatches were at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 5/9. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 643 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Dirty below the confluence of Bear Creek below Salida East, clear upstream.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 8
SaturdayReport - Braden Baker
We recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
Clarity has bounced back and the river has fished very well the past few days below Salida, despite serious wind earlier in the week. Dry dropper and streamer fishing have been the most productive methods with chances to fish single dry flies intermixed. Flows are in the mid 600 cfs range which makes for both very comfortable float fishing conditions and good wading conditions, though you probably shouldn't attempt to cross under current circumstances. We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. The rest of this week looks to offer prime conditions for hatches of these mayflies. Bring some insulation and some rain gear and you'll find the river is fishing very well! Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM and fish will move into the flatter, calmer edgewater and back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
Caddis hatches have slowed with the recent cooldown in weather and increase in flows but blue wing olive mayfly activity has been a strong substitute. Expect active caddis hatches to kickstart again when we see warmer weather return to the region. In the interim, swinging soft hackle caddis pupa through shallow riffles in areas where we recently had active caddis hatches continues to be a productive tactic. The highest reports of active caddis hatches were at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 5/9. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
May 09
ArkAnglers
Thursday, 5/9 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 643 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but good, over 36" visibility below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 1
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
We recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
Clarity has bounced back and the river has fished very well the past few days below Salida, despite serious wind earlier in the week. Dry dropper and streamer fishing have been the most productive methods with chances to fish single dry flies intermixed. Flows are in the mid 600 cfs range which makes for both very comfortable float fishing conditions and good wading conditions, though you probably shouldn't attempt to cross under current circumstances. We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. The rest of this week looks to offer prime conditions for hatches of these mayflies. Bring some insulation and some rain gear and you'll find the river is fishing very well! Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM and fish will move into the flatter, calmer edgewater and back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
Caddis hatches have slowed with the recent cooldown in weather and increase in flows but blue wing olive mayfly activity has been a strong substitute. Expect active caddis hatches to kickstart again when we see warmer weather return to the region. In the interim, swinging soft hackle caddis pupa through shallow riffles in areas where we recently had active caddis hatches continues to be a productive tactic. The highest reports of active caddis hatches were at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 5/9. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 643 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but good, over 36" visibility below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 1
Thursday Report - Braden Baker
We recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
Clarity has bounced back and the river has fished very well the past few days below Salida, despite serious wind earlier in the week. Dry dropper and streamer fishing have been the most productive methods with chances to fish single dry flies intermixed. Flows are in the mid 600 cfs range which makes for both very comfortable float fishing conditions and good wading conditions, though you probably shouldn't attempt to cross under current circumstances. We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. The rest of this week looks to offer prime conditions for hatches of these mayflies. Bring some insulation and some rain gear and you'll find the river is fishing very well! Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM and fish will move into the flatter, calmer edgewater and back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
Caddis hatches have slowed with the recent cooldown in weather and increase in flows but blue wing olive mayfly activity has been a strong substitute. Expect active caddis hatches to kickstart again when we see warmer weather return to the region. In the interim, swinging soft hackle caddis pupa through shallow riffles in areas where we recently had active caddis hatches continues to be a productive tactic. The highest reports of active caddis hatches were at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 5/9. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
May 07
ArkAnglers
Tuesday , 5/7 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 628 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but good, ~36" visibility below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 1
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
Clarity has bounced back and the river has fished very well the past few days below Salida. Flows are in the low 600 range which makes for both very comfortable float fishing conditions and good wading conditions, though you probably shouldnt attempt to cross under current circumstances. Caddis hatches have slowed with the recent cooldown in weather and increase in flows but blue wing olive mayfly activity has been a strong substitute. Adult caddis returning to the river to lay eggs have produced some dry fly opportunities late in the afternoon/early evening. Dry dropper and streamer fishing have been the most productive methods with chances to fish single dry flies intermixed. Expect active caddis hatches to kickstart again when we see warmer weather return to the region. In the interim, swinging soft hackle caddis pupa through shallow riffles in areas where we recently had active caddis hatches continues to be a productive tactic. The highest reports of active caddis hatches are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 5/4. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 628 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but good, ~36" visibility below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 1
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
