Fall fishing is superb on the Arkansas River

Much of Colorado is experiencing drought conditions that have reduced the flows in many rivers. The reduced flows and warm summer weather resulted in conditions that can be detrimental to trout populations.

Up until recently in many rivers, there have been voluntary closures to fishing to protect the trout from excessive stress.

This has not been the case in the iconic Arkansas River in south central Colorado, however.

A program exists on the Arkansas River to enhance both rafting and the health of the trout population through the summer months. Water destined for other areas is released down the river. It is then recaptured in Pueblo Reservoir and sent on to its original destination. This is done to maintain the worldclass rafting and drift fishing common in the Arkansas. This year’s lack of water did not allow the river to be maintained at the targeted 700 cubic feet per second, but it was kept at 350500 cfs until midAugust. This protected the trout, and the re duced flows had a positive effect on the brown trout population.

Ever since the waterquality conditions on the river were addressed years ago, the only growth impediment faced by the Arkansas for the prolific brown trout population was the fast current in the steep river. It’s hard work for the fish to eat enough to gain weight while fighting the current. In the low water years of 2002 and 2012, with reduced flow, the brown trout of the Arkansas River experienced substantial growth in body mass and length.

This year has been no exception. Greg Felt of Arkanglers Fly Shops said on my radio show last weekend that angler after angler has come into his shop and reported not only great fishing but the biggest browns they have ever seen in the river.

Felt added that with fall flows down around 200 cfs, drift fishing can be technical, but the walkwade fishing is phenomenal. The 102 miles of Gold Medal water on the Arkansas River offers about 60 percent public access. The cool nights in the area mean the fishandbug activity peaks later in the day providing “bankers’ hours” fishing. Couple that with the scenic beauty along the river and you have a great place to spend a fall day.

Felt was equally excited about the recovering caddis population. In 2008, highandcold river flows decimated the famous caddis of the Arkansas. The diminished population has been slowly recovering. This year has been a shot in the arm, and he is optimistic about next spring.

Bottom line, the fishing is great right now. Fish are starting to move back into the main channel of the river, where they can find food and cover with the lower flows. He recommends fishing large attractor patterns as indicators, trailed by beadheads to get down to where the fish are foraging along dropoffs and through pocket water. Later in the day you should experience great dryfly fishing. There has been an excellent blue winged olive mayfly hatch.

If you have long felt the call to experience the iconic Arkansas River flyfishing, now is the time.