Arkansas River,CO-Fly Fishing

[Minna Ulmer]

On my Royal Gorge trip,one in our party is interested in fly fishing.We only have 2 days and one is for guided rafting .Yall have given me awesome info re rafting!Any fly fishermen out there want to respond? Guides ,outfitters,1/2 day,fullday,morning,afternoon,area of the Ar.river in CO. Where to stay,Buena Vista or Salida. Need reasonable lodging for one nite since we are driving from denver.Been looking on line but of course it all looks good.THANKS ,Minna

[robkanraft]

As a long time fly fisher, I’m envious. I don’t know that area well enough to make a specific recommendation, however since your time is limited and you want to have the best trip possible I think you are wise to choose a local guide service. I’ve only hired two guides in my life, (hey, I’m poor) both were on rivers I’ve never seen before and known to be tough to figure out. The local knowledge, and having someone to show you the water and technique is well worth it. Also remember, although the guide rates are pricey, unless you hire an independent the outfitter takes most of the fee, so don't forget to budget in a tip.

I’d choose a half-day trip in the morning if I had the rest of the day to fish on the river on my own, or, my personal preference is an evening fishing session into the twilight.

If you could get in contact with Werner on the Yahoo utahrafters message board, I’ll bet he could make some real-time recommendations. Have a great trip!

[okieboater]

Most of the fly float and wade fishing is done on the lower sections below Salida. I was just out there and there is a bunch of fishing going on.

Best bet would be to contact Salida or Buena Vista chamber of commerce.

I saw at least a couple of fly fishing guide services advertised, just did not write them down. We saw quite a few fly fishing rafts below salida.

Beware that a lot of the river bank below Salida is private property and they are all over anyone who steps on it.

The upper sections above Salida have a lot of fishermen as well, but not nearly the amount as below.

I used to fly fish quite a bit, not much anymore. I have seen quite a few trout in Browns Canyon.

[Prairie Tater]

Evidently, since you are fly fishing, you must be fishing for sport. If you were fishing for food, I would tell you to drive up to some of the small lakes in the national forest. Most of them are loaded with Cutthroat. When I was at the Poudre last month, we drove up to Peterson Lake. I caught six in about 30 minutes. Had to release two (daily limit is four). Wrapped them in foil with lemon, butter & seasoning. Laid them right on the charcoal. Flipped one time. Camp cooking doesn't get much better than this. Fried potatoes and Dutch Oven cornbread rounded out the meal. Oh yeah, can't forget the Dutch Oven peach cobbler!

I'm gettin' hungry.

T.P.

[Danimal]

If near Buena Vista try Chalk creek or Clear creek -Both are tribs of the Ark. and have roads running along them. I caught an 18" cutt from Chalk creek a few years ago. Dan-o