Product Description:

Arkansas River Colorado Pocket Fishing Guide Map

From Leadville’s headwaters to the canyon walls of Cañon City

The Arkansas River in Colorado is one of the longest and most diverse trout fisheries in the state—over 100 miles of Gold Medal water, running from high alpine headwaters near Leadville through Browns Canyon and all the way to Pueblo. Known for its strong wild brown trout population, big water, and epic hatches, the Arkansas offers year-round fishing with both float and wade access.

Predominant Fish Species in the Arkansas River (Colorado)

1. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

• Makes up over 80% of the trout population

• Wild, naturally reproducing, and known for aggressive takes

• Range from 12–18", with occasional fish over 20"

• Most common from Buena Vista through Salida to Canon City

2. Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

• Less common than browns but increasing due to CPW restoration efforts

• Many stocked near Pueblo tailwater but wild fish hold throughout

• Often found in cooler, faster riffles

• Especially active during BWO and PMD hatches

3. Cutthroat Trout & Cutbows

• Rare in the mainstem but may appear in upper tributaries or high-elevation creeks

Key River Sections

1. Headwaters (Leadville to Granite)

• Small-stream character with pocket water and tight banks

• Great summer dry fly fishing

• Mostly browns and a few brookies and cutthroat in feeders

2. Granite to Salida (Browns Canyon area)

• Classic Gold Medal freestone water

• Deep pools, long riffles, and boulder gardens

• Excellent float section in moderate to high flows (600–1500 CFS)

• Famous for Mother’s Day Caddis hatch

3. Salida to Canon City

• Lower elevation = longer season

• Bigger water and strong flows, especially in spring

• Browns dominate, with occasional rainbows

• Good streamer water in fall

4. Pueblo Tailwater (below Pueblo Reservoir)

• Year-round fishery with stable flows and temps

• Stocked rainbows + holdover browns

• Great winter fishery with midges, BWOs, and tiny nymphs

Top Hatches & Fly Patterns

Spring (March–May)

• Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) – #18–22

• Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch (late April–May) – epic, dense, legendary

• Stoneflies – Golden and Skwala

• San Juan Worms, eggs, and leeches during runoff

Summer (June–August)

• Caddis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies

• Hoppers, beetles, ants—incredible terrestrial action from mid-July on

• Dry-dropper rigs dominate, especially on wade trips

• High water early, then clears by July

Fall (Sept–Nov)

• BWOs

• October Caddis

• Streamers—brown trout aggressive during pre-spawn

• Low, clear flows make sight fishing possible

Winter (Dec–Feb)

• Best fished near Pueblo tailwater

• Midges and tiny Baetis

• Deep, slow nymphing with light tippet

Map Features

Our Arkansas River Fishing Map is your essential guide from the alpine stretches near Leadville through Browns Canyon and down to the tailwaters below Cañon City. Designed by local experts, this map highlights public access points, boat launches, river miles, and prime trout waters—so you spend less time scouting and more time catching.

Covering all public lands—federal, state, county, and city—it even includes exclusive parking areas not found on any other map. Whether you’re wading pocket water in Hayden Meadows, floating the Gold Medal waters through Salida, or guiding clients through technical whitewater, this map puts expert-level knowledge right in your pocket.

Why Anglers Love This Map:

• Pinpoint hotspots fast with detailed access and float info

• Navigate confidently with clearly marked public land boundaries

• Discover off-the-radar parking areas for better entry points

• Maximize your day on the water with proven, local insights

Pocket-Sized and Adventure-Ready

Folded to 3” x 6” and unfolding to 15” x 12”, this map fits easily in any vest, pack, or glovebox—ready for whatever the Arkansas throws your way.

Track your location, zoom in for greater detail, and mirror your print map with GPS-enabled compatibility via a QR Code. Perfect for trip planning or on-the-go navigation.

Retailers: Want a Product That Practically Sells Itself?
This map is a must-have for fly shops, outfitters, and outdoor retailers along the Arkansas River corridor. It’s compact, rugged, locally designed, and highly practical—a perfect grab-and-go item for tourists and veteran locals alike.

Don’t just fish the Arkansas—know it, master it, and make every cast count.