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Arkansas River - Southern Colorado

One of my favorite fishing locals, the Arkansas River, is an hour south of Colorado Springs.  The Arkansas River Caddis hatch in April and May is famous for it's 'Mothers Day' or more properly the "Tax Day" caddis hatch.  During April and May, prior to spring run-off the Arkansas provides some of the exciting fly fishing you will ever experience.  
 
 
Favorite Arkansas River Locations
Below the Pueblo Dam

Below the Pueblo Reservoir Dam and through most of the river through Pueblo is decent fishing for Rainbows, particularly as a convenient fishing spot during the fall and winter.  I generally  two fly rigged on a 7 1/2 foot 5x leader, generally with two 16x prince or pheasant tail nymphs.
Canon City River Walk
For those Fly Fishers who want a little convenience and do not mind a little company by the local denizens, the Canon City River Walk, provides some great fall and good winter fly fishing. I generally have decent success using a two fly rig.   I rig a 7 1/2 foot 5x leader, generally with a large 10x stone nymph with a 16x emerger or larva pattern.  As the water warms I switch to a caddis fly top fly below hanging a emerger or larva pattern.  The top fly acts as indicator.
Texas Creek

During the 'Mothers Day' hatch season in April and May, the caddis are thick as locusts.  I enjoy success fishing the Texas Creek stretch of the Arkansas above Canon City.  I generally use the same technique as Canon City.
Arkansas River Trout Species
The Arkansas is best known as a Brown Trout river. 
Click to view larger picture
Rainbow trout can be caught in a number of places particularly below Pueblo Dam.
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FISHING REGULATIONS ON THE ARKANSAS
  From the Stockyard Bridge below Salida to the confluence with Badger Creek, 7.5 miles.
  • Fishing with artificial flies and lures only.
  • The bag, possession and size limit for trout is 2 fish 16" in length or longer

From the Highway 291 Bridge downstream to Chaffee County Road 166 bridge.

  • Fishing with artificial flies and lures only.
  • The bag, possession and size limit for trout is 2 fish 16" in length or longer.

 
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Local Outfitters and Fly-Fishing Stores
Royal Gorge Anglers: Bill Edrington's Fly Fishing Shop, providing guide services, fly fishing gear, flies & accessories, fly fishing and tying instruction and friendly, accurate reports.

(www.royalgorgeanglers.com)
ArkAnglers: Located in Salida and Buena Vista - Gear and a great selection of local flies.

(http://www.arkanglers.com)
   
Arkansas River Web Links
 
Arkansas Fishing Reports
 
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Books about fishing the Arkansas River
Fly Fishing the Arkansas - An Angler's Guide and Journal by Bill Edrington. 

If you like to fly fish the Arkansas River in Colorado, then this is a book you need. Order your autographed copy directly from Royal Gorge Anglers in our store.

 Available At Amazon.com or at Bill's Store
Flyfisher's Guide to Colorado by Marty Bartholomew (Author)

Combines the best of a fly fishing guide book (including hottest patterns for certain water), as well as recommendations for places to stay, and for fly shops.

Available At Amazon.com
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