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The “Ark” is a relatively under-fished river, known for a prolific May to June Caddis hatch. Many other hatches combine to make this a true western “big water” fly fishing experience.

The mountain section flows 150 miles from the old mining town of Climax through central Colorado to the Pueblo Reservoir. From 12,000-foot elevation at the Continental Divide, it drops to 4,700 feet in the eastern plains. There are hundreds of year-round fly fishing opportunities, especially below Lake Creek and from Salida to Pueblo.

The recent acquisition of the Hayden Ranch Recreation Area adds another 5.8 miles of public water access to the Arkansas. Located just south of Leadville, Hayden Ranch is quickly becoming a favorite of the knowledgeable angler.

There are numerous rafters, termed “the rubber hatch” by local anglers, May to August.

The Brown’s Canyon and Royal Gorge runs are particularly popular.

Fishing from boats can be quite successful especially when casting streamers at the banks and behind structure. Boaters need knowledge of class III-V water. Contact a qualified guide if you’re new to river rafting.

Types of Fish

Predominantly reproducing brown trout with some rainbow and cutthroat that average 11–14 inches.

Known Hatches

July to early September: PMD (Ephemerella infrequens & inermis). July to mid-September: Upper river, Red Quill (Rhithrogena hageni). Late March to early July & mid-September to November: BWO (Baetis), Caddis (Brachycentrus), prolific hatch late-April near Pueblo going up river until early July. June to September: Caddis (various, sporadic). November to May: Midges (Diptera). Mid-June to early July: Golden Stoneflies (Acroneuria pacifica). Mid-June to August: Upper river, Little Yellow Sally (Isoperla).

Equipment to Use

Rods: 4-6 weight, 8 1/2-9’.

Reels: Disc or palm drag.

Line: Floating and sink tip to match rod weight.

Leaders: 3x to 6x, 8-10’ to match conditions.

Wading: Chest waders with felt-soled boots.

Wading staff during runoff, May to early July.

Flies to Use

Dries, January-March: Griffith’s Gnat, Puterbaugh’s Midge, Stalcup’s & Betts Midge Emerger #20-24, Grizzly Midge #20-22. Late March: Baetis Parachute, No-hackle BWO, Stalcup’s CDC Comparadun BWO #20-22, Blue Dun #18. April-May: Previous Midges, Baetis, plus Grey Bodied Elk Hair Caddis and Hemingway Caddis #16-18. June-July: Orange & Yellow Stimulators #8-12 for Stoneflies. June-September: Previous Baetis & Caddis patterns, Pale Morning Dun, Light & Pink Cahill, Melon & Red Quill, Stalcup’s CDC Red Quill Comparadun & Mahogany Dun #14-18. October-December: Previous Midge and Baetis. Terrestrials & Attractors, June-September: Dave’s, Joe’s & Schroeder’s Hoppers #8-14, Ant, Beetle, Cricket #12-16, Humpy, Wulff, Irresistible #14-18. Nymphs: Hare’s Ear, Caddis Larva #10-16, Pheasant Tail, Copper John #14-20, Chant’s Beadhead, Beadhead Prince #8-16, Bread Crust, Sparkle Caddis Pupa, Colorado & Barr’s Net Building Caddis #12-16, Golden Stone #8-10, Midge Larva #18-22, Beadhead Barr’s Emerger BWO #16-22.

When to Fish

Dry fly fishing is excellent May to mid-September and really exciting during the Caddis hatch May to June. Some canyon waters can freeze in winter.

Seasons & Limits

Regulations are quite varied along the course of the Ark. Consult current regulations or a fly shop.

Nearby Fly Fishing

The South Fork of the Arkansas, South Platte, Eagle, Blue and Taylor rivers. Ten Mile, Rock, Lake, Clear, Trout, Halfmoon and Chalk creeks. Emerald, Twin and Turquoise lakes and Clear Creek Reservoir.