 |
Fishing
the Arkansas The Arkansas River is known as one of the best fishing rivers in the state. It starts as a series of small tributaries near Leadville at about 14,433 ft., grows into a major river around Granite, travels a rambunctious path through the Fourteener Region while providing some of the best trout fishing in the country The Arkansas is home to the brown trout and the rainbow trout. The Brown was introduced in the 1800's and has overtaken the Rainbow Trout as the dominant fish. The rainbow trout is heavily |
|
| stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The Rainbow's are known for acrobatic displays when hooked, while the Browns tend to try to hide in deep water and wait you out! Most fish you catch will be in the 12 in range, with occasional trophy size. There are dozens of public fishing access areas on the Arkansas. Many of these fishing spots are leased from private landowners, so please treat these access points with respect. I will mention several of my favorite spots, but these are just starting points for great fishing. Highway 24 (north of Buena Vista) and Highway 285 (south of Buena Vista) follow the river closely, and fishing spots can be found easily by driving and looking for the green signs. Many of the fishing holes on the Arkansas have special regulations, so read all those green signs along the river. Most regulations refer to barbless hooks or mandatory catch and release. | ||
|
Gold Metal Water |
 |
|
| rivers in the state to have the
Gold Metal Water designation. Fish reproduction in the Arkansas' gold medal waters is natural. The native fish is the German brown trout, rainbow trout were stocked in 1985 in an experiment to establish that species as well. Fishermen on the 7.5 mile stretch of gold metal water from the stockyard bridge to Badger Creek are restricted to two fish, which must be 16 in or longer. All rainbows must be returned to the river. Fishing is limited to artificial flies and lures. Beyond this stretch regular fishing rules lures. Beyond from the gold medal waters, a designated "wild trout waters" area has been established. This section of the river supports a naturally reproducing and self-sustaining trout population with artificial stocking. Where to Fish 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, BV, north of BV near the Midland Railroad tunnels, at Ruby Mtn 8 miles south of Buena Vista and in Brown's Canyon eleven miles south of Buena Vista. BACK TO TOP |
||
 |
Find
a Great Fishing Spot Besides over 50 miles of Arkansas River fishing, there are over 200 miles of stream fishing, 40 alpines lakes, two reservoirs and six smaller lakes. 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 and brook trout and cutthroat are found at higher altitudes. Listed below are some of the better fishing spots in Chaffee County: |
|
|
Antero Reservoir: Drained!
We hope you enjoyed the water, Denver and Colorado Springs Cities.
Please conserve every drop of our precious Antero Reservoir water
like it was your last drop. It was our last drop and we both want
it to fill up again real soon. Draining east from Monarch Pass along U.S.
50 anglers find the South Arkansas Clear Creek Reservoir: Stocked with
rainbows Pass Creek: Brook trout at higher
elevations and cutthroat, graylings and Silver Creek:
Good for brook trout at high elevations and browns at Taylor Park Reservoir: Can be real good Turquoise Lake: Good fishing and beautiful
setting in part of the Pan-Ark project; boat ramps available; five
species of trout and kokanee salmon. |
||
|
GEAR |
||
Fishing Guides
American Hunting & Fishing Supply
Licenses, fishing gear, art
Gwen Chermack, Mgr.
645 East Rainbow Blvd.
Salida, CO 81201
Phone: 719-530-0725
Arkansas River Fly Shop
ArkAnglers
(Salida) guide service & fly shop
7500 West Highway 50
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4223
Info@ArkAnglers.com
ArkAnglers
(Buena Vista) full service fly shop
545 North Hwy. 24
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-1796
Info@ArkAnglers.com Between the Lines Boating Hardware
May-September Guided Fishing Tours
17920 S Hwy 285
Nathrop, CO 81236
719-539-2067
River Runners, Ltd.
Guided fishing trips
11150 US Hwy 50 West
Salida, CO 81201
719-539-2144
www.riverrunnersltd.com
BACK TO TOP