Arkansas River in Prime Condition

I spent today prowling the banks of the Arkansas below Salida looking for large rising rainbows.  When I found one I cold generally get him to eat a size 16 BWO with an accurate cast.  I found one fish that might have gone 25 to 27 inches but, I couldn't get him to eat.  about every five minbutes he would come up an take something right in the film.  I got refusal after refusal but it was a gas.  I probably spend an hour or so on this one fish.  Unfortunately, I forgot by large box of small dry flies.  I would probably still be there had I brought it along.