River guide · Colorado
Fly Fishing the Arkansas River
From Leadville to the Royal Gorge, the Arkansas is Colorado's longest trout river, famous for its spring caddis hatch.
- 12 shops nearby
- freestone
- April–May & July–October (around runoff)
- Colorado
- 5 key hatches
The best time to fly fish the Arkansas River is April–May & July–October (around runoff). Key hatches include Caddis, Blue, Pale Morning Dun, Yellow Sally. 12 fly shops near the Arkansas River can outfit your trip.
Fly shops near the Arkansas River
Shops and guides that fish the Arkansas River. See all 122 Colorado shops →
- The Next EddyWade tripsView shop →
- ArkAnglers & Arkansas River Fly ShopWade tripsView shop →
- ArkAnglersWade tripsView shop →
- UpRiver Fly FishingWade tripsView shop →
- JP Fly Fishing SpecialtiesWade tripsView shop →
- Angler's CoveyOrvis-EndorsedWade tripsView shop →
- Mountain AnglerWade tripsView shop →
- The Colorado AnglerWade tripsView shop →
- Cutthroat AnglersWade tripsView shop →
- Fly Fish ColoradoWade tripsView shop →
- Green Country Fly CoFloatView shop →
- Central Arkansas Fishing Guide Services, Inc.FloatView shop →
Nearby towns
Rivers nearby
Hatches & seasons
When & what to fish on the Arkansas River
River typefreestone
Best seasonApril–May & July–October (around runoff)
AccessHwy 50 and the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area provide extensive public access from Buena Vista through Salida to the Royal Gorge.
Key hatches
- Caddis (Mother's Day, late April–May)
- Blue-winged Olive (spring & fall)
- Pale Morning Dun (summer)
- Yellow Sally (summer)
- Hopper / Terrestrials (Aug–Sept)
Gear up on the Arkansas River
Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.
Shop the gear Flies that workThe flies that work on the Arkansas River
Find the most effective patterns for where you're fishing — and learn to tie them yourself, step by step.
Find your fliesUpdated June 2026