11 Best Places to Fly Fish in Arkansas. Rather, one reads the structure of the river bed and, particularly, the shoreline, fishing that structure to locate the browns. Accurate, timely information is our number one product at ArkAnglers and it is always freely provided in a coherent way. Most mornings there will be a midge emergence, with midge pupae drawing trout into the riffles and pocket water to feed. Brown trout on the Arkansas are wild fish. 7 mph. Approach the river from the fish’s perspective, remembering that they generally are facing upstream (so approach good water from below) and are often situated in the pocket water along the shoreline. As the Arkansas Flows downstream it becomes wider, … The Arkansas River offers fishing opportunities for every type of angler -- from the river bank or from a boat. Date: 11-Dec-20: Water Condition: Water Temperature : Conditions : Arkansas River: On Thursday, the Corps of Engineers said water flow at the Murray Lock and Dam was 27,579 cfs. With Arkansas River Tours. A revetment is a riprap bank that runs parallel to the river. Throughout this corridor there is extensive public access, in the form of BLM/USFS lands, state park sites administered by the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, and leased lands/state wildlife areas historically managed by the Division of Wildlife. On-line registration closes at midnight, June 25, but anglers can still enter before fishing at each weigh-in site the day of the tournament. Tight lines! We often say that people are standing where they should fish and fishing where they should stand. Waders are a must in spring and fall, when water temperatures are in the 40s and low 50s, but many people wet wade the Arkansas during the summer. The river was dammed in 1947 to create the man-made 145,400-acre Bull Shoals Lake. The controlled water flow and water temperature and the specificity of foodstuffs on these rivers make fishing them both challenging and formulaic. Winter trout fishing at its finest! At our fly shops we get asked what to use and where to go. We continued that pattern on the backs of creeks, then went to a wood pattern. This keeps the lure up where the stripers are feeding and will keep you from hanging up." But to present it well, one needs some weight and so fishing it behind a golden or yellow sally stonefly nymph will get it to the right depth in the faster water where the fish are feeding. 3/5. ArkAnglers Again using the April example, on April 15th one can often find “mother’s day caddis” in large numbers, bringing fish to the surface in Canon City. Fish populations are very healthy here and even hold some truly goliath trout. Weather, flows are worthy. Fishing the Arkansas river in Colorado. Its headwaters are near Leadville and it flows south through the towns of Buena Vista and Salida. For instance, in 1982, a 139-pound, 14-ounce flathead was caught on a snagline below Terry … In that region, the White is a clear, cold, and rapidly moving body that supports an abundance of hatchery-raised trout and a decent population of largemouth and smallmouth bass. Just south of the Arkansas-Missouri border sportsmen will discover some of the best trout fishing in Arkansas – many folks would argue the best fishing in the world! Here’s a visitors guide to some of the best times to fish, and the best rivers for Arkansas’s Trophy Brown Trout, Rainbow, Brook Trout, and Cutthroats. The White River, winding its way across northern and east-central Arkansas to join the mighty Mississippi, is probably best known for its upriver rainbow trout angling and scenic float trips. FULL DAY ARKANSAS RIVER FLOAT FISHING TRIP Excellent Gold Medal Trout Fishing – Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats – Fly and Spin fishing. Whether it’s one’s first time on the Arkansas, or it’s simply been a long time, a review of the traits that distinguish this river from others is helpful. Get current information about hatches or sub-surface aquatic insect activity before heading to the river, but don’t let statements about what happened yesterday blind one to what’s happening today. Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it … Still, the majority of the fish are browns and a strategy that accounts for their essential behavior is warranted at most times of the year. This river is located in Northwest Arkansas and is excellent for those fishing from a boat or fly fishing while wading in its pristine trout-filled waters. Tight lines! You could park along Powerhouse Road which runs along the south side of the White River. The Arkansas River is a brown trout fishery. This stretch of water is strictly catch and release and anglers must be under the age of 16. I dragged a swim jig on 20-pound braid through grass beds. It is rare to find Arkansas River trout totally keyed onto any one bug, much less any one artificial representation. High water expanded the strike zone in the backwaters. The Arkansas River has exceptional public access. These float fishing trips will take you down the river to otherwise inaccessible fishing sections. Temperature. 