Arkansas River - Leadville - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Arkansas River – Leadville - Water Flow Chart
Arkansas River – Leadville - Weather report & radar
Arkansas River – Leadville - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Gray RS2 |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Mercury Midge, Top Secret Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Midday | 18-20 | RS2, Pheasant Tail | |
| April | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Mercury Midge, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Midday | 18-20 | Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2 | |
| May | Caddis | Morning to Evening | 14-18 | E/C Caddis, Stimulator |
| Blue Winged Olives | Midday | 18-22 | Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2 | |
| June | Caddis | Morning to Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Midday | 4-8 | Salmonfly, Kaufmann Stone | |
| July | Caddis | Morning to Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Midday | 6-12 | Yellow Sally, Golden Stone | |
| August | Caddis | Morning to Evening | 14-18 | X-Caddis, King’s River Caddis |
| Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Griffith’s Gnats | |
| September | Blue Winged Olives | Midday | 18-20 | BWO Emerger, Pheasant Tail |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Midday | 18-22 | Sparkle Dun, BWO Cripple |
| Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Mercury Midge, Zebra Midge | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18-24 | Mercury Midge, Top Secret Midge |
Arkansas River – Leadville Access Points
The Arkansas River in Leadville, Colorado is a premium destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Top access points include:
- Arkansas River Headwaters Recreation Area: This expansive park covers 148 miles of the Arkansas River and offers numerous spots for fly fishing.
- Clear Creek Reservoir: Although technically a lake, Clear Creek feeds into the Arkansas and offers great fishing opportunities.
- Granite: An access point near the small town of Granite offers excellent fishing just off Highway 24.
- Vallie Bridge: This is a popular spot for launching rafts but proves just as productive for fly fishermen.
Fishing licenses are required to fish in Colorado and can be obtained through the state’s Department of Natural Resources. Always remember to respect the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace Principles while fishing.
Arkansas River – Leadville Fishing Spots
If you’re looking to fly fish in Leadville, Colorado, the Arkansas River offers some incredible spots.
- Granite Gorge: This section of river is 14 miles long and ends at the town of Granite. It’s known for its large wild brown trout.
- The Steps: A popular location just below the Granite Gorge. The Steps has fast-moving water, perfect for catching trout.
- Hayden Meadows: An ideal spot for wading, offering a more peaceful fishing experience. It’s known for its native cutthroat trout.
- The Box: This section below Salida East is perfect for both beginners and experts. It has easy access points and abundant holes loaded with trout.
- Browns Canyon: This is the busiest section of the Arkansas due to its numerous deep holes and boulders that are perfect for trout habitat.
Arkansas River – Leadville Local Fish Species
- Trout
- Brown Trout: The Arkansas River has a healthy population of Brown Trout, making it one of the top species for fly fishing.
- Rainbow Trout: This species is highly sought after by anglers given their beautiful coloration and spirited fights.
- Brook Trout: These fish are particularly popular in the smaller tributaries of the Arkansas River near Leadville.
- Cutthroat Trout: Native to the area, the Colorado Cutthroat is a prized catch for anglers fly fishing in the region.
- Whitefish: While not as popular as trout, Mountain Whitefish can also be targeted in the Arkansas River.
- Salmon
- Kokanee Salmon: These are a landlocked version of the Sockeye Salmon and can be found in the Arkansas River.
- Pike: Northern Pike populations have been increasing in the lower sections of the Arkansas River.
- Smallmouth Bass: Found in the lower elevations of the Arkansas River, they are a fun target for fly anglers.
- Bluegill: These are great for beginners and are found in the quieter, warmer sections of the river.
About the Arkansas River – Leadville
The Arkansas River – Leadville is a significant gem within the United States, steeped with fascinations that span numerous centuries. Originating from Colorado’s Rocky Mountains near Leadville, it’s notably regarded as the sixth-longest river in the United States.
- The river’s steady development began roughly 70 million years ago, shaped by the forces of nature across geological timescales.
- Many Native American tribes called the areas around the Arkansas River home, long before European explorers ever set foot on the continent.
- In the 1800s, it played a crucial role during the Gold Rush, with hopefuls panning its waters in their search for fortune.
- Today, it’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for rafting, fishing, and sightseeing along its scenic banks.
Embark on a journey exploring the Arkansas River – Leadville and step into the pages of an enticing historical tale, beautifully illustrated by the forces of nature and mankind’s adventures.
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