Arkansas River

The Arkansas River is one of the best wild brown trout habitats in Colorado and is designated as Gold Medal Trout Waters. While your typical catch is about 10-14”, there are a lot of fish in the 15-17” category. Once in a while, you can even trick trophy-sized trout in this amazing river.

The “Ark” offers miles and miles of public access. Although spin casters and bait fisherman can be spotted occasionally, fly fishing is the most effective way to tackle this river. Midge and Blue Winged Olives dominate the hatch in the spring and fall, while Stone Fly and Caddis hatches are prolific in the summer months.

Flows can be high from late spring to early summer, but the clarity of the headwaters is unparalleled, and this water is fishable from late March to late November. If fly fishing in Colorado is your game, don’t miss your chance to have a great day in the beautiful surroundings of the Upper Arkansas River.

The fairly quiet flow river quickly changes just south of Twin Lakes as it enters into a narrow canyon. Those searching for white water can find it here! Class III to Class V rapids can be found along this stretch in the Numbers section, Fractions section and Pine Creek Rapid. 

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Areas offer access points all along the river – click to learn more!