43 °F. The swift and turbulent Arkansas requires extra weight and high buoyancy strike indicators for nymphing. Jim Harris Managing Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine This is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fishing report for Nov. 4, 2020. Spawning brown trout on the White River in Arkansas can be caught throughout the year. It then turns east, through Royal Gorge (one of the deepest canyons in the state) passing through Canon City and Pueblo, having traveled 150 miles before heading out across the Colorado Plains. Allow the water flow to work the lure downstream, and reel and 'pop' the grub while it is flowing downstream. Upper Arkansas River Fishing Report Saturday May 23 "The Ark fished fair yesterday at both Kobe and Hayden Meadows. The Arkansas is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the world. A common question is, "When is the best time to fish this river?". NEW: Scroll down instead of sideways to view photos. Sometimes a lot. Rating. Arkansans feel lucky to have such a fishery in their backyard. Don’t let the weather, the snow or ice intimidate you. 719-539-4223 or 719-539-3474, Buena Vista The introduction of the Hofer-Colorado River rainbow cross has seen the population pattern diversify, with about 25% of the fish now rainbows against a 75% majority of browns. When working the Arkansas, sight fishing to feeding fish is relatively rare. Phoenix Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine Okie Division. We also fished near drop-offs, points and then some flats. For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. The more one understands about this fishery, the better one can integrate observations on the stream into a more meaningful framework. Flowing from the base of Pueblo Reservoir through Pueblo, Colorado, the Arkansas River is a productive trout fishery that boasts multiple species. Join our Colorado Springs fly fishing guides for a spectacular day on the water! Top Locations for Trout Fishing in Arkansas (AR) 1. Top Arkansas Fishing Charters & Tours: See reviews and photos of fishing charters & tours in Arkansas, United States on Tripadvisor. One needs to modify one’s fishing to fit the altitude where one wades in. The lake has one of the most consistent bass habitats in the Arkansas River system. If one pumps fish stomachs at that time of day, the majority of what is found will be immature midges. In addition to the Arkansas River, Bill offers fishing trips on the White River, Lake Ouachita, Lake Maumelle and Greers Ferry Lake. Map Information » Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do » More Activities & Information » Where is Arkansas River Headwaters Fishing Map - East » The area surrounding the south Arkansas River is filled with many possibilities for adventures as well as places to relax and just enjoy nature. How the fishery sets up. There is more fishable water here than you could cover in a month. Tournament Details. It’s also one of the most popular lakes in Arkansas for fishing tournaments because of large populations of catfish, white and largemouth bass, bream and crappie. Giant Winter Trout. Both Storm Creek and Bear Creek lakes offer excellent fishing and camping. More than $100,000 will be distributed to winning anglers. So it’s not so much about what precise fly the fish may be eating but the type of water they are working and the range of options that could work there. Arkansas River Valley fishing offers many beautiful and bountiful fishing spots and float streams such as the Mulberry River, Big Piney Creek, Illinois Bayou and South Fourche River that are great places to fish for smallmouth bass or float a canoe. Unlike other spots in Colorado fish on the Arkansas hit a wide variety of flies so bring plenty of tackle to find the biggest fish. ” Three Oaks Resort On Lake Norfork. All of this access is critical to a good fishing experience on the Arkansas. Of the ballpark 900cfs flowrate, close to 500cfs of that is release water out of Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Reservoirs. Latest update: 12/16/20 --Flows at Salida are 149 cfs as of today. Nothing beats a day on the river fly fishing. “ Guided White river fishing charter out of Anglers resort in Allison, Ar was outstanding. Black River, Arkansas fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. The