Free Resource · Updated 2026
The Arkansas is a Gold Medal freestone river running through a dramatic canyon from Salida down to Cañon City. It has great public access, strong populations of wild trout, and hatches spread across most of the year. The Caddis hatch in summer is one of the best in Colorado.
Arkansas River Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
This stretch of the Arkansas covers a lot of different water. Above Salida you get more mountain character with pocket water and faster runs. From Salida downstream into the canyon the river widens and slows into classic riffle-run-pool structure that holds large trout.
The big stonefly hatch in late spring gets attention, but the consistent Caddis through summer is what brings most fly fishers back. Evening rises during Caddis season can be excellent from June through August, especially on weekday evenings when pressure drops.
Fall brings BWO hatches and the big browns come off their lies. The water drops and clears after summer, making for some of the most enjoyable wading of the year. The Arkansas is a big river and October through early November can be surprisingly productive.
See the full Colorado Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Colorado's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Arkansas RiverWhat to Fish
The stonefly hatch moves up the canyon in late May. When big Salmonflies are on the water, large trout lose their caution and will eat nearly anything big and buggy. Time your visit right and you can have a rare day of large fish on large dry flies.
Recommended: Salmonfly #4-6, Stimulator #6-8
Summer Caddis fishing on the Arkansas is consistent and fun. Evening hatches bring trout up across the river. The X-Caddis or a soft hackle swung in the film during the hatch will draw takes from fish that ignore dries. This is the most reliable hatch on the river.
Recommended: Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis #14-16
BWOs hatch best on cold cloudy days. Spring BWO hatches signal the season opening up. Fall hatches bring out the big brown trout before spawn. The Arkansas sees good fall BWO activity from September through November in slow years.
Recommended: Parachute Adams, RS2 #18-20
PMDs appear mid-morning on summer days. The Arkansas PMD hatch is less technical than the South Platte but the fish still key on the natural. A size 16 or 18 Comparadun works well. Fish the slower pools and eddies where trout set up to feed.
Recommended: PMD Comparadun #16-18
FlyFishFinder combines hatch knowledge with live gauge alerts, Prime condition indicators, and real angler intel so you show up on the right day, not the wrong one.
Know Before You GoFree Trial · Cancel Anytime · $0 Charged Today