The Arkansas River and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area are recognized as among the most popular whitewater rafting and fly-fishing destinations in the nation.
They offer fishing opportunities for every type of angler from the bank or from a raft. There are many public fishing areas easily accessible from the highway, as well as some requiring more of a hike. If you're looking for a day of fishing with the family, AHRA provides sites with access to some of Colorado's best fishing, along with picnic tables, grills and views of the river and mountains.
Greg Felt, from Ark Anglers fly shops, has updated us on current conditions. Normally spring runoff would make for tough fishing conditions on the Arkansas this time of the year, with sections seeing flows ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 cubic feet per second. Felt said with the low snowpack and early melting, that is not the case. The conditions are more typical of mid- to late June, and the fishing is fantastic from both shore and a boat.
The upper Arkansas River is in excellent shape, with the best clarity in the afternoon. Fishing along the edges has been extremely productive, and this is by far the easiest section of the Arkansas to wade fish at current flows. Fish larger fly patterns along the edges and thoroughly probe the slower water where fish will hold to find relief from the increasing flows. Large attractor dry/dropper (stoneflies and caddis) set-ups along with streamers should produce fish and make for a fun day.
The middle basin is fishing great as tributary flows have dropped and the release from Twin Lakes is cut back. Conditions are very similar to what we would expect two or three weeks from now with fish holding in the slow, sheltered lies where they can ambush vulnerable food as it drifts by in the faster water. Fish large attractor patterns along the banks wherever slower water can be found. Streamers are also a good option. Wade fishermen should stay on the bank if possible, as the swift current can make it challenging. The fish are likely to be in the water you want to stand in.
The lower basin is really beginning to turn on. Summer hatches are beginning to show themselves, with a handful of golden stonefly sightings and quite a bit of early yellow sally activity below Salida the past few days. Think summertime tactics, with fish taking up ambush lies near the banks waiting opportunistically for food to come their way. The pockets and edges along the shoreline provide a break from the current and holding water for the trout. Stonefly nymphs and caddis pupa fished under an attractor dry fly will move fish along the edges, and the presence of immature brown trout fry in the river make for excellent streamer fishing.
If you have been waiting for "summer" conditions on the Arkansas River, the wait is over. Remember things can change with the weather, so always check current conditions before heading out.
For updated conditions contact Ark Anglers. Check with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for information on the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation area.
Hear my interview with Greg Felt here.
Join Terry every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for all your outdoor information on Terry Wickstrom Outdoors FM 1043 The Fan.