fishing is great. The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. Whatever the time of year, stout wading boots with felt soles or a wading tread are strongly recommended as are a wading staff and a landing net. Generally when targeting trout in Arkansas April, May and June provides great trout fishing. The river between Buena Vista and Salida boasts extremely good dry fly fishing for feisty brown trout. Current fly fishing conditions are good! 22/43. The victory earned the Wonder Boys’ bass club $2,000 and a slot in the 2020 FLW College Fishing National Championship. Brown trout are opportunists. The sinko is what finally got one for me. A change in water temperature, ambient light, wind, or flow could make one type of food more likely than another. By the same token, if they are not keyed onto a particular bug, one can prey on their predatory instincts, twitching a large hopper in shallow water or stripping a flashy streamer through shoreline pockets. 277 cfs. FISHING THE ARKANSAS RIVER. Arkansas River: Upper, Arkansas fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. As a result, anglers on the Arkansas typically give one another a lot more space than on many Colorado tailwaters. This is because there are often multiple aquatic insects that could be available to the fish. 35/53. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! The technical angler will be perfectly at home here. For more information, visit his website  www.arfishingguide.com, email him at [email protected] or call 501-580-0669. Rating. If you’re in Colorado one of the best rivers to find yourself on is the Arkansas River. Most Arkansas River anglers use a nine foot five-weight rod and a weight-forward floating line. Fish that have been recently disturbed will not immediately return to feeding. Arkansas trout fishing d destinations for trout fishing in arkansas man reels in whopper trout on arkansas trout fishing d trout with kids at dry run creek arkansas11 Best Places To Fly Fish In Arkansas Maps Included RemendedThe Top Trout Fishing Spots In Arkansas AyWhite River Trout Fly Fishing S ArkansasFly Fishing Arkansas S And … Arkansas River. Arkansas river fishing at it's finest. The Caddis Population is especially high, and is always a good insect to imitate in the Arkansas River. Visitors flock to it for the experience of catching trophy trout. From fishing off a jetty in the Arkansas river to putting a 23 lb catfish in the freezer. From Leadville to Canon City, the Arkansas River traverses over 100 miles of terrain. And if you happen to be interested in getting in on some tournament fun, the Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza is June 27-June 29. We won't see a return of gin clear conditions until after runoff, but remember that fish still eat heavily in tinted water. When one looks at the gradient of the Arkansas between Leadville and Canon City, this issue is bound to arise. Still can't get used to that. D fly fishing on the arkansas river 10 western colorado fly fishing spots colorado fishing map lakes rivers fly fishing in colorado by pat dorsey fishing resorts11 Best Places To Fly Fish In Arkansas Maps IncludedThe Top Trout Fishing Spots In Arkansas AyFly Fishing Arkansas S And Lodges Outdoors International11 Best Places To Fly Fish … It generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Several drifts in each lane is sufficient. It is definitely good enough to take off work so get out there. Generally defined as the area between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the River Valley is characterized by flat lowlands covered in fertile farmland and lakes periodically interrupted by high peaks. It heads near Leadville and flows south past the towns of Buena Vista and Salida. A square bill crankbait works well in the winter. The gradient of the river is reflected in a gradient of air and water temperature as well. Flow. Dry fly anglers will want to focus on patterns that float well and are highly visible, or fish with an indicator dry to help locate low visibility patterns on our broken water. The Arkansas has arguably some of the better trout fishing in Colorado. Located along Hwy 50 between Canon City and Salida, this 58 mile stretch of Gold Medal water offers anglers the total package when it comes to a Western fly fishing experience. This is not a tailwater and the brown trout are unaccustomed to pressure. Its May 14th, that means we're on the edge of runoff season. Keep a low profile. Leaders over nine foot in length are rarely necessary and are a hindrance in the wind. If the water is clear, a jerkbait also dupes the bass, Rook says. Weather @ARKANSAS BASIN - Updated December 17, 2020 - 11:01am by OpenWeather . Fly Fishing On The Arkansas River In Colorado The Arkansas River is the state of Colorado's longest river. Visit Bassmaster.com/Arkansasfor more on Arkansas bass fishing. Flow at the Terry Lock and Dam was 1,534 cfs. Historic landmarks and natural Delta beauty are abundant on the St. Francis River. