arkansas river colorado fishing regulations

The Arkansas River has gained national recognition for the quality of its fishing and the many aquatic insects that are the source of its consistent dry fly fishing. The area also provides some of the best fishing in Colorado.

Buena Vista ArkAnglers 517 South Highway 24.

. Gold medal streatch is 102 miles long. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area AHRA is recognized as one of the nations most popular whitewater rafting and kayaking locations. In Chaffee Fremont and Lake Counties -- From the Highway 24 Bridge overpass downstream to lower boundary of Hayden Ranch.

From the Stockyard Bridge below Salida to the confluence with Badger Creek 75 miles. At least 60 pounds per acre and at least 12 trout that are 14 inches. A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Arkansas River.

Fishing with artificial flies and lures only. For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. Stockyard Bridge below Saluda to Badger Creek is a 75 mile section that is catch-and-release only for rainbow trout.

See page 2 for station locations. Salida Colorado 81201 719-539-4223 or 719-539-3474. This is a good moving water option for the next week or so until the Arkansas River calms down.

The Arkansas has many distinct hatches and you can easily find success by matching the hatch. AGFC guidebooks contain an interpretive summary of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissions hunting and fishing regulations and covers only the regulations that most commonly affect hunters and anglers. AGFC guidebooks contain an interpretive summary of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissions hunting and fishing regulations and covers only the regulations that most commonly affect hunters and anglers.

The following lakes and streams in Colorado offer the greatest. There is over 100 miles of floatable water with Gold. Fishing with artificial flies and lures only.

Fishing regulations on the upper Arkansas River From the Stockyard Bridge CR 102 below Salida to the confluence with Badger Creek 75 miles. Special Regulations Apply From Stockyard Bridge downstream 75 miles to confluence with Badger Creek artificial flies and lures only rainbow trout must be returned to the water immediately. All sections of the river are fishing very well and the opportunities are good in all sections of the river.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area AHRA is a river-based state park that encompasses 152 miles of river corridor between Leadville and Lake Pueblo State Park. While the Arkansas River is flowing high and dirty the tributaries in this part of the valley have already peaked and receded and are now flowing clearly. Interested in Booking a Trip.

Preparation for fishing the Arkansas Most Arkansas River anglers use a nine foot five-weight rod and a weight-forward floating line. Fishing the arkansas river. Rules for the Arkansas River.

Colorado Springs Colorado 80904 719-471-2984. He suggests using a fly rod of 5- or 6-weight 8 12 to 9-feet length. US Hwy 285 follows much of the upper portion.

Arkansas River guided fly fishing and full service Colorado fly shops. The spectacular scenery is highlighted by the steep narrow rocky canyons that provide excellent opportunities to view Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. US Hwy 50 follows along the lower gold medal portion.

Salida Colorado 81201 719-539-4223 or 719-539-3474. For all but the smaller midge patterns 5X tippet is adequate and many anglers will use 3-4X when fishing bigger flies during higher flows. River segments designated as Gold Medal Waters must be a minimum of 2 miles in length and lakes must be a minimum of 50 acres.

The Arkansas River is the most commercially rafted river in the United States and is noted for its world-class fishery which provides an excellent opportunity for anglers to test their skills at catching brown and rainbow trout. Chest waders are recommended if you know youll be wading. Partin says that the Arkansas is a large river by Colorado standards.

Unlike other spots in Colorado fish on the Arkansas hit a wide variety of flies so bring plenty of tackle to find the biggest fish. Fishing with artificial flies and lures only The bag possession limit is four fish no size limit All rainbow trout must be returned to the water. From April-October most days provide opportunities to work the surface with mayflies caddis stoneflies midges or hoppers.

Leaders should be eight to 10 feet long tapering down to 3x to as fine as 6x for midge adults and emergers or larvae. All Rainbows are catch and release. Fishing the arkansas river.

The Arkansas River is one of Colorados major waterways great for Colorado river fishing. The portion of the Ark from its confluence with the Lake Fork to Parkdale. No New Changes for 2022.

It is not a legal document and the official regulations of the Commission take precedence over this summary. Arkansas River Fishing Tips. Southern Colorado Fishing Regulations.

Arkansas River Fishing Regulations Fishing regulations in the area are sectional so know where you are and what the rules for that section are. Its headwaters are near Leadville and it flows south through the towns of Buena Vista and Salida. If there is a body of water you would like included in this report please email jimharrisagfcargov with information on possible sources for reports about that lake or river.

This high-elevation river with crystal-clear water provides the perfect environment for fly fishing. A tapered 9-foot leader with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing is pretty standard. There are over 25 developed river-access areas.

You can fish from the shore wade or float the Arkansas River so match the waders to your fishing. March 31 2022. Any question or if you are interested in allowing one of our Orvis Endorsed Guides show you how best to conquer the Arkansas River Pueblo.

Fishing regulations in place. Arkansas River guided fly fishing and full service Colorado fly shops year-round private water wade trips guided float fishing trips dry fly fishing beginner instruction. Turning east at Coaldale the Arkansas flows for approximately 200 more miles passing.

Fish sampling data and 2020 forecast Figure 1. Jim Harris Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissions fishing report for March 31 2022. Or longer per acre on a sustained basis.

The Arkansas River is one of the most popular river-rafting spots in the United States. Fishing in 2020 should continue to be very good particularly for big fish in the plus 18 range. Many access points on federal state and partnership lands.

Reports are updated weekly although. Length-frequency histogram showing the size distribution of rainbow trout in three stations of the Arkansas River below Pueblo Dam November 2019. South Arkansas Tributaries Greens Willow Poncha Silver North Fork Fooses 61213 Update.

Fishing On The Arkansas River Between Leadville And Salida