ARKANSAS RIVER AT PORTLAND, CO.

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

• Under CPW's 71°F line. Water 48.4°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 50.7°F. That is under the 71°F CPW uses for its closure criteria. “CPW recommends fishing early in the day to avoid peak afternoon temperatures.” “Anglers should use a handheld thermometer to test water conditions and move to cooler, higher-elevation waters once temperatures approach 71 degrees.”

  CPW implements additional voluntary fishing closures on four Western Slope rivers (16 July 2026) (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

Species

This gauge is on the same river as our page for Arkansas River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

• Below NWS action stage. The National Weather Service reports this gauge below its action stage. That is not a statement that wading is safe.

  Flood categories: action stage, minor, moderate and major flooding (National Weather Service)

• Cold water. Water 48.4°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”

  Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)

• Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.

  Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)