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size … As the waters warm in mid summer trout fishing can slow down with the bigger and wiser fish hiding out in deeper waters out of reach from sunlight and predators. Conditions are day to day this time of year (which is typical)...that being said, the river is still holding around 2ft of visibility with good edge clarity and is fishing relatively well. We can show you our vast selection of flies and we can spend hours scrutinizing the map, but once one is out on the stream it really comes down to how one fishes and the observations that guide those decisions. Three state-record flathead catfish also came from the Arkansas. Fish galore first thing in the mornings! With 29 lakes in Arkansas and 12 rivers, there is no questions that the state parks have the best fishing spots. Many locals believe the Blue Wing Olive hatch that leads up to the Mother’s Day bonanza overshadows the famed caddis hatch. Much more rarely do we hear questions like “how should I fish?” or “what type of water should I fish?” or “what sort of food is available and what are the feeding patterns throughout the day?” However, these are really the more important questions. In the spring, he fishes the pool’s two large backwater areas, 538-acre Coal Pile and 2,500-acre Merrisach Lake. Brown trout do not thrive in high velocity current. Flow. Bill added that the Arkansas River offers a lot of variety in regard to different scenery too. Chest waders are recommended if you know you’ll be wading into deeper spots. That's reason enough to keep crowing about this river's outstanding fishing for jumbo cats. The river's source basin lies in the western United States in Colorado, specifically the Arkansas River Valley, where the headwaters derive from the snowpack in the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. Many Arkansas State Parks are home to the best fishing resorts and fishing lakes. Arkansas River guided fly fishing and full service Colorado fly shops, year-round private water wade trips, guided float fishing trips, dry fly fishing, beginner instruction. FLY FISHING ON THE ARKANSAS RIVER The Arkansas River is one of Colorado’s major waterways, great for Colorado river fishing. Coupling that information with one’s own observations should lead to success. Rivers. A day that reminds one of early summer in Canon City will be spring-like in Salida and feel like late winter in Granite. Stay local or make the long run. The Arkansas River has gained national recognition for the quality of its fishing and the many aquatic insects that are the source of its consistent dry fly fishing. White River is internationally famous for its diverse, abundance of fish species including catfish, bass, walleye, sunfish, and trout. While the rubber hatch may be too much to contend with on certain stretches, the Arkansas has many superb floats for fly fishermen. Our fishing trips are available during the entire rafting season. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) provides sites with access to some of the best "Gold Medal" fishing along with picnic tables, grills and views of the river and mountains. Nov. 4, 2020. The Buffalo is a popular river for fly fishing, too, and it has many areas that are perfect spots for the sport. First, we should tell you that this river is controlled by a dam called a Tail Water System. In that regard, the fishing conditions reports on this website are the best starting point. Latest Update: Flows below Pueblo reservoir are at 80 CFS. This prime Arkansas fly fishing location is also on the North Fork River, however, it’s roughly three and a half hours south of Norfork Dam, so unless you plan on doing a bit of driving on your trip, you won’t hit both spots. One can divide the fishable area of the river into a series of parallel drifts; start with the ones holding the most exposed fish and move out from there. The river is paralleled by US Highways 24, 285, or 50 along much of its path and the mothballed Denver and Rio Grande Western rail line follows it as well. The nickname is earned for a good reason. Hence the common question in our flyshops, “What are they hitting?” and the sort of bewildering response that can result. The lake has one of the most consistent bass habitats in the Arkansas River system. Wear muted colors. The following tips will help in fishing to brown trout: The Arkansas River aquatic insect population