Fall Fishing on the Arkansas

With September upon us and Labor Day around the corner, fall fishing has arrived on the Arkansas. Flows are lower than average right now with about 90 cfs in Hayden Meadows and Granite, 254 cfs in Browns Canyon, and 270 cfs at Wellsville in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The Bureau of Reclamation is not planning to move more water any time soon so, though other entities could impart some change to flows, I would expect the river to remain between 250-300 cfs for the balance of the season.

What does this mean? Low, clear flows are very beneficial to the fishery. In order to thrive, a brown trout must take in more calories than it expends and this is more easily accomplished in a river like we have now. The lower current velocity makes much more of the river bottom usable habitat for the fish, decreasing competition along the edges and putting more fish out where the food is flowing by. The shallower water also allows a fish that is hugging the bottom to still have access to all of the food that is present in the water column, including on the surface. The type of flow situation we now enjoy generates the best growth rates in fish of the year.

 For the wade angler, these flows mean opportunity. One can access nearly every part of the river under these conditions and fish will be found in a broader selection of habitat. On the other hand, they are a bit more selective right now – they have more time to look at your offering – and have experienced some reeducation over the last two months. The low, clear flow means you and your leader/tippet are more visible too so wearing muted colors, keeping a low profile and fishing lighter tippets or fluorocarbon will improve your success.

 For the float-fisherman, these flows can be challenging. While we are still floating the river every day the technical nature of some of the moves presents a challenge to the private float angler. And the presence of the boat does have an impact on the fish. We are often boating one side of the river and fishing the other side or middle. Many of us are slowing down, walking the boat quietly through productive water, and doing are best to minimize the shadow we cast. Both approaches to the river are productive now, but modifications have to be made to either for best results.

 In addition to our Arkansas River trips, we will be running our boat trips to Spinney Mountain and Antero Reservoirs through September. We are still having wonderful days on some of the high lakes of the San Isabel National Forest, too, as cutthroats try to fatten up as much as possible for the long winter ahead.

 Fall is the most beautiful time of year in the upper Arkansas River valley. We hope the season will include opportunity to cast your line upon these waters.

 Greg Felt

ArkAnglers

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