Shop Manager, Michael Atwood, with a quality Ark River brown trout, and a stellar cutbow from the Dream Stream in S. Park. Both of these fish were caught during recent outings.
Date: 12/10/2022 @ 9:00 AM
Arkansas River Flows
Leadville (Empire Gulch): not available in winter
Browns Canyon/Nathrop: not available in winter
Wellsville: 282 cfs
Twin Lakes Release: 16 cfs
Fly Tying Social Nights: Every other Thursday evening 6-8pm, throughout the winter, we will be hosting fly tying nights. This inclusive gathering is free, and open to anyone, regardless of skill or experience level. Save these dates, and come tie some flies with us! We have free beer....
Dec. 22, Jan. 5, Jan. 19. Feb. 2, Feb. 16.
Arkansas River Fishing Report:
It is full on winter fly fishing for the next few months here in the Arkansas River valley. Overnight lows are now regularly well below freezing here in BV, so we have started to focus our fishing to the middle part of the day when temps have warmed a bit. From here on out, we won't expect much insect activity, apart from midges on the warmer days. Flows are quite low right now, which makes it pretty easy to identify where the fish will be holding. We recommend indicator or euro nymphing the deepest runs and pools to find the most fish. As usual, fishing with tungsten bead nymphs will help your flies get down and stay down, which is going to lead to more hookups. Zebra midges and perdigons with slim bodies will get the job done, but don't stray away from any of your confidence patterns.
Michael with Upriver had a recent quality outing where a tandem #16 CDC Pheasant Tail/olive two-bit hooker caught dozens of fish. A stonefly is always a good winter attractor nymph. It is all about getting the fly in the right depth, with a good drag-free drift. Fishing with 5x or 6x tippet will help with your presentation, and it will allow your nymphs to sink at a faster rate.
Fortunately for us, these methods will catch fish all the way through the winter here on the Arkansas River. Come see us at the shop in BV, Wednesday-Sunday 8-5, all winter long for anything you might need out on the river.
Leadville Area: The river up here is mostly covered in ice. You may be able to find a slot or two to get a good drift, but we wouldn't recommend it.
Buena Vista Area: Ice shelves come and go with the weather, but the fishing is decent to good when the weather allows.
Salida and Downstream: Here is where you'll consistently find success during the winter. The fishing is good on most days..
South Platte and South Park:
Dream Stream: Fishing on the dream stream remains good and viable throughout the winter. Presentation is KEY (when is it not?). Upriver tends to find the most success using an egg pattern on a nymph rig. Focus on the deepest runs and slots, in between the vegetation. Keep those flies clean, and get after it, there are quality fish to be caught!
Stillwaters:
Ice fishing season!
We carry a wide selection of Cougarbait hair jigs that are sure to help you hook whatever species you are chasing in the S. Park reservoirs.
High Alpine Lakes and Streams:
We have officially called it a season for the high country lakes and streams. Late May and early June of 2023 will be the beginning of a new year for us fisherfolks who love the high country. I guess we will ski for now?
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