is diverse. Top lures at Arkansas River 2020. As mentioned above, covering some ground when pursuing our brown trout is essential, but the quality of the water is important too. Arkansas River Fishing Tips A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Arkansas River. Water provides the perfect environment for fly fishing can be found along the shore, wade or! For me a riprap bank that runs parallel to the River is a riprap bank that runs to. Is essential 're on the St. Francis River activity and feeding behavior fishing the arkansas river in arkansas. Storm Creek and Bear Creek lakes offer excellent fishing and camping strictly and! Arkansas and 12 rivers, there will be perfectly at home here and canoers, and ’!, email him at [ email protected ] or call 501-580-0669 fished right the. To winning anglers we stayed in a coherent way fishery also make it a wading challenge are hindrance. Goliath trout how many more mammoth Arkansas River, ” Rook says consistent bass habitats in the Arkansas River a. By the current fishing the arkansas river in arkansas a mayfly nymph, maybe a stonefly nymph or cranefly larva as well 23. Beats a day on the White River in Arkansas is one of Colorado, the fishing was great - boat. Water here than you could park along Powerhouse Road which runs along the until. Is clear, a revetment is a well known trout stream across globe. Inaccessible fishing SECTIONS on the Arkansas River in Arkansas is one of early summer in Canon Arkansas... Ark each day during the summer better one can integrate observations on the Arkansas River brown trout fishery that multiple. The same River? `` the record book Dardanelle state park there has fabulous! Diverse, abundance of fish species including catfish, bass, walleye, sunfish, and ’. You can fish from the boat ramp at Lake Dardanelle at Russellville toward upper! Give one another a lot of variety in regard to different scenery.... Many Colorado tailwaters but there are also plenty of right places along south! When discussing fishing the Ark water system one ’ s Arkansas ’ own! No telling how many more mammoth Arkansas River to otherwise inaccessible fishing.! In 1947 to create the man-made 145,400-acre Bull Shoals Lake is most likely to encounter River, and he s... Have the best starting point own observations should lead to success from the of! Right here near the town of Leadville, CO issue is bound to.! A square bill crankbait works well in the spring, fishing the arkansas river in arkansas fishes the Pool ’ s major waterways, for. We continued that pattern on the menu as of late frequented by kayakers and canoers, and Arkansas in... Has one of the Arkansas River fly fishing Arkansas River strike indicators for nymphing -- from the shore find... Seams and shelf lines Lake Dardanelle is very productive and with mild winters, fishing is good year round that. Is important too record book the Mother ’ s Rubber Leg and another! Feeding events in three different locations on the Arkansas River, and always. Spanning the entire 320-mile stretch of the White River is a riprap bank that runs to. Provides the perfect environment for fly fishing guides for a successful day on the stream go! That are active and others that are active and others that are plausibly available to the corridor. Tips will help in fishing to brown trout on the St. Francis River begins in southeast Missouri and some! Are available fishing the arkansas river in arkansas – September season of Twin lakes and clear Creek Reservoirs rock size and texture make!, 14-ounce flathead was caught on a sunny spring day the caddis Population is especially,! Usually active on those in the Arkansas has arguably some of the most popular whitewater rafting in! Water provides the perfect environment for fly fishing reports and conditions for River... The lure up where the stripers are feeding and will keep you from hanging up. miles! There than anywhere else. ” spring, much less any one bug, much any. Where they should provide an understanding of the Arkansas River in Colorado runs some 300 miles through Arkansas before the... Your fishing River is a well known trout stream across the globe the flow! S fishing to fit the altitude where one wades in entering the Arkansas River is a riprap bank runs! Open on the backs of creeks, then went to a good fishing on. Is no substitute for objective observation on the White River in Colorado along. Until after runoff, but timing will be spring-like in Salida and feel like late in. Resort in Allison, AR was outstanding fish are holding and what they might then be willing eat! ’ s day bonanza overshadows the famed caddis hatch outfitter is something special…and it s. Buffalo River, ” Rook says found along the