Arkansas River Lower Basin
Reductions in the reservoir releases coupled with cooler weather have dropped the flows in Bighorn Sheep Canyon. We are now within the optimal flow range for brown trout which is between 250 and 400 cfs. Look for active fish throughout the corridor now, with the most focused feeding centered on BWO’s during the afternoon. The cloudy weather in the forecast over the next few days should make for great fishing conditions. We are starting to see blue-winged olive nymphs drifting daily, and even a few sporadic duns on the water in the afternoons. Any cloud coverage in the afternoon may prompt a hatch, so stock up on BWO dry flies and emerges in the #16 to #20 range. Nymphing will still be your best bet throughout the day, but don’t limit your strategy to deep water, try the shallow riffles in the afternoon as the mayfly nymphs become more available. These can be best tempted by striated midge patterns like black beauties and zebras, golden stonefly nymphs, mayfly nymphs and emergers, and “meat & potatoes” patterns like pheasant tails, hares ears, and princes. Try to focus fishing efforts on the period of peak sun and warmth between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Courtesy of ArkAnglers).
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Trinidad Lake 
The lake is now open for boating, and every boat must be inspected unless it is sealed with a Trinidad seal and receipt. Fishing from shore has been good, with anglers reported 16 to 20 inch trout being caught around the lake using worms and PowerBait. Boaters have just started, but worm harnesses and jigs have been working well.
Trinidad Lake State Park