Clarity has bounced back and the river has fished very well the past few days below Salida. Flows are in the low 600 range which makes for both very comfortable float fishing conditions and good wading conditions, though you probably shouldnt attempt to cross under current circumstances. Caddis hatches have slowed with the recent cooldown in weather and increase in flows but blue wing olive mayfly activity has been a strong substitute. Adult caddis returning to the river to lay eggs have produced some dry fly opportunities late in the afternoon/early evening. Dry dropper and streamer fishing have been the most productive methods with chances to fish single dry flies intermixed. Expect active caddis hatches to kickstart again when we see warmer weather return to the region. In the interim, swinging soft hackle caddis pupa through shallow riffles in areas where we recently had active caddis hatches continues to be a productive tactic. The highest reports of active caddis hatches are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 5/4. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trout's time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
May 04
ArkAnglers
Saturday, 5/4 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 658 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but improving. 24-36" below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 1
Saturday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
Clarity has bounced back and the river has fished very well the past few days below Salida. Flows are in the low 600 range which makes for both very comfortable float fishing conditions and good wading conditions, though you probably shouldnt attempt to cross under current circumstances. Caddis hatches have slowed with the recent cooldown in weather and increase in flows but blue wing olive mayfly activity has been a strong substitute. Adult caddis returning to the river to lay eggs have produced some dry fly opportunities late in the afternoon/early evening. Dry dropper and streamer fishing have been the most productive methods this week, with chances to fish single dry flies intermixed. Expect active caddis hatches to kickstart again when we see warmer weather return to the region. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 5/4. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 658 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but improving. 24-36" below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 18, June 1
Saturday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
Clarity has bounced back and the river has fished very well the past few days below Salida. Flows are in the low 600 range which makes for both very comfortable float fishing conditions and good wading conditions, though you probably shouldnt attempt to cross under current circumstances. Caddis hatches have slowed with the recent cooldown in weather and increase in flows but blue wing olive mayfly activity has been a strong substitute. Adult caddis returning to the river to lay eggs have produced some dry fly opportunities late in the afternoon/early evening. Dry dropper and streamer fishing have been the most productive methods this week, with chances to fish single dry flies intermixed. Expect active caddis hatches to kickstart again when we see warmer weather return to the region. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 5/4. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
May 02
ArkAnglers
Wendesday, 5/1 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 598 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but improving. ~24" below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 4, May 18, June 1
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
***The river conditions have improved significantly from lastweekend and are expected to maintain a progressive trajectory through the week as the river continues to stabilize at the new flow levels, leaving us a far more fishable river with clarity improving daily. Twin Lakes is cutting back the release down Lake Creek today by a net of 135 cfs so expect flows below the Lake Creek confluence to drop notably today and tomorrow. Expect the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon to clear later than upper regions of the river as visibility improves from upstream to downstream. This drop in flow should help water temperatures get back into the mid 50s which will kickstart the caddis hatch once again.
With the stained water, size up your tippet and be sure to pack large stonefly nymphs or other high contrast nymphs alongside your baetis nymphs and caddis pupae to fish in the softer pockets out of the faster flows. Streamers are a great option with the change in water quality and are proving very effective this week.
Once the river clears, the following applies:
Caddis are hatching down in the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Brachycentrus caddis hatches are now joining a few free-living caddis in tempting fish into surface feeding. With consistent weather, expect these "Mother's Day" caddis to work their way upstream to Salida by the first week of May. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 4/26. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
9' leaders are standard and material in the 5x class is well suited for this time of year, though 4x is fine with the stained water clarity. You can probably get away with 4x at times and you can definitely work with 6x, though it's uncommon for material that small to be absolutely necessary. Clear water should make anglers consider fluorocarbon tippets for their wet flies but nylon material is perfectly fine for your dry flies. The blue wing olives themselves usually average a #18, so being prepared with a range from #16 down to #20 depending on the pattern.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 598 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but improving. ~24" below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 4, May 18, June 1
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend scouting the Scout Wave in downtown Salida at current flows before attempting passage. The boat chute is unusable at this level and you'll want to familiarize yourself with the wave before running it.
***The river conditions have improved significantly from lastweekend and are expected to maintain a progressive trajectory through the week as the river continues to stabilize at the new flow levels, leaving us a far more fishable river with clarity improving daily. Twin Lakes is cutting back the release down Lake Creek today by a net of 135 cfs so expect flows below the Lake Creek confluence to drop notably today and tomorrow. Expect the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon to clear later than upper regions of the river as visibility improves from upstream to downstream. This drop in flow should help water temperatures get back into the mid 50s which will kickstart the caddis hatch once again.
With the stained water, size up your tippet and be sure to pack large stonefly nymphs or other high contrast nymphs alongside your baetis nymphs and caddis pupae to fish in the softer pockets out of the faster flows. Streamers are a great option with the change in water quality and are proving very effective this week.
