Fly Fish the Arkansas River

Echo Canyon River Expeditions has been delivering exceptional outdoor experiences on the Arkansas River since 1978. Just as our focus in whitewater rafting centers on first-time and family rafting trips, our fishing focus is similar: teaching first-time or novice anglers the skills of fly fishing in a remarkably beautiful river corridor. Our guides are personable and knowledgeable, our equipment is top-notch, and the scenery can’t be beat.

Yes. Guests are required to obtain their own fishing license and show proof of your license to your guide. One-day, multiple-day, and annual fishing licenses can be purchased through Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website. Licenses can also be purchased by calling the CPW call center at 800-244-5613.

*PLEASE NOTE: In order to legally fish in the State of Colorado, anyone 16 years or older must possess a valid Colorado State Fishing License. The cost of the fishing license is not included in trip prices.

When float fishing, you fish exclusively from a raft as your guide navigates the river with oars mounted to an oar frame. Float fishing frames accommodate your guide and up to two anglers, one on either end of the raft. Seating and leaning bars stabilize the angler as they fish the waters, and life jackets are required while on the raft. Float fishing is faster-paced than walk wade fishing, and we recommend guests have a basic knowledge of fly fishing if they choose this option. Guides provide instruction along the way to enhance your experience.

Walk wade fishing, or wade fishing is fishing from the shoreline or wading into the river where flows and depth allow access. Waders and boots are typically worn to keep you dry while you fish. Walk wade fishing is excellent for first-time anglers who want a more controlled environment to learn the basics of the sport without the added challenge of a moving raft underfoot.

All of Echo Canyon’s fly fishing tours include transportation to and from the river, our qualified guide, rods, reels and a limited number of flys. Waders and wading boots are also included in all walk wade trips. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you would like.

Adverse fishing conditions can occur when side creeks upstream blow out due to occasional rainstorms. These events are typically short-lived and sometimes confined to a section of the river that we can avoid by moving further upstream. If we determine conditions are detrimental to a quality fishing experience, we can offer you the opportunity to reschedule. We may also refer you to our partner fly fishing company, Anglers Covey, a very experienced and reputable fishing guide service with access to additional streams and private water unaffected by localized weather on the Arkansas River.

We recommend synthetic layers and suggest checking the weather forecast when packing for your fishing outing. Long-sleeve sun shirts or sun hoodies are encouraged, along with long pants, a hat for sun protection, polarized sunglasses with a glasses strap, sunscreen, and lip balm. An extra change of clothes and socks is encouraged to leave in your car for the end of the day.

Bring along a water bottle and stay hydrated. We’re in an arid environment, so dehydration can happen even on cooler days.

If you’re bringing your own gear, we recommend a 4 to 6-weight rod. We don’t have a fly shop on-site at our check-in location, so if you have fly preferences, bring those as well. Otherwise, your guide will have flies available selected based on current conditions and hatches.

We encourage anglers to be at least 12 years of age to participate in our fly fishing trips. While we may make exceptions, we want to ensure a quality experience for the junior angler as well as other anglers on the trip.

At Echo Canyon, we supply rods, reels, waders, and boots on walk wade trips at no extra charge. A limited supply of flies is also included, although it’s customary to reimburse your guide if you lose too many flies. Fishing licenses are not included, and guide gratuities are always appreciated.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission officially designates sections of water as Gold Medal in Colorado. As determined by CPW aquatic biologists’ survey data, a river or lake must consistently produce at least 60 pounds of trout per acre and a minimum of twelve quality trout measuring 14 inches or longer per acre.

This is an elite status that few bodies of water can claim. In the entire state of Colorado, only 322 of the state’s 9,000 miles of streams qualify as Gold Medal fisheries. 102 of those 322 miles are the very water we fish here on the Arkansas River. You’ll be fishing some of the best water in the state.

We can accommodate single guests for any fly fishing experience. Groups of 12 or more can be accommodated with enough advance notice.

Float fishing trips accommodate no more than 2 guests to 1 guide. Walk wade fishing trips are limited to 3 guests to 1 guide.

We strictly practice catch and release, so no, you may not keep any fish you catch. Our goal is to practice Leave No Trace principles and allow another angler to enjoy the thrill of catching a fish. We can’t guarantee you’ll catch a fish, but we’ll do our best to teach you the skills needed and find the best locations to give you the very best chances of success.