Fly Fishing on the Arkansas River has been very productive all winter long.  Fish have generally been holding in slow deep pools typically sitting at or very near the bottom.  Having the right amount of weight and keeping your flies at the right depth of feeding fish is a must.  It takes a bit of tinkering to find the sweet spot but once you get there, fish are very willing to feed.  Although most fish are going to be sitting in the slower water right now, we’ve been finding quite a few fish in shallower, faster moving water at the head of the pool.  So be sure to take your time and fish the entire run.  You’ll be surprised where fish are holding when temps warm up in the afternoon. 

 When nymphing in the winter we always run a tungsten jig fly as our anchor and our smaller fly up front.  This allows for more of a tight line nymphing approach even when using a strike indicator.  Running a sz.14 jig fly with a 3.3mm bead head has plenty of weight to keep your flies where you want them.  A smaller Baetis or Caddis pattern in #16-18 as the lead fly is the ideal set up for fishing the Arkansas in the colder months.  We have some great weather coming our way this weekend so be sure to get out on the water!!

 Suggested Flies:

 Duracell #14-16, Frenchie #14-16, Perdigon #14-16, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail #16-18, BWO Emerger #16-18, Caddis Pupa #16-18, Da Bomb #16-18, Soft Hackle Hares Ear #16-1