What flies are hatching on the Arkansas River right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Arkansas River include Caddis, Pale Morning Dun, Blue-Winged Olive. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Arkansas River?

The Arkansas River is running at 274 CFS at the Salida gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Arkansas River fishable today?

Arkansas River is rated marginal right now. Flow is 274 CFS at the Salida gauge. Go in prepared — heavier tippet, cautious wading, or target edges and seams.

Central Colorado

Arkansas River

Marginal274 CFSIntermediate

Live Conditions

Arkansas River — Salida

Marginal

274CFS

Discharge

3.68ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 33 min agoView on USGS ↗

Live Conditions

Arkansas River — Parkdale (near Cañon City)

CFS Only

319CFS

Discharge

2.40ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 33 min agoCondition thresholds not yet defined for this gaugeView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↑ Rising

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

22.94 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

54°FClear sky

Wind 5 mph22.94 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

☁️

Overcast

75° / 38°

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

74° / 46°

Thu

☁️

Overcast

56° / 35°

Fri

☁️

Overcast

62° / 35°

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

One call. Specific to today's exact conditions on the Arkansas River.

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Arkansas River conditions.

📷 Live Camera

No webcam configured for Arkansas River. Check cotrip.org to find a camera near this section.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Arkansas River · April · Spring

Full calendar →

Showing typical dates — water temperature data unavailable for live hatch predictions.

Select month

JanDec

⚠ Runoff season — check live gauge before driving

BWOs strong (size 18-20). Caddis beginning. Watch CFS closely — runoff can spike suddenly in April. Good fishing if you catch it right.

Blue-Winged OliveCaddis

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Arkansas River

World-class Gold Medal water through Salida and the Royal Gorge. One of Colorado's most popular guided river destinations.

CaddisPale Morning DunBlue-Winged Olive