Once the river clears, the following applies:
Caddis are hatching down in the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Brachycentrus caddis hatches are now joining a few free-living caddis in tempting fish into surface feeding. With consistent weather, expect these "Mother's Day" caddis to work their way upstream to Salida by the first week of May. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 4/26. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
9' leaders are standard and material in the 5x class is well suited for this time of year, though 4x is fine with the stained water clarity. You can probably get away with 4x at times and you can definitely work with 6x, though it's uncommon for material that small to be absolutely necessary. Clear water should make anglers consider fluorocarbon tippets for their wet flies but nylon material is perfectly fine for your dry flies. The blue wing olives themselves usually average a #18, so being prepared with a range from #16 down to #20 depending on the pattern.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
May 01
ArkAnglers
Wendesday, 5/1 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 598 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but improving. ~24" below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 4, May 18, June 1
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend avoiding the Scout Wave at current flows. The boat chute is unusable at this level and the wave itself is has a big hit at the bottom and will be problematic for fishing rafts (and others, most likely). Stay tuned as we see it at various levels.
***The river conditions have improved significantly from lastweekend and are expected to maintain a progressive trajectory through the week as the river continues to stabilize at the new flow levels, leaving us a far more fishable river with clarity improving daily. Twin Lakes is cutting back the release down Lake Creek today by a net of 135 cfs so expect flows below the Lake Creek confluence to drop notably today and tomorrow. Expect the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon to clear later than upper regions of the river as visibility improves from upstream to downstream. This drop in flow should help water temperatures get back into the mid 50s which will kickstart the caddis hatch once again.
With the stained water, size up your tippet and be sure to pack large stonefly nymphs or other high contrast nymphs alongside your baetis nymphs and caddis pupae to fish in the softer pockets out of the faster flows. Streamers are a great option with the change in water quality and are proving very effective this week.
Once the river clears, the following applies:
Caddis are hatching down in the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Brachycentrus caddis hatches are now joining a few free-living caddis in tempting fish into surface feeding. With consistent weather, expect these "Mother's Day" caddis to work their way upstream to Salida by the first week of May. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 4/26. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
9' leaders are standard and material in the 5x class is well suited for this time of year, though 4x is fine with the stained water clarity. You can probably get away with 4x at times and you can definitely work with 6x, though it's uncommon for material that small to be absolutely necessary. Clear water should make anglers consider fluorocarbon tippets for their wet flies but nylon material is perfectly fine for your dry flies. The blue wing olives themselves usually average a #18, so being prepared with a range from #16 down to #20 depending on the pattern.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 598 cfs
Water Temp.: High 40s-mid 50s
Clarity: Stained but improving. ~24" below Salida.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 4, May 18, June 1
Wednesday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend avoiding the Scout Wave at current flows. The boat chute is unusable at this level and the wave itself is has a big hit at the bottom and will be problematic for fishing rafts (and others, most likely). Stay tuned as we see it at various levels.
***The river conditions have improved significantly from lastweekend and are expected to maintain a progressive trajectory through the week as the river continues to stabilize at the new flow levels, leaving us a far more fishable river with clarity improving daily. Twin Lakes is cutting back the release down Lake Creek today by a net of 135 cfs so expect flows below the Lake Creek confluence to drop notably today and tomorrow. Expect the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon to clear later than upper regions of the river as visibility improves from upstream to downstream. This drop in flow should help water temperatures get back into the mid 50s which will kickstart the caddis hatch once again.
With the stained water, size up your tippet and be sure to pack large stonefly nymphs or other high contrast nymphs alongside your baetis nymphs and caddis pupae to fish in the softer pockets out of the faster flows. Streamers are a great option with the change in water quality and are proving very effective this week.
Once the river clears, the following applies:
Caddis are hatching down in the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Brachycentrus caddis hatches are now joining a few free-living caddis in tempting fish into surface feeding. With consistent weather, expect these "Mother's Day" caddis to work their way upstream to Salida by the first week of May. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 4/26. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
9' leaders are standard and material in the 5x class is well suited for this time of year, though 4x is fine with the stained water clarity. You can probably get away with 4x at times and you can definitely work with 6x, though it's uncommon for material that small to be absolutely necessary. Clear water should make anglers consider fluorocarbon tippets for their wet flies but nylon material is perfectly fine for your dry flies. The blue wing olives themselves usually average a #18, so being prepared with a range from #16 down to #20 depending on the pattern.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Apr 30
ArkAnglers
Tuesday 4/30, 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 730 cfs
Water Temp.: 40s
Clarity: Stained but improving, 24" visibility down to Wellsville, Howard and downstreame still 12-18" but improving through the day.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 4, May 18, June 1
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend avoiding the Scout Wave at current flows. The boat chute is unusable at is level and the wave itself is has a big hit at the bottom and will be problematic for fishing rafts (and others, most likely). Stay tuned as we see it at various levels.
