The Arkansas River has settled into its winter time routine.  In the Salida area we have been seeing slush flows in the mornings due to cold overnight temps but with relatively warm day time temps the slush generally melts by late morning.  Fishing during the warmest part of the day is key right now, 11am-3pm ish has been very productive.  Focus on slow deep pools with lots of sun exposure, I find that as soon as the sun gets low and the river begins to get shaded, fish tend to shut off.  Though the main hatch throughout the winter will be Midges don’t be afraid the fish bigger bugs in #12-14, you’d be surprised how often the larger attractor flies will be the preferred meal over the smaller midge patterns.

We have another cold front moving in this weekend and hopefully we’ll see some snow in the mountains!  But next week we have great fishing weather again with temps in the 50s which should make for some productive December fishing conditions here on the Arkansas.

Give us a call or swing by the shop if you are planning on getting out and need bugs or just some friendly advice.  We are open and booking trips 7 days a week.

Suggested Flies:

Duracell’s #14-16, Roza’s Dark Neon Jig #16-18, Roza’s Violet Tailed Jig #14-18,  Soft Hackle PT’s #16-18, Black and Pearl Perdigons #14-18, Miller’s Plus One #16-18, Juju Baetis #18-20, Juju Bee Foam Back #20, Frenchie #14-16, Olive Mini Dungeon #6, Olive Skulpzilla #8