
The Arkansas River has quickly risen in the past couple days and with the extended forecast showing temps in the 80s the water will continue to rise. Even though the water is off color in the Salida area the fishing has still been productive, fish will start to get pushed close to the bank as water levels increase and many times fish will be holding right under your rod tip. Fishing large attractor nymphs with heavy tippet and leader is the name of the game this time of year. Large flashy streamer patterns will also produce fish as the water clarity decreases. Further north in the drainage water clarity will improve even though the water will be getting higher up north the water clarity will generally be better.
Give us a call or swing by the shop if you are getting out and need bugs or just some friendly advice. We are open and booking trips 7 days a week.
Suggested Flies:
Pats Rubber Legs #8-12, Fast Water Prince #14-16, Two Bit Hooker Gold #12-16, Fire Starter Jig #14-16, Duracell’s #14-16, Soft Hackle PT’s #14-18, Caddis UV Pearl #16-18, Various Colors of Perdigons #14-18, Black Elk Hair Caddis #14-18, Balloon Caddis #14-16, Hi Vis Foam Caddis #14-16, Chubby Chernobyl #6-14, JJ Bugger #6, Drunk and Disorderly Mini #6, Dungeon Mini #6, Motor Oil Articulated #6, Circus Peanut #4
The South Platte River “Dream Stream” has been fishing ok as of late. Flows have been stable and Midges and Mayfly’s have been the main hatches. Covering a lot of ground this time of year is key to find feeding fish. Nymphing slow deep pools on colder mornings is still the name of the game right now but be prepared for fish to move up into riffles at the head of the run as temperatures rise in the afternoons. Be mindful of any redds (cleaned or cleared out portions of the river bed where fish have recently spawned). Walking on a redd will destroy all the hard work trout have just done and ultimately hurt future trout populations.
Suggested Flies:
Miracle Midge #18-22, Mayhem Midge #20, Element Midge Hi Vis #20, RS2 Black Foam #20, Red Copper John #18-20, Glow Bugs #16-18, B’s Perdigon Black #20, Boroff’s Hot Belly Baetis #22, San Juan Worm #10-16, P.S. Micro Leech #14, Mini Dungeon Black/Olive #6, Circus Peanut #4
River flows have been steadily rising and the river is high and muddy but hopefully this weekends cold front should slow the thaw a bit.
Suggested Flies:
Soft Hackle PT #14-18, Zebra Midges #18-20, San Juan Worms #8-12, Glow Bugs #16-18, Duracells #14-18, Roza’s Violet Tailed Jig #14-18, Holo Point Jig #16-18, Pearl Perdigon #14-16, CDC France Fly #14-18, Chocolate Thunder #20, Miracle Midge #20-22, Mini Dungeon Olive #6, D & D Mini Brown #4
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