River guide
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE ARKANSAS RIVER DATA
Arkansas River levels, gauges and monitoring stations
Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.
ARKANSAS R AT ARKANSAS CITY, KSUSGS 07146500 · View live gauge →ARKANSAS R NR COOLIDGE, KSUSGS 07137500 · View live gauge →Arkansas River at Ft. Smith, Ar.USGS 07249455 · View live gauge →ARKANSAS RIVER AT LAS ANIMAS, CO.USGS 07124000 · View live gauge →Arkansas River at Tulsa, OKUSGS 07164500 · View live gauge →ARKANSAS RIVER NEAR AVONDALE, CO.USGS 07109500 · View live gauge →Arkansas Rv at SH 344 nr Tulsa, OKUSGS 07164480 · View live gauge →
EXPLORE THE RIVER
Follow the Arkansas River
Trace reviewed mainstem geometry from the upper basin across the plains toward the lower Arkansas.
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River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
FISHING
Fishing the river
Cold upper reaches and warm lower reaches have very different fisheries. Always use the fish agency for the state and exact reach.
Fish you may encounter
Brown trout
Rainbow trout
Channel catfish
Largemouth bass
White bass
Where the river changes
FISHING AREA
Arkansas River fishing in Oklahoma ↗State fishery and access context for an Oklahoma reach.
Before you fish
- Rules, seasons, closures and consumption advice vary by jurisdiction and can change; consult the linked fish and wildlife agency before a trip.
- A gauge reading describes conditions at that monitoring location; it does not establish fishing quality or safety elsewhere on the river.
BOATING & PADDLING
On the water
Colorado’s headwaters include managed whitewater reaches, while the lower river includes reservoirs and navigation infrastructure; conditions are not interchangeable.
Know before you go
- Use the linked managing-agency information for current access, permits, closures and river conditions.
- Do not treat station data as a substitute for local hazard information, weather forecasts or on-water judgment.
PARKS & ACCESS
Places to reach the river
McClellan-Kerr navigation system ↗
Official navigation notices and system information.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area ↗
Official access, camping and river recreation information for the upper Arkansas.