Arkansas River - Upper

Upper Ark flows between Leadville and Salida increased at a considerable rate this week and with consistent rain in the forecast, we expect this trend to continue. Flows at Salida are nearing 2,000 cfs and flows below Granite and at Leadville are at ~1,000 cfs and 450 cfs, respectively. With approximately 12 inches of visibility upstream of Buena Vista and ~6 inches downstream of Buena Vista, getting the trout’s attention is key. Classic spring attractors such as Squirmy Worms, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Mini Leeches, Twenty Inchers, Pheasant Tails, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ears, Electric Caddis and Frenchies are solid lead patterns on a nymph rig or as a dropper on a dry dropper setup. Along with pupa and emerger patterns with a dash of flash, Rainbow Warriors and Perdigons are productive trailers. While nymph rigs are the most productive setup when fishing deep pools and soft runs, dry droppers are our preferred setup when surveying the outer seams and banks. Streamers are also highly effective right now. Work the banks and retrieve your streamer with slow and erratic strips. While anglers shouldn’t expect to have a lights out day on the Upper Ark, persistence and experimentation will go a long way.