Written by Rick Larson. Though not as steep as the Granite Gorge, the Tunnels and the section of river accessed near the Railroad Bridge campground upstream contain swift moving pocket water and some deep green runs where rapids plunge into pools. This disproportionate impact is seen in the winter, when the Bureau of Reclamation moves water downstream to make room for both native and imported runoff, and during the summer, when “pass through runoff” in June, and water for recreational flow augmentation in July and August, are released into the mainstem of the Arkansas River. 0. As above, most anglers on this section of the river keep to the edges, where many of the river’s brown trout reside outside of the faster water. It almost contradicts everything I just wrote but, if you want to cover water Streamers will move a handful of fish looking to pack on protein before Winter sets in. Here you’ll find a number of campgrounds and forest service land. Ideal for a 3-5 wt rod, this portion of the Arkansas is largely a meadow stream and provides anglers the chance to target rainbow and brown trout in a high altitude, extremely scenic environment. Good pocket-water fishing for trout in a high mountain cobble-bottomed stream. As one travels downstream, the slower current velocity and grassy banks of Hayden Meadows are left behind for the bouldered pocket water of the Granite Gorge. The hatchery grounds occupy 3,072 acres near the city of Leadville, Colorado, at an elevation of 10,000 feet. All Rights Reserved. Most anglers do not wade far into this swifter, steeper current but rather rock-hop along the bank, working the shoreline habitat and seamlines where the predominant brown trout population primarily resides. 309 Harrison Ave, Leadville, CO 80461, United States (719) 486-5533 (719) 486-5533. If you are looking to fish the headwaters, take Highway 24 from Dowd’s Junction (I-70 and Highway 24) toward Leadville until you reach Camp Hale. Throughout every day, we create 7 day fishing forecasts for ~10,000 streams and lakes. The source for fly-fishing equipment and information in Buena Vista is the ArkAnglers shop, located at 517 S. Highway 24 (719-395-1796). If it’s just a couple flies you need, or if you’re looking for a guided fishing experience in the heart of the Rockies feel free to stop by or contact us at Colorado Fly Fishing Guides. Located upstream of the confluence with Lake Creek, Hayden Meadows is spared the impact of the native and imported water that is released through the summer from Twin Lakes. For more information on this and other streams and lakes on the Leadville Mar 1, 2016 - Explore Dan Cattell's board "Fly fishing Colorado", followed by 321 people on Pinterest. Flow at Granite: 173 cfs. As a result, peak flows on this section of the river are typically only about a third of what we see in Salida and the native runoff is relatively short-lived. Fish will be holding here in numbers this time of the year because they will have less energy to expend chasing food in the cold water. Monday 12/21, 2020. Dec 23, 2020. Hatch may be occuring. Like you, we’re monitoring the situation. Your main source of success will come when nymphing! White River Arkansas Fly Fishing Service For Trophy Brown. There is parking and restrooms at the top of the boat ramp. Among the different branches, South Cottonwood Creek probably offers the most for the fly-fisherman, with a gentler gradient and more beaver ponds than the other forks. More fish over 30 inches collected in recent years and they were in excellent condition. Flow in Hayden Meadows: ~100 cfs but ICY. Shopping Biking. 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