Colorado Fishing Information

Fourteener Country offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. No matter what type of fishing you enjoy, you can find it in the valley.

The crown jewel of our fishing is the Arkansas River. The Upper Arkansas River drainage from Leadville to Salida provides a wide range of fishing opportunities from exciting spin fishing to spectacular caddisfly hatches in the spring and summer. The Arkansas is known for it's "Wild" Brown Trout, and trophy size Rainbow Trout.

 

In addition to the Arkansas, there are hundreds of high mountain lakes and streams to test the keenest angler. Some of the best fishing in the state requires a little work, but the rewards can be amazing. If you do not tell anyone else, I will share a few of my secret spots with you!

Remember that all fishermen in Colorado need a license, and good judgement. The Arkansas River is big water, and wading and swimming ; ) can be hazardous. Spring and Summer storms can arrive quickly, so keep and eye on the weather.

Most fisherman in Colorado practice "catch and release". This allows the lunker you catch to grow even larger, so you can catch him again next year. Some of the fish show "ripped lips", testifying to past experiences with a fly. Some fisherman have even speculated that Ark Browns purposely take flies for the "excitement" of the fight. Who knows?

For detailed directions to some of Fourteener Coutnry's lake, stream and river fishing, see:
• Online Guide to Fishing in the Buena Vista, Colorado Area.