Arkansas River

Effective Patterns: #14- 18 Caddis, #14-18 Green Butt Caddis, #16-18 Blue Winged Olive (BWO), #16-20 Parachute Adams, #18-20Pale Morning Duns (PMD), #10-14 Stimulator, #10-18 Royal Wulff, #10-14 Parachute Hopper, #14-18 Parachute Black Ant, #14-18 Caddis Pupa, #14-18 Caddis Emerger, #16-20 Pheasant Tail, #16-20 Copper John, #16-20 RS2, #12-16 Prince,  #6-12 Stonefly, #18-20 Black Beauty,#18-20 Brassie

    One of Colorado's longest rivers with over 155 miles of water.  From the cooler higher elevations near Leadville, to the lower warmer streches near Pueblo, the Arkansas River is known for its brown trout population, 90% of which are "wild"!  There are a few rainbows, but they are few and far between.   The Arkansas River is one of the last big freestones in the rockies,  and is a true treasure of Colorado. 

    The lower streches of the Arkansas between Canon City and Buena Vista are most commonly fished.  We begin to see hatches and feeding trout in March.  Well known for its epic "Tax Day" and "Mothers Day" caddis hatches, anglers who enjoy dry fly fishing hurry down to catch their share of rising trout.  Their is plenty of water with easy access and parking.  The Arkansas can be floated by raft (no driftboats), and seems like a major highway during the summer.  Floating the Arkansas River is a great way to fish the river, but walking and wading is very productive also.   While primarily a dry fly fishery, using a nymph from time to time can be very effective.  A great river for beginners to learn how to dry fly fish. 

    For those of you addicted to the dry(hopper)/dropper rig, the headwaters near Leadville is the place for you.  Hayden Meadows offers miles of public access to anglers, with riffles and banks which is perfect for the dry fly enthusiast.  You are guaranteed to have great scenery and the fishing won't be bad either.  The water is usually clear and cold due to the high elevation.  With less traffic and pressure on the river, this is the place to go when you really want to get away.