***The river conditions have improved significantly from the weekend and are expected to maintain a progressive trajectory through the week as the river continues to stabilize at the new flow levels, leaving us a far more fishable river with clarity improving daily. Twin Lakes is cutting back the release down Lake Creek today by a net of 135 cfs so expect flows below the Lake Creek confluence to drop notably today and tomorrow. Expect the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon to clear later than upper regions of the river as visibility improves from upstream to downstream.
With the stained water, size up your tippet and be sure to pack large stonefly nymphs or other high contrast nymphs alongside your baetis nymphs and caddis pupae to fish in the softer pockets out of the faster flows. Streamers are a great option with the change in water quality and are proving very effective this week.
Once the river clears, the following applies:
Caddis are hatching down in the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Brachycentrus caddis hatches are now joining a few free-living caddis in tempting fish into surface feeding. With consistent weather, expect these "Mother's Day" caddis to work their way upstream to Salida by the first week of May. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 4/26. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
9' leaders are standard and material in the 5x class is well suited for this time of year, though 4x is fine with the stained water clarity. You can probably get away with 4x at times and you can definitely work with 6x, though it's uncommon for material that small to be absolutely necessary. Clear water should make anglers consider fluorocarbon tippets for their wet flies but nylon material is perfectly fine for your dry flies. The blue wing olives themselves usually average a #18, so being prepared with a range from #16 down to #20 depending on the pattern.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 730 cfs
Water Temp.: 40s
Clarity: Stained but improving, 24" visibility down to Wellsville, Howard and downstreame still 12-18" but improving through the day.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 4, May 18, June 1
Tuesday Report - Braden Baker
We strongly recommend avoiding the Scout Wave at current flows. The boat chute is unusable at is level and the wave itself is has a big hit at the bottom and will be problematic for fishing rafts (and others, most likely). Stay tuned as we see it at various levels.
***The river conditions have improved significantly from the weekend and are expected to maintain a progressive trajectory through the week as the river continues to stabilize at the new flow levels, leaving us a far more fishable river with clarity improving daily. Twin Lakes is cutting back the release down Lake Creek today by a net of 135 cfs so expect flows below the Lake Creek confluence to drop notably today and tomorrow. Expect the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon to clear later than upper regions of the river as visibility improves from upstream to downstream.
With the stained water, size up your tippet and be sure to pack large stonefly nymphs or other high contrast nymphs alongside your baetis nymphs and caddis pupae to fish in the softer pockets out of the faster flows. Streamers are a great option with the change in water quality and are proving very effective this week.
Once the river clears, the following applies:
Caddis are hatching down in the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Brachycentrus caddis hatches are now joining a few free-living caddis in tempting fish into surface feeding. With consistent weather, expect these "Mother's Day" caddis to work their way upstream to Salida by the first week of May. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 4/26. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
9' leaders are standard and material in the 5x class is well suited for this time of year, though 4x is fine with the stained water clarity. You can probably get away with 4x at times and you can definitely work with 6x, though it's uncommon for material that small to be absolutely necessary. Clear water should make anglers consider fluorocarbon tippets for their wet flies but nylon material is perfectly fine for your dry flies. The blue wing olives themselves usually average a #18, so being prepared with a range from #16 down to #20 depending on the pattern.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Apr 28
ArkAnglers
Sunday 4/28, 2024
Flow at Wellsville: 770 cfs
Water Temp.: 40s
Clarity: Stained but improving, roughly 20" visibility this evening in Salida. Expect this to improve through the night and be even more fishable tomorrow morning.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 4, May 18, June 1
Sunday Report - Braden Baker
***The river conditions have improved significantly from yesterday (4/27) and are expected to maintain a progressive trajectory through the night as the river continues to stabilize at the new flow levels, hopefully leaving us with far more fishability than we saw through the weekend. By noon today there was at least 18" of clarity in Salida and we had some positive reports from anglers wade fishing in town.
With the stained water, size up your tippet and be sure to pack large stonefly nymphs or other high contrast nymphs alongside your baetis nymphs and caddis pupae to fish in the softer pockets out of the faster flows. Streamers are a great option with the change in water quality and are proving very effective this week.
