Bighorn Sheep Canyon is really a series of canyons: Salida to Howard; Coaldale to Texas Creek; and Texas Creek to Parkdale. From Howard down through Coaldale, about six miles, the river travels through a more open valley with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains and generally gentler water. There is good public access […]

The Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is an amazing winter tailwater fishery. Even though it is a tailwater, flows below the dam can get dangerously high during spring runoff, so be careful wading. This stretch of river is known for being a nice urban fly fishing destination.

This section became more popular with the Division of Wildlife purchase of Hayden Ranch. This property was held privately since the homesteading days but has been opened up to public fishing in recent years. The river here, above the confluence with Lake Creek and its augmented flow of trans-mountain water, is a small volume meadow stream. […]

The Arkansas River below Leadville is one of the most heavily fished and popular sections.This section of the river, which is approximately 75 miles long, has beautiful pocket water, pools, riffles and runs holding an excellent population of browns and a good population of rainbows. The river averages from 70-100 feet wide in most areas […]

This section of the Arkansas River provides Gold Medal fly fishing for Brown and Rainbow trout. With 60 miles of river frontage on either side of Salida, you can always find your own spot to cast your line. Best fished before May 10th and the famous “Mother’s Day” hatch or after run-off ends sometime in […]

Parkdale is the southern terminus of Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the launch point for whitewater trips through the Royal Gorge. There is a boat launch, restrooms, and picnic area at the state parks site there and a fair bit of public water adjacent that fishes well in the spring and fall. Approaching the river from […]

The tiny community of Texas Creek is the last in Bighorn Sheep Canyon and sits at the entrance to the lower canyon. There is a bridge across the river at Texas Creek and a boat ramp and parking on the north side. The bridge road continues downstream for half a mile and one can continue […]

Arkansas River between Howard and Parkdale is known as Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Most of this section is public and clearly marked, but it is still best to be sure you are fishing public water. The entire section runs along highway 50 on the southside of the river and railroad on the northside. This makes walk […]

The river through Canon City has been greatly enhanced recently with the addition of rock structures to provide better trout habitat. A pleasant hike and bike trail parallels the river from the 4th St. Bridge downstream for several miles. This can provide a nice option for a low commitment day of fishing. If you grow […]

The Arkansas River below Lake Pueblo is an amazing winter tailwater fishery. Even though it is a tailwater, flows below the dam can get dangerously high during spring runoff, so be careful wading. This stretch of river is known for being a nice urban fly fishing destination. There is a public restroom at the parking […]