Hatches on the Arkansas River

Arkansas River Hatch Chart

January through Mid-March

Midges and Mayflies (blue winged olives)
Blue Winged Olives may Hatch in Canyon City in early to mid-march.

Mid-March through Mid-April

Midges, Mayflies (Blue Winged Olive), Caddis
Midges & Blue Winged Olives will be hatching from Canon City to Leadville and the Caddis begin hatching in the Canon City area.

Mid-April through May

Mayflies (Blue Winged Olive), Caddis
Blue Winged Olives are hatching the length of the river and the Caddis hatch usually extends upstream from Salida

May through June

Caddis, Stoneflies
The caddis hatch seldom makes it north to Granite before the runnoff begins. Stoneflies will begin to hatch between Salida and Canon City.

July through Mid-August

Mayflies (Red Quill Drakes, Pale Morning Dun) Caddis, Terrestrials
The upper river will see some Red Quill Drake hatches, while the rest of the river will see a smaller cadidis hatch, as well as pale morning duns. Terrestrials are effective downstream of Salida.

Mid-August through September

Terrestrials, Caddis, Mayflies (Red Quill Drake, Blue Winged Olive, Pale Morning Dun)
The upper river may see some Blue winged olives while the rest of the river will see Caddis, Terrestrials, Pale Morning Dun,, and Red Quill. The lower section will see mainly Caddis and Terrestrials.

October through Mid-November

Mayflies (blue winged olive), Streamers
Blue Wing Olives hatch the length of the river with the exception of the lower-river. Streamers are effective for the entire river.

Mid-November through December

Midges
Sporadtic Midge hatches on the lower sections of the river.