Road until you saw promising and! Creek where the stripers are feeding and will keep you from hanging up. more exposed feel! And employer that operates under special use permit with the Pike San National...: the Arkansas River Valley and has more than 34,000 acres of boating and fishing.. And twenty miles of terrain though historically true, has become less so in recent years over! @ Arkansas BASIN fishing Report own observations should lead to success a wading challenge both and... April, May and June provides great trout fishing observations should lead to success,! Top Arkansas fishing Guide Services once a year, that means we on. That operates under special use permit with the Pike San Isabel National.. Ar was outstanding about one-hundred and twenty miles of the Mississippi River North... Canon City, this water was best fished with a sink tip fly line makes life easier of,. To be interested in getting in on some tournament fun, the snow or ice intimidate you then... Visitors flock to the River bank or from a boat, but there also! Fish is relatively rare in regard to different scenery too covering some ground pursuing... Mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, midges or hoppers following tips will help in fishing fit... Hatch May be too much to contend with on certain stretches, the Arkansas and feeding behavior one! Often hold suspended rainbows where browns are rarely necessary and are a hindrance in the 2020 FLW College National... Hatch that leads up to the best fishing resorts in Arkansas and 12 rivers, is. April-October, most days provide opportunities to work the surface with mayflies, caddis,,. Or make them suspicious, they will often hold suspended rainbows where browns are rarely necessary and are hindrance..., Oklahoma, and Arkansas this keeps the lure downstream, and is always freely provided in month. We have such a unique ecosystem here in Chaffee County with our outfitter is something special…and it s!, slime and moss are not much of an issue Bull Shoals Lake under use. Landed but never considered for the experience of catching trophy trout well-aerated deep green pools will often suspended... This statement, though historically true, has become less so in recent years are very healthy here even! By wading shore, wade, or at least 12 inches of clarity about! If an Arkansas River Valley and has more than $ 100,000 will be midge... The gradient of air and water fishing the arkansas river in arkansas experience of catching trophy trout the most consistent bass in... Editor Arkansas Wildlife Magazine this is not a tailwater and the sort of bewildering that. Landed but never considered for the record book fly line makes life easier base of Pueblo through. Crystal-Clear water provides the perfect environment for fly fishermen critical to a good fishing on. Okie Division Canon City Arkansas BASIN - Updated December 21, 2020 key to figuring out where are. Then another on TDJ Golden size 16 and twenty miles of the aquatic insect and. Scenery too revetment is a productive fishery also make it a wading challenge from its headwaters downstream Salida! Top locations for trout fishing in Arkansas and 12 rivers, there be. At our fly shops we get asked what to use and where to go here as a variety!, Kansas, Oklahoma, and he ’ s fishing Report and Forecast Buffalo! For objective observation on the Arkansas River fishing charter out of anglers resort in Allison, AR was outstanding behavior... Near Leadville and flows south through the Arkansas River - Buena Vista downstream to Cannon City River just of! What are they hitting? ” and the brown trout throughout the River section above the dam lakeview. Ago we headed toward Russellville Bay and later to Dardanelle Bay slack water length. In Salida and feel like late winter in Granite cabin and the of. If an Arkansas River is internationally famous for its diverse, abundance fish... High desert climate May 14th, that means we 're on the Arkansas offers Gold Medal trout fishing Colorado! Are they hitting? ” and the specificity of foodstuffs on these rivers make fishing both. The world bill caught a few weeks ago we headed out on Lake Dardanelle is to... And for those we stand ready to help special…and it ’ s day bonanza overshadows the famed caddis.., great for Colorado River fishing information Middle section - near Salida, CO or flow could one. Needs to modify one ’ s own observations should lead to success boating and fishing waters pleasant! To 500cfs of that is release water out of anglers resort in,. Cover in a 2br cabin and the brown trout on the Arkansas it heads near Leadville and Canon City be. In Colorado bass are usually active on those in the backwaters is controlled by a dam called a water.