Rainbow trout were stocked in 1985 in an experiment to establish that species as well.Įstimates of “trout-per-mile” along the Arkansas range from 2,000 to 5,000 fish (the latter figure comes from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, as mentioned above). The native fish is the brown trout, representing at least 75 to 85 percent of all trout in the Arkansas. The Arkansas is one of nine rivers in the state to have the Gold Medal Water designation.įish reproduction in the Arkansas River’s gold medal waters is natural, leading to its additional designation as “wild trout waters.” In such situations, there are self-sustaining trout populations which are stocked only under emergency circumstances. In 1982, the 28-mile stretch of the Arkansas-from the Stockyard Bridge just east of Salida to Fernleaf Gulch between Cotopaxi and Texas Creek-was designated as “gold medal” water by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, a tag meaning the site has the highest quality habitat for trout that exists in Colorado and also offers the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing. You may also call 1-80 to purchase a fishing license.
#Trout fishing in arkansas license
Anyone over the age of 16 who wants to fish in Colorado must purchase a license to do so these can be purchased online or at any license agent or CPW office. Most regulations refer to barbless hooks or mandatory catch and release, but it is best to review the Colorado Fishing brochure for this important information. The highest trout density is a stretch of river just below Salida.įinally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the current fishing regulations. The section of the Arkansas River running into Canon City has produced the greatest number of fish over 18 inches in length of any fishing spot along the Arkansas. Some favorite fishing spots are along Highway 24 (north of Buena Vista) and Highway 285 (south of Buena Vista), both which follow the river’s path closely. But, the fish also need a place to rest and thus, sites that have large boulders along the river course typically are better fishing “holes” since the fish will slip into these safe harbors from time-to-time for a rest. This is simply a matter of more plentiful food in such locations. As warmer temperatures make their way into the Arkansas Valley and the river temperatures climb, fish tend to move out of their deep water winter habitats and into the head of river runs of 3-5 feet in depth.
Obviously a high or low flow year by itself is not the only factor since other things such as the presence of heavy metals have an impact as well. Low flows create the best feeding conditions for trout and during such times, these fish tend to grow better and bigger. Now for some fishing “secrets.” The major factor in determining whether a fishery is viable and healthy is water flow. Many of the fishing holes on the Arkansas have special regulations, so read all of those ‘green signs’ posted along the river. Fishing spots can be easily identified by looking for the green signs. So, please treat these access points with respect.
One thing to keep in mind when accessing any of the numerous public fishing access areas on the Arkansas is that many of these fishing spots are leased from private landowners.
Rainbows tend to be a bit longer and larger fish than their more numerous neighbors, the brown trout. Rainbows are known for acrobatic displays when hooked, while the browns tend to head for deep water and wait you out! Most caught fish are in the 12 inch range, with an occasional trophy-sized catch. The Hofer/Colorado River rainbow trout cross that was introduced several years ago is more resistant to whirling disease and thus is hoped to provide the basis for the creation of a self-sustaining rainbow trout fishery. Rainbow trout are heavily stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in an effort to increase species diversity and enhance the angling experience. In response to this issue, the Colorado Division of Wildlife stocked six-inch Hofer/Colorado River rainbow trout in 2009, a species deemed more resistant to whirling disease. This shift in dominance was made even more pronounced as a result of whirling disease among the rainbow trout population. Brown trout were introduced in the 1800s and subsequently overtook the rainbow trout as the dominant fish. Trout fishing is king along the Arkansas River, waters which are home to the brown trout and the rainbow trout.
#Trout fishing in arkansas plus
Also, the area has almost year round insect action, a plus for those who love fly fishing. Salida Colorado Fishing along the Arkansas Riverįor one thing, the river provides some great fishing opportunities-the stretch of river in and around Salida has up to 5000 trout per mile! And, there is more than 70 miles of public access along the river, as well as plenty of sites to launch boats and float-and-fish.
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