Those who come to fish the Arkansas River are wetting their hooks in the most popular fishing waters in the state of Colorado, according to angler surveys conducted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. From its origin as a series of small tributaries at an elevation of 14,433 ft. near Leadville, the Arkansas grows into a major river around Granite, Colorado; from here, it travels a rambunctious path through the Fourteener Region while providing some of the best trout fishing in the country.
Why so popular?
For one thing, the river provides some great fishing opportunities—the stretch of river in and around Salida has up to 5000 trout per mile! And, there is more than 70 miles of public access along the river, as well as plenty of sites to launch boats and float-and-fish. Also, the area has almost year round insect action, a plus for those who love fly fishing.
Trout fishing is king along the Arkansas River, waters which are home to the brown trout and the rainbow trout. Brown trout were introduced in the 1800s and subsequently overtook the rainbow trout as the dominant fish. This shift in dominance was made even more pronounced as a result of whirling disease among the rainbow trout population. In response to this issue, the Colorado Division of Wildlife stocked six-inch Hofer/Colorado River rainbow trout in 2009, a species deemed more resistant to whirling disease.
Rainbow trout are heavily stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in an effort to increase species diversity and enhance the angling experience. The Hofer/Colorado River rainbow trout cross that was introduced several years ago is more resistant to whirling disease and thus is hoped to provide the basis for the creation of a self-sustaining rainbow trout fishery.
Rainbows are known for acrobatic displays when hooked, while the browns tend to head for deep water and wait you out! Most caught fish are in the 12 inch range, with an occasional trophy-sized catch. Rainbows tend to be a bit longer and larger fish than their more numerous neighbors, the brown trout.
One thing to keep in mind when accessing any of the numerous public fishing access areas on the Arkansas is that many of these fishing spots are leased from private landowners. So, please treat these access points with respect. Fishing spots can be easily identified by looking for the green signs. Many of the fishing holes on the Arkansas have special regulations, so read all of those ‘green signs’ posted along the river.
Now for some fishing “secrets.” The major factor in determining whether a fishery is viable and healthy is water flow. Low flows create the best feeding conditions for trout and during such times, these fish tend to grow better and bigger. Obviously a high or low flow year by itself is not the only factor since other things such as the presence of heavy metals have an impact as well. As warmer temperatures make their way into the Arkansas Valley and the river temperatures climb, fish tend to move out of their deep water winter habitats and into the head of river runs of 3-5 feet in depth. This is simply a matter of more plentiful food in such locations. But, the fish also need a place to rest and thus, sites that have large boulders along the river course typically are better fishing “holes” since the fish will slip into these safe harbors from time-to-time for a rest.
Some favorite fishing spots are along Highway 24 (north of Buena Vista) and Highway 285 (south of Buena Vista), both which follow the river’s path closely. The section of the Arkansas River running into Canon City has produced the greatest number of fish over 18 inches in length of any fishing spot along the Arkansas. The highest trout density is a stretch of river just below Salida.
Finally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the current fishing regulations. Most regulations refer to barbless hooks or mandatory catch and release, but it is best to review the Colorado Fishing brochure for this important information. Anyone over the age of 16 who wants to fish in Colorado must purchase a license to do so; these can be purchased online or at any license agent or CPW office. You may also call 1-800-244-5613 to purchase a fishing license.
In 1982, the 28-mile stretch of the Arkansas—from the Stockyard Bridge just east of Salida to Fernleaf Gulch between Cotopaxi and Texas Creek—was designated as “gold medal” water by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, a tag meaning the site has the highest quality habitat for trout that exists in Colorado and also offers the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing. The Arkansas is one of nine rivers in the state to have the Gold Medal Water designation.
Fish reproduction in the Arkansas River’s gold medal waters is natural, leading to its additional designation as “wild trout waters.” In such situations, there are self-sustaining trout populations which are stocked only under emergency circumstances.
The native fish is the brown trout, representing at least 75 to 85 percent of all trout in the Arkansas. Rainbow trout were stocked in 1985 in an experiment to establish that species as well.
Estimates of “trout-per-mile” along the Arkansas range from 2,000 to 5,000 fish (the latter figure comes from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, as mentioned above). The best fishing conditions are those marked by low flows around 1,200 cubic feet per second and clear water. April is the most heavily fished month of the year, possibly due to the caddis fly hatch that jumpstarts the season. This hatch begins near Cañon City in mid-April and steadily moves upriver towards Salida as water temperatures warm up to around 54°F.
For most of the Arkansas River, statewide bag limits apply. In the Salida area, however, there are some exceptions to this bag and possession state limit: fishermen on the 7.5 mile stretch of ‘gold medal water’ from the Stockyard Bridge (Chaffee Co Rd 102) downstream to Badger Creek can bag up to four brown trout of any size. All rainbow trout must be returned to the river. And, fishing along this stretch is limited to artificial flies and lures only. Elsewhere, most places along the Arkansas River allow bait angling. (The only other exception is a five-mile stretch in Hayden Flats below Leadville).
Public fishing access is available on public lands and on fishing easements crossing private lands. Signs mark all public fishing access points along the river. Some recommended access points to the river are at the Buena Vista Recreational River Park at the east end of Main Street in Buena Vista; north of Buena Vista near the Midland Railroad tunnels; Ruby Mountain, 8 miles south of Buena Vista; and, Brown’s Canyon, 11 miles south of Buena Vista.
In addition to the many miles of Arkansas River fishing, there are over 200 miles of stream fishing, as well as good angling sites among the 40 alpine lakes, two reservoirs and six smaller lakes in the region. All public streams and lakes are stocked with rainbow trout by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Browns and rainbows are usually found at the lower elevations; brook trout and cutthroat are found at higher altitudes. Listed below are some of the better fishing spots in Chaffee County. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older. Make sure to check the fishing regulations since some sites allow fishing with flies and lures only and there are also fishing locations in which catch-and-release is the rule.
Yes, it happens…after a sunny day spent fly fishing along the Arkansas River, as cruel as it may sound, it does in fact draw to a close. Maybe your arm is a bit tired from reeling in all of those trout—remember, there are as many as 5000 trout per mile of Arkansas River from Salida to Wellsville, one of the most productive trout fisheries in Colorado, all waiting for the right dry fly or nymph “presentation.” Or perhaps your legs feel a bit stiff from standing in the cold Arkansas River water while fishing.
Have we got some suggestions for you!
First off, you will need a comfortable bed for the night. If you planned ahead and reserved that fishing cabin, then you are all set. But, maybe you were so excited about fishing the Arkansas River that the minor detail of where to sleep slipped your mind.
No problem, Salida has more lodging properties than you have time to consider. Take a look at our list of Salida lodging hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts to make this decision easier…and wiser.
Also, you will need to refuel for another day of Arkansas River trout fishing. The Salida restaurants offer a range of options from quick and simple dining to refined gourmet selections. We have two new gastro-pubs in town, Benson’s and the Fritz. There are four microbreweries in Salida and Buena Vista: Moonlight Pizza, Amica’s, Elevation Brewing Company, and Eddyline Microbrew in Buena Vista. Check our Dining page for more information.
Finally, if you want to top off the day by a relaxing soak in Colorado’s best hot springs water, you have several choices. Salida Hot Springs Pool is great for kids; if you want to gaze up at the stars or look at the outlines of the mountains while enjoying your soak, consider Mt. Princeton Hot Springs or Cottonwood Hot Springs in Buena Vista for world-class healing waters.
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