Fishing the Arkansas River Near Cañon City, CO
The Arkansas River is one of the mightiest rivers in Colorado, as well as the country. Whether it be fishing, kayaking, or whitewater rafting on the Arkansas, outdoor enthusiasts flock to this amazing river from around the globe.
Running adjacent to some of Colorado’s highest 14,000 feet peaks, as well as deep into the depths of the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas River offers many scenic fishing opportunities. If you are interested in Arkansas River trout fishing, you can find a great location to suit your needs and abilities. Among the numerous things to do in Cañon City, fishing is typically near the top of the list for avid outdoor adventurers.
Where is the Arkansas River?
The Arkansas River finds its headwaters high in the alpine expanses of Leadville, CO. Gathering momentum from tributaries in the Collegiate Peaks, the river gains both size and momentum as it flows downhill past the towns of Buena Vista and Salida. Once the Arkansas River finally spills out of the Rocky Mountains, it continues to flow eastward until it finally meets the Mississippi River.
You can access the Arkansas River in multiple places within a 1.5 – 2.5 hr. drive from Denver. If you are interested in fly-fishing below snow capped peaks, head west on Hwy 285 and you can pick up the river in multiple places. A number of conveniently access fishing locations also exist just upstream of the Royal Gorge area. For a bit easier access and calmer water, drive south along the edge of the mountains closer to Pueblo, CO.
Where Are the Best Spots for Fishing the Arkansas River?
In total, the Arkansas River flows 152-miles from Leadville to Pueblo. This entire stretch of river has been denoted the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) and rated as “gold medal trout waters.”
The most popular fishing spots on the Arkansas River are located near Buena Vista, Salida, and Cañon City. Please bear in mind, water levels and flow rates in the Arkansas River vary greatly in different seasons due to snowmelt. That being said, late summer and early fall generally offer the lowest water levels for fishermen.
Where Can I Fish on the Arkansas River?
The Arkansas River makes great fishing for people of all skills and interests. If you are interested in Arkansas River fly fishing, there are incredible areas for fishing both dry flies and nymphs. Similarly, if a spinning rod is your preference, the Arkansas River has ample deep pools to fish with small spinners and spoons.
There is ample public access to the shoreline of the Arkansas River. However, if you aren’t familiar with the area where you plan on fishing, be sure to consult a map so you don’t accidentally wind up on private property. It’s important to note much of the river corridor falls in the realm of Colorado State Parks and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, so plan to pay minor day use fees for parking and access within the park. If you are planning on fishing from a raft, plan on reaching out to us at Echo Canyon where we offer guided float fishing trips near Cañon City, CO.
What Kind of Fish are in the Arkansas River?
Most people fish the Arkansas River for trout. As these types of fish prefer cold and clear water, the Arkansas River provides the perfect habitat for several key species of trout.
The most common type of fish in the Arkansas River include:
- Brown trout
- Rainbow trout
- Cutthroat
- Brook trout
While the Arkansas River boasts several fish species, brown trout are by far the most prevalent.
Do I need a fishing license to fish the Arkansas River in Colorado?
Yes. To legally fish in the state of Colorado, anyone 16 years of age or older must have a valid Colorado State Fishing License. Licenses can be purchased online on Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
What is the best time of year to fish the Arkansas River?
While the Arkansas River is accessible to fishing year around, spring is arguably one of the best times of the year to fish due to the insect hatches that routinely cause fish feeding frenzies. May is predictively the best month due to the well known cadis fly hatches. Additionally, 102 miles of the Arkansas River is considered a Gold Medal fishery. That’s nearly a third of the total Gold Medal fishing water in the entire state of Colorado! The term Gold Medal is a determined by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as a river or lake that consistently produce at least 60 pounds of trout per acre and a minimum of twelve quality trout of 14+ inches per acre. That’s why the Arkansas River can be successfully fished year around.
What types of fish can I catch in the Arkansas River near Cañon City?
Brown Trout is the primary species you’ll find in the Arkansas River. Rainbow Trout are also prevalent and some strains are stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Cutthroat and Brook Trout are also found in the river at higher elevations where the water is colder.
What are gear recommendations for fly fishing the Arkansas River?
4 to 6 weight rods are recommended for fly fishing the Arkansas River. Waders are typically worn from fall through late spring to early summer depending on how high in elevation you’re fishing. During July through early September, fishing the lower reaches of Arkansas River in Bighorn Sheep Canyon can often require just neoprene wading socks with wading boots, but you’ll still find some anlgers wearing waders even in the warmest months.
Is the Arkansas River good for beginner fly fishers?
Can I fish the Arkansas River without a guide?
Yes, you can fish the Arkansas River without a guide. A Colorado Fishing License is, however, required for anyone who is 16 years of age or older. Additinonally, you’ll find a number of the larger parking access areas are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) which do require a day use pass. Visitors can pay at the self-serve stations at these use areas. Colorado residents with the Keep Colorado Wild vehicle registration addition do not need to pay a fee.
Are there fishing outfitters near Royal Gorge and Cañon City?
Yes. Echo Canyon River Expeditions offers guided walk and wade trips as well as guided float fishing trips on the Arkansas River near Cañon City and the Royal Gorge. Additional fishing outfitters also provide similar services in the area.
What are the fishing regulations for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?
There are a variety of special fishing regulations in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. These regulations are often confined to specific zones of the river. Common rules require the use of only artificial flies or lures, catch and release rules, and size and limits. Due to the number of variable, contact Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area or Colorado Parks and Wildlife for specific zone restrictions on the Arkansas River.
Staying with Royal Gorge Cabins
Royal Gorge Cabins sits just off US Highway 50 and just a couple miles from the banks of the Arkansas River — putting you minutes from Cañon City’s best fishing access. Whether you’re planning an early morning wade or a guided float trip through the Royal Gorge, our cabins offer a comfortable home base after a long day on the water. Due to fishings availability year-round as well as other activities, our cabins make for an ideal basecamp whether your here for off season iteneraries or if you’re searching out summer itineraries.
Choose from our cozy 1-bedroom Single King Cabins for couples or solo anglers, or our spacious 2-bedroom Double King Cabins for families and fishing groups. Each cabin includes a full kitchen, outdoor space, and easy access to everything the Royal Gorge area has to offer.
Contact Us About Fishing in Colorado
The Arkansas River is an integral part of our community in Cañon City, CO. Please Contact Us to learn more about fishing in the area.