Unseasonably warm weather has motivated the fish, bugs, and anglers to begin the annual dance a bit early this year. As my colleague, Bill Edrington, down in Canon City has noted, this past January provided the best winter fishing conditions he can remember. Thus far February seems to be sending us more of the same. And though winter weather will surely come and go in the three months ahead, the fishing on the Arkansas is clearly underway. As of today, we are enjoying a high of about 60 degrees. There is no wind at mid-day and not a cloud in the sky. The river is running about 400 cfs at Wellsville, and fluctuating in temperature from the low 30s to low 40s in each 24 hour cycle. Clarity is good. The only hatches we experience at this stage of the season are midges. And we have had some pods of rising fish on still, warm afternoons. The nymphing has been much more consistent. Most folks are running a stonefly nymph as a lead fly and following that with a black or olive midge pupa. Red is also typically a good color at this time of year. The fish are still congregated in the deeper holes but are moving down toward the tailouts (maybe two thirds of the way down, in 2-4 feet of water) in the afternoons. Sun on the water is a good thing, warming both the water column and the bottom itself. With the weather so fine and anglers testing the water, our phones are starting to ring with inquiries regarding spring trips. We are open right now for wade trips and will begin floating in early March. For those looking to float or to wade fish our private water during the caddis hatch, we encourage you to start planning your trip soon and contact us to make reservations. Some dates are already filling in! For those with a keen interest in the future of the Arkansas River, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is seeking input from interested parties on the management of the state park. The input will be processed through the A.H.R.A’s citizen task force. One of the two angling reps on the task force is our own Rod Patch, who is seeking input on issues that impact angling on the Arkansas river. If you have an issue that you would like to see discussed please respond to info@arkanglers.com , and we will see to it that your voice is heard. We look forward to seeing everyone again this spring! Greg Felt
