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4 Key Strategies for Success on the Arkansas this Fall! Last chance Labor Day Guide Sale: 2 Anglers for the price of 1 (ENDS TONIGHT)!
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Things really are setting up for a FANTASTIC Fall on the Arkansas River along with the rest of our surrounding drainages! The last 2 weeks of August brought some heavy monsoon activity to Colorado, as is typical. With those thunderstorm events came more variable conditions on the Arkansas...in Bighorn Canyon especially. However, 3-4 days ago we moved out of that Monsoon stretch into a heavy drying trend for the foreseeable future. As of today, things look great from Canon City to the headwater...and we don't expect that to change anytime soon. 

Many anglers have banner days in the Fall, lets face it, fishing is plain good...and wading is as easy as it gets. However, things do change in the Fall. With lower water, also comes very clear water...and more technical fishing. There are a few key strategies to consider in September and October that will lead to greater success on the Ark...

1. Size Down and Go Long
Many anglers come to the Arkansas River in the Fall expecting to rig like they did all Summer. However, flows average 700-1000 cfs in the Summer...and we are holding strong at around 400 cfs now. Short leaders in the 3x-4x range typically get it done in the Summer, however, with low/ clear water in the Fall its time to get in that 9-10ft 5x or 6x range on your leaders...and 5-6x Fluorocarbon on droppers.

2. Think Medium Profile for Attractors
Theres no doubt about it...fish are still very opportunistic feeders in the Fall. Fish are aggressive, especially as we come into the pre-spawn time period for our Brown Trout population. However, you will not be as successful throwing tossing those big bomber attractor dries you throw in the Summer. There are less Stoneflies and Hoppers on the water, so while we still throw those great foam attractors like Chubbies, 409's, Hippie Stompers, Amy's Ants, and Stimulators...we tone them down to size 14-16 rather than 6-12. Dry/ Dropper is still a big part of the game in the Fall...but focusing on a smaller profile will catch you a lot more fish.

3. Nymphing Deep Broken Water Can Be Key
During the Summer months, when the water gets warm mid-day, feeding shuts down. However, in the Fall, the water temps stay relatively cool and fish feed throughout the day. If you have cloud cover all day, you could literally see fish eat dries or dry/ dropper rigs all day long. But, if its bright out, as soon as the sun gets high (around noon), fish slide into deeper broken water and continue to feed. Nymphing deep during that mid-day time period with big stoneflies and appropriate hatch matching nymphs will be extremely productive. So, make a concerted effort to know the appropriate heavy nymphing rigs and be prepared to switch it up when fish turn off dries or dry/ droppers...you will be rewarded!

4. Commit to Streamers
Streamers can be the game changer for you this Fall! As our Brown Trout population enters the pre-spawn time period, they will become extremely territorial and aggressive....this is one of the very best times to throw streamers. You've heard us preach this forever, but this is your year to make a commitment to grinding out some Streamer days. Streamer fishing is very different, and will defenitely get you out of your comfort zone...but when you put in the reps you will reap the rewards...a big tug...and bigger fish!

Fall is in the air, no doubt about it! If you don't spend time on Colorado watersheds in September and October...you're missing out big time! The weather cool down, strong hatches and changing foliage sets a scene for a perfect day on a trout stream...so make some time to get out!

Check out the latest Arkansas River Fly Fishing Video Report! FRESH TODAY!!!
Arkansas Basin Weather Forecast

 

Ready to take a stab at some BIG lake run fish on the South Platte?? 

Conditions have been fantastic on the South Platte Drainage this year. We have been guiding the Dream Stream section for nearly 30 years, and its hard to remember a better dry fly season than what we have seen in the last 3 months. Things are setting up for an excellent Fall, with plenty of water and solid flows in the forecast. We will begin to see some lake run browns enter the system in the next several weeks, and as long as conditions are solid, we should see great opportunities at big fish through October.  This is very technical fishing, however double digit weight fish can be in the cards....and our guides are some of the very best on this watershed! Let us show you the ropes on one of Colorado's most famed rivers during BIG FISH TIME!


Call Us Toll Free (888) 994-6743 with any questions or to book a guide.

CLICK HERE to book a South Platte Walk Wade Online!
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