Arkansas River - Salida - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Arkansas River – Salida - Water Flow Chart
Arkansas River – Salida - Weather report & radar
Arkansas River – Salida - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Mercury Midges |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Bunny Leach, Egg Sucking Leach | |
| February | Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Mercury Midges |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Psycho Prince, Pat’s Rubber Legs | |
| March | Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Mercury Midges |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-22 | RS2, Jujubaetis | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-22 | RS2, Jujubaetis |
| Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | 14-18 | Olive Elk Hair Caddis, Beadhead Caddis Pupa | |
| May | Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | 14-18 | Olive Elk Hair Caddis, Beadhead Caddis Pupa |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-22 | RS2, Jujubaetis | |
| June | Golden Stoneflies | Early Morning, Late Afternoon | 8-12 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Stimulators |
| Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | 14-18 | Olive Elk Hair Caddis, Beadhead Caddis Pupa | |
| July | Golden Stoneflies | Early Morning, Late Afternoon | 8-12 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Stimulators |
| Terrestrials | All Day | 14-18 | Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | 14-18 | Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns |
| September | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-22 | RS2, Jujubaetis |
| Terrestrials | All Day | 14-18 | Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-22 | RS2, Jujubaetis |
| Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Mercury Midges | |
| November | Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Mercury Midges |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Bunny Leach, Egg Sucking Leach | |
| December | Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midges, Mercury Midges |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | 16-20 | Bunny Leach, Egg Sucking Leach |
Arkansas River – Salida Access Points
The Arkansas River in Salida offers a rich destination for fly fishing. Here are some of the best access points:
- Salida East: Just a few miles east of Salida, this area has easy access to a wide variety of fish species.
- River Park: Located in downtown Salida, this provides urban accessibility with riverside beauty.
- Bear Creek: Situated southeast of Salida, it’s an excellent spot for brown and rainbow trout.
- Wilderness Aware Rafting: Positioned in Johnson Village, offers more secluded fishing spots.
- Stone Bridge: Just south of Salida, this provides access to a long stretch of the river.
- ArkAnglers: Near Salida, offers guided trips and equipment.
Always check the current fishing regulations and be sure to respect private property near any access points.
Arkansas River – Salida Fishing Spots
The Arkansas River – Salida is a dream location for passionate fly fishermen. Here are some of the top spots:
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon: This is famous for its agressive brown trout. The water here is clearer compared to other areas, allowing for perfect fly fishing conditions.
- Browns Canyon National Monument: This location affords excellent opportunities to catch both brown and rainbow trouts. Aside from fishing, the stunning scenery is a great backdrop for the sport.
- Royal Gorge Section: This spot is not as popular due to its challenging conditions. But it is well worth the effort as it is home to some of the biggest trouts on the river.
- Hayden Meadows: A section of the river with a broad and meandering structure, well-stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout. It’s easily accessible with plenty of public access points.
Arkansas River – Salida Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: One of the most common targets for anglers on the Arkansas River, the brown trout is not only a challenge but a real fighter on a fly rod.
- Rainbow Trout: With their vivid colors and aggressive nature, rainbow trout are another popular species for fly fishing.
- Cutthroat Trout: A native species to Colorado, the cutthroat trout can be a bit tricky to catch on a fly but offer a rewarding experience when successfully landed.
- Brook Trout: These smaller species of trout can offer a bit of variety and excitement for fly fishers on the Arkansas River.
- Mountain Whitefish: Although less targeted, the mountain whitefish are plentiful in the Arkansas River and can provide a fun challenge on a fly rod.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: A sub-species of cutthroat trout, the greenback is native to the Arkansas River and quite a catch on a fly.
- Tiger Trout: A hybrid of brown trout and brook trout, the tiger trout is a rare and special catch for any fly fisherman on the Arkansas River.
- Golden Trout: Arguably the most beautiful trout species, the golden trout are a prized catch on a fly in the Arkansas River.
About the Arkansas River – Salida
Known as “The Heart of the Rockies”, Salida, Colorado is located by the banks of the spectacular Arkansas River. Its history is as rich as the natural beauty surrounding the town. Established in the late 1880s during the Colorado Silver Boom, the area was initially inhabited by miners in search of fortune.
- The Arkansas River – This majestic waterway helped to shape the landscape of Salida. More than that, it became a means for transporting goods and people, playing a critical role in the town’s growth.
- Recreation – Today, Salida has grown into an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The Arkansas River is no longer just a commercial route but a hub for activities like whitewater rafting, fishing, and sightseeing.
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