The Latest: Flows on the Arkansas River have come up significantly in the past week, but today and through the next week, we expect the flows to stabilize, and perhaps even drop a bit. This cooler weather is going to halt any high country snow melt, and we also don't expect the reservoir releases to increase given the cooler weather forecast. After a few days of rising flow and off-color water, conditions in BV and upstream have improved drastically. We now have 3+ feet of visibility in the water column here in BV. As you head downstream of Salida, you should expect the visibility to decrease slightly to significantly. Now is a great time to fish the river, and you can always give us a call at the shop for the latest 719-395-9227.
General Fishing Report/Tactics: Midges, Blue wings and caddis are all on the menu right now. Having any of these imitations in your box is a really good idea right. I would approach the river, prepared to nymph and switch over to dry flies if the bugs and the rising fish tell you to!
I would fish your favorite attractor nymph (Duracell, CDC Pheasant Tail, French Jig, Rozas Jig) or a stonefly imitation, and pairing that with a smaller offering such as a zebra midge, caddis larva, spanish bullet, flashy perdigon, etc. When fish are rising and you want to switch over to dry flies, try a sz 18 or 20 comparadun or a parachute adams. If you see caddis fluttering in the afternoon, try a classic such as an X-Caddis or an Elk-hair caddis.
Hopper/dropper fishing is also a good option right now. It is definitely early for hoppers, but it makes for a great way to present a nymph down below, and is more of a pleasure to cast in my opinion.
If the water does come up, and the clarity declines, throwing streamers will be a good option. It's hard to beat a classic like a black wooly bugger, which gives a nice and noticeable profile in the dirty water column. Try stripping, swinging, and even bringing it back upstream to yourself
I say this a lot, but I truly believe that your presentation/depth/drift add up to be more important than the specific pattern that you are fishing with. Master your presentation on the turbulent currents of the Arkansas, and you will catch more fish. Another tip is to REALLY pay attention to your indicator during the drift! The more you stay ready and prepared for a take, the more successful hooksets you will have. If your indicator does anything unnatural, you ought to be setting the hook. Don't miss those opportunities.
Lake County: Fishing well through Hayden Meadows
Buena Vista/Browns Canyon: BV town stretch and downstream into Browns Canyon have been fishing well.
Salida and Downstream: Fishing very well, when the conditions are good.
Stillwaters:
Antero has been really hot lately. Midges are hatching and fish are really fired up and fighting hard.
Try suspending chironomids below an indicator, around any drop offs and depth changes. Having a fly within a foot or two of the lake bottom seems to be a big difference maker.
Try a snowcone style chironomid with a dark body.
-- Michael Atwood Shop Manager, Upriver Fly Fishing 719-395-9227 107 US Hwy 24 S. upriverflyfishing.com.
