Hayden’s Arkansas River Fishing Report

January 27 2012

Winter fishing condition exist on the Arkansas at the moment, which means some great action on small nymph and midge patterns on warmer days.

This time of the year the fish are generally podded up in the deeper, slower pools, actively feeding on small midge larva and bwo nymphs. Effective patters include tungsten midges, brassies and pheasant tails, in  the 18 – 20 size range. I’d fish these below a heavier stonefly nymph, which will also see some takes.

Best fishing tends to be below Salida  between 11.00 am and 2.pm, on stretches of river that see sun throughout the middle part of the day. Vary the depth you are fishing at by using split shot, and adjusting the position of the indicator to make sure your nymphs are getting down near the bottom of the river.

River Cam courtesy of Gore Range Group, Salida Colorado.