Once the river clears, the following applies:
Caddis are hatching down in the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Brachycentrus caddis hatches are now joining a few free-living caddis in tempting fish into surface feeding. With consistent weather, expect these "Mother's Day" caddis to work their way upstream to Salida by the first week of May. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 4/26. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
9' leaders are standard and material in the 5x class is well suited for this time of year, though 4x is fine with the stained water clarity. You can probably get away with 4x at times and you can definitely work with 6x, though it's uncommon for material that small to be absolutely necessary. Clear water should make anglers consider fluorocarbon tippets for their wet flies but nylon material is perfectly fine for your dry flies. The blue wing olives themselves usually average a #18, so being prepared with a range from #16 down to #20 depending on the pattern.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.
Flow at Wellsville: 770 cfs
Water Temp.: 40s
Clarity: Stained but improving, roughly 20" visibility this evening in Salida. Expect this to improve through the night and be even more fishable tomorrow morning.
2024 Spring Fly Fishing 101 Dates: May 4, May 18, June 1
Sunday Report - Braden Baker
***The river conditions have improved significantly from yesterday (4/27) and are expected to maintain a progressive trajectory through the night as the river continues to stabilize at the new flow levels, hopefully leaving us with far more fishability than we saw through the weekend. By noon today there was at least 18" of clarity in Salida and we had some positive reports from anglers wade fishing in town.
With the stained water, size up your tippet and be sure to pack large stonefly nymphs or other high contrast nymphs alongside your baetis nymphs and caddis pupae to fish in the softer pockets out of the faster flows. Streamers are a great option with the change in water quality and are proving very effective this week.
Once the river clears, the following applies:
Caddis are hatching down in the lower reaches of Bighorn Sheep Canyon! Brachycentrus caddis hatches are now joining a few free-living caddis in tempting fish into surface feeding. With consistent weather, expect these "Mother's Day" caddis to work their way upstream to Salida by the first week of May. The highest reports of active caddis are at Salida East, though it seems that the bulk of the action is still downstream from there as of 4/26. We expect water temperature of 54 degrees to precede the hatch, which usually moves upstream in a wave over time. Active caddis hatches will be marked by active insect activity right on the water with slashing, splashy rises from trout as they chase pupae rising to the surface to emerge. Sometimes it's best to be on the leading edge of the hatch so that your fly isn't competing with thousands of naturals and fish aren't gorged already. Dry flies are perfect during this stage of the hatch but you can double your effectiveness by trailing a submerged caddis pupae off your dry fly. Adult flights can often be mistaken for hatches as thousands of adults may be flying in the air over the river heading upstream. This circumstance won't usually yield great dry fly fishing (as there aren't actually insects on the water!) but it does mean that egg-laying activity from female caddis is soon to occur in the evening, and as females dap the water to drop their eggs trout once again get a chance to grab the insects at the water's surface. Expect this type of activity after dinner time.
We are still seeing blue wing olive hatches in the afternoons (especially on cloudy days) and very approachable flows for wade fishing. Dry fly opportunities abound! We continue to enjoy 60+ degree days and mild nights, which have motivated insects, fish, and anglers alike to elevate their activity. Conditions are prime in the valley right now. Blue wing olive hatches most often occur from 12-4 PM, and fish will move into the flatter, calmer and in back eddys to intercept the duns as they dry their wings on the water's surface, vulnerable for a significant time as they prepare for first flight. Trout will also take advantage of those mayflies struggling to hatch, stuck during emergence in the meniscus of the water as they struggle to shed their nymphal exoskeleton. These riseforms can often appear similar, as the fish is still breaching the surface of the water to grab food. Contrast that to the riseform of a trout eating emergers just under the surface, where the head of the trout doesn't necessarily break the surface but the dorsal fin and tail of the trout does as the trout rounds out and turns back downward in the water after a successful eat just barely below the surface.
9' leaders are standard and material in the 5x class is well suited for this time of year, though 4x is fine with the stained water clarity. You can probably get away with 4x at times and you can definitely work with 6x, though it's uncommon for material that small to be absolutely necessary. Clear water should make anglers consider fluorocarbon tippets for their wet flies but nylon material is perfectly fine for your dry flies. The blue wing olives themselves usually average a #18, so being prepared with a range from #16 down to #20 depending on the pattern.
Always be prepared to take time carefully releasing fish. Wet your hands thoroughly before handling and try to minimize trouts' time out of the water while releasing. Please do your due diligence giving them adequate revival time before moving on.
We sell fishing and hunting licenses at both our locations.
Follow us on instagram at @ArkAnglers!
Salida Location - 7500 W. Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201. (719) 539-3474.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Buena Vista Location - 517 S. Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. (719) 395-1796.
Open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm.
Please call us at 719-539-4223 with questions or to make your reservation.