Fishing the Arkansas River
Gold Medal Trout Water Through the Heart of Colorado
Follow more than 100 miles of Gold Medal trout water through high mountain valleys, Browns Canyon, Salida, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and the rugged Arkansas River corridor toward Cañon City.
The Arkansas River
One river. Miles of exceptional trout water.
The Arkansas River is one of Colorado's great trout fisheries. From the high country near Leadville, the river travels through broad mountain valleys, granite canyons, Browns Canyon National Monument, downtown Salida, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, and eventually toward the Royal Gorge.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife recognizes 102 miles of the Arkansas as Gold Medal trout water. Brown trout make up much of the wild trout population, with rainbow trout also found throughout the system.
The river offers everything from small upper-river pocket water to long riffles, deep canyon pools, public fishing easements, roadside access, and miles of water that can be explored by boat.
Miles of Gold Medal Trout Water
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area follows 152 miles of the Arkansas River and includes extensive fishing and river access.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area →River Sections
Where to Fish the Arkansas River
The character of the Arkansas changes dramatically between Leadville and Cañon City. Each section offers a different combination of water, scenery, access, and fishing style.
Upper Arkansas
Leadville to Buena Vista
Near Leadville, the Arkansas is a smaller mountain river flowing through open high-country terrain. As it moves south toward Buena Vista, it gains size and develops more defined riffles, pools, runs, and pocket water.
- Smaller upper-river water
- High-elevation scenery
- Walk-and-wade opportunities
- Public recreation sites along the river
Central Valley
Buena Vista, Nathrop & Browns Canyon
South of Buena Vista, the river becomes larger and more powerful as it approaches Browns Canyon National Monument. Granite formations, riffles, deep pockets, and long runs create a beautiful stretch of Arkansas River trout habitat.
Browns Canyon itself has fewer easy roadside access points than some sections, making nearby public recreation sites and float fishing useful ways to explore the area.
- Browns Canyon scenery
- Riffles and pocket water
- Central location between Buena Vista and Salida
- Fishing combined easily with camping and hot springs
Salida Valley
Salida & the Valley
The Arkansas opens into a broad valley as it approaches Salida. Public access, gentler banks, riffles, runs, and river parks make this one of the easiest areas for visitors to begin exploring the river.
The river runs directly through downtown Salida, providing the unusual opportunity to fish, walk along the river, and then reach restaurants, shops, and lodging without leaving town.
- Easy river access
- Downtown fishing opportunities
- Walk-and-wade water
- Good basecamp for a fishing weekend
Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Salida to Vallie Bridge
East of Salida, the Arkansas enters Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Rocky banks, gravel bars, long riffles, deep runs, and frequent public recreation sites make this one of the most accessible fishing sections of the river corridor.
This stretch works well for both walk-and-wade anglers and anglers fishing from a raft.
- Numerous public access sites
- Walk-and-wade opportunities
- Float-fishing possibilities
- Classic canyon scenery
Lower Canyon
Cotopaxi & Lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon
Around Cotopaxi, the Arkansas continues through rugged canyon country. Highway 50 follows much of the river, giving anglers access to recreation sites while the steep surrounding terrain still makes portions of the river feel surprisingly remote.
- Canyon pools and long runs
- Roadside recreation sites
- Beautiful fall fishing scenery
- Easy access from Cotopaxi
Royal Gorge Country
Parkdale & Cañon City
Near Parkdale, the Arkansas enters the dramatic Royal Gorge. Below the gorge, the river emerges near Cañon City and gradually begins transitioning from a mountain trout stream toward a broader foothills river.
- Parkdale river access
- Royal Gorge scenery
- Fishing near Cañon City
- Warmer lower-elevation landscape
Wild Trout Country
Read the water, not just the map.
Some of the most productive water on the Arkansas is easy to overlook. Trout can hold in pocket water behind rocks, along current seams, beside undercut banks, at the heads and tails of pools, and in slower water immediately beside faster current.
River conditions change throughout the year. Flow, water temperature, clarity, weather, and insect activity can make one stretch fish very differently from another on the same day.
When to Fish
Fishing Through the Seasons
There is no single Arkansas River fishing season. Conditions change with snowmelt, flows, temperature, weather, and water clarity.
Spring
Warming water
Spring can offer excellent fishing as water temperatures begin to rise and trout become increasingly active before peak snowmelt.
Runoff
Watch the river
Mountain snowmelt can increase flow and reduce clarity. Conditions vary substantially from year to year, so checking current river conditions matters more than relying on a specific date.
Summer
Long days on the water
As flows settle, more walk-and-wade water becomes accessible. Earlier starts are often pleasant during the warmest part of summer.
Fall
Cool water and canyon color
Cooler weather, changing cottonwoods, and fewer summer visitors make fall one of the most enjoyable times to explore the Arkansas River.
Public River Access
Know where you can fish.
The Arkansas has extensive public access, but public and private land are interspersed along portions of the river. Use designated recreation sites, public land, and clearly marked fishing easements, and respect posted private property.
Popular River Access Areas
Plan Before You Go
Use official access information.
Never assume that reaching the river from a road means the adjoining riverbank is public. Check current maps, access information, signs, and regulations before fishing.
Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area sites provide some of the most straightforward public access throughout the upper river corridor.
Protect the Fishery
Fish the Arkansas responsibly.
Healthy trout depend on healthy river habitat. A few simple habits help protect the fishery for everyone who comes after you.
- Handle trout with wet hands.
- Keep fish in the water whenever possible.
- Release fish quickly and carefully.
- Avoid disturbing spawning fish and redds.
- Pack out fishing line and other trash.
- Respect private property and public access boundaries.
- Use extra caution when water temperatures become unusually warm.
Before You Fish
Check current Colorado fishing regulations.
Anglers are responsible for carrying the appropriate Colorado fishing license and following regulations for the water they are fishing. Regulations can change, so check Colorado Parks and Wildlife before heading to the river.
Fishing Trip Basecamps
Stay close to the river.
Build a fishing trip around Leadville, Buena Vista, Nathrop, Salida, Cotopaxi, or Cañon City and combine time on the river with camping, rafting, hot springs, hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives.
Upper Valley
Leadville & Buena Vista
Best for high-country scenery, upper-river fishing, Twin Lakes, mountain trails, camping, and easy access to the Collegiate Peaks.
Explore Buena Vista →Central Valley
Nathrop & Salida
A central base for Browns Canyon, Bighorn Sheep Canyon, hot springs, campgrounds, restaurants, and miles of Arkansas River access.
Explore Salida →Canyon Country
Cotopaxi & Cañon City
Explore lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Royal Gorge country, warmer canyon scenery, public recreation sites, and the lower river corridor.
Explore Cañon City →Arkansas River Country
Build your trip around the river.
Fish the Arkansas, camp nearby, explore mountain towns, soak in hot springs, hike, raft, bike, and discover the landscapes that surround Colorado's Arkansas River.
Explore the River