The Arkansas River has quickly become one of the state's premier trout fishing destinations. Offering abundant fishable water, public access, and multiple hatches - it is no wonder why so many anglers travel from all across Colorado to fish here!

From Bighorn Sheep Canyon to Canon City, this section of the river offers something for everyone.

Best Fishing Spots

Abundant public fishing access points is one of the reasons this stretch of the Arkansas River has become so attractive to fly fishermen, making it easy to spend an entire day fishing, even during hot weather.

The Arkansas River (commonly referred to as "The Mighty Ark") offers outdoor enthusiasts an idyllic wilderness oasis. Boasting miles of pristine waters to fish on, Salida has excellent fishing locations as well as hiking trails, rock climbing routes and horseback riding opportunities for outdoor recreation enthusiasts!

In fact, Salida has up to 5000 trout per mile in its waters and 70 miles of public water that are open for public access and launch sites for boats or float fishing. Local fly shops and fishing outfitters will gladly update you on current conditions, provide directions to public access points, or arrange full-service guided trips for their customers.

Types of Fish

Anglers can cast a line for rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout in the South Arkansas River. Many outfitters - like ArkAnglers, The Next Eddy and UpRiver - offer customized fly-fishing trips tailored specifically to your group, providing any gear or lessons necessary and showing where the fish are biting.

Channel catfish are common residents in Colorado's warm and cool water reservoirs and rivers, often seen lurking in deep pools or along rip-rap banks where they may be lured in with chicken innards, flavored dough balls or other pungent baits.

Introduced to Colorado during the late 1800s, brook trout are commonly found in high mountain streams and beaver dams, where they thrive thanks to large dark spots on their yellowish sides that allow identification.

Guide

Arkansas River fishing can be an incredible experience for fly fishermen of any skill level, thanks to miles of public access. Local outfitters will offer rods, waders and flies in their fly shops as well as lessons and guided float fishing trips lasting either full or half days.

The Gunnison River, just an hour west of Salida, is famed for world-class trout fishing. In particular, its Dream Stream section between Spinney and Eleven Mile Reservoirs becomes particularly attractive during fall when Kokanee salmon spawn and trout feed on their eggs.

Revel in the serene pleasure of relaxing along a rushing riverbank with your furry companion at your side and casting a line into an alluring pool, hoping for that satisfying strike! Afterward, cap off your experience by unwinding in one of Colorado's premier hot springs waters - perfect!

Fishing Between Salida and Buena Vista

Fly anglers looking for access to the Upper Arkansas River will find plenty of water to fish on. This section of river offers stunning views of 14ers as well as world class nymphing and dry fly fishing opportunities with plenty of boat ramps for those who like to get out on the water.

The South Arkansas River offers excellent trout fishing opportunities near Salida. This stream is home to brook, rainbow, and brown trout fisheries with daily bag limits of four trout per day.

Arkansas River fishing spots in Colorado are some of the most sought-after, offering up to 5,000 trout per mile with 70 miles of public access and boat launches. Anglers will also appreciate year-round insect action on its lively stream - highly recommended are river float trips on this river!