Arkansas River Day Trips
Whether you prefer to walk/wade, float, or a combination of both, fly fishing the Arkansas River Caddis hatch in April and May provides the fastest action on a fly rod you will ever experience. This river has tremendous numbers of Brown Trout from 11 to 16 inches, and offers terrific stonefly, caddis and attractor fly fishing through late Fall. Walk/wade fishing has a distinct advantage in very low water.
Read the FlyFisherman.com article on the Arkansas River
- Full Day Walk/Wade Fly Fishing Trips
- 1 person $295.00
- 2 people $350.00
- 3 people $415.00
- Half Day Walk/Wade Fly Fishing Trips
- 1 person $195.00
- 2 people $235.00
- 3 people $295.00
- Arkansas River Private Water-Half Day Trips
- 1 person $295.00
- 2 people $395.00
- Arkansas River Private Water-Full Day Trips
- 1 person $395.00
- 2 people $495.00
Limited days available...the best on the river...
NOTE: *Lunch, beverages, equipment included. Prices do not include $5.25 State Park Fee on float trips
Float fishing the Arkansas River gives you a view that most waders will never see. "It didn't look like the same river" is a common statement following a float trip. You won't be crowded by other anglers and you'll see wildlife, canyons, and river dynamics that can only be seen by floating. We use inflatable boats with fishing frames due to the nature of this river. A float trip on the Arkansas River may be a little different from trips you may have taken before. On the Arkansas River, your guide will be a combination of a fly fishing guide and a whitewater master. If you need a guide to hold your hand and show you every move to make then this is not your trip. If you enjoy fly fishing, have some moderate casting skills, and enjoy catching and releasing wild fish then you will have the time of your life.
You will need to purchase your flies for all float trips at Royal Gorge Anglers in Canon City. If you like, you may order them online prior to your trip. We keep daily selectoins boxed and ready for your convenience. Guides will carry backup patterns, but are not able to sell you bugs on the river. Our river reports and the interactive map will tell you the patterns of the day in case you want to tie your own.
Float trips are only available from April through September due to water levels. We have a float trip to meet every schedule. Check it out...
Half and Half: This has become our most popular summertime trip for those who like to walk/wade fish and float as well. We start each day with a morning wade trip beginning at Arkansas River Tours in Cotopaxi at 7:30 AM. This portion of the trip lets you shake loose the cobwebs and concentrate on the great early morning dry fly fishing. At noon, you are free to spend a few hours on your own relaxing during the heat of the afternoon or pursuing Browns rising to hoppers along shorelines. Meet us at 4:30 at Arkansas River Tours in Cotopaxi for an evening float using large dries and streamers. The best of both worlds and you'll love it. You'll need to provide your own flies and lunch. Mid June through August.
Priced right at $395 for 1 or 2 anglers
Full Day Float: These trips launch around 9 AM and are off the water around 5 PM. Lunch and beverages are provided. Rods and reels are available at no extra charge. You need to provide your own flies, but the guide will have extras as well.
$295 per boat for 1 or 2 anglers
Evening Float: This is our most popular trip. It runs you through both public and private property during the most prolific feeding time of the day. This trip is a casting tournament, so work on your accuracy and limber up your arm. THE BEST OF THE BEST!
$175 per boat for 1 or 2 anglers
For almost a decade we have partnered with Arkansas River Tours in Cotopaxi for our float trips. Their experience and safety record on the Arkansas River is unmatched and their fly fishing guides are great fishing guides as well as whitewater enthusiasts. We believe we have produced a seamless experience for you in this partnership. If you would like to add a whitewater adventure to your trip, just go to their web site or give them a call at 800-321-4352.
Royal Gorge Fly Fishing Adventure: This trip is for those who want a combination of a whitewater adventure and fly fishing for trout that never see a fly. Anglers must be in excellent physical condition and willing to join us for some extreme flyfishing. The trip is designed for 1 to 4 anglers so we may have two boats on the water for safety. This stretch of water through the Royal Gorge receives no fishing pressure and the view of the canyon during the late day provides a great photo opportunity as well. This trip leaves the shop at 4PM and gets off the water around 8:30 in Cañon City. Find 3 close friends and split this spectacular trip with them. You'll want to do this one every year. Available after runoff.
$400 per trip
Overnight Fishing Trips
Combine our evening float with a riverside camp and another float in the morning. You can choose Brown's Canyon for a wilderness float or Bighorn Canyon for a milder adventure. Both trips include evening snacks and a hearty breakfast. The trips conclude around noon on the second day.
Brown's Canyon - $245 per person with a 4 person minimum
Bighorn Canyon - $195 per person with a 2 person minimum
Arkansas River KOA, Cotopaxi, Colorado, offers riverside accomodations and guided flyfishing. All prices include one day guided fishing for 1 or 2 people, two night's stay, lunch on the river, flies and equipment. Accomodations are also available without guide service. This is a great place to enjoy your stay.
- Double Motel Room: $365
- Cabins: $425
- Campsite/hookups: $327
NOTE: Prices do not include 4.4% tax or additional people
Custom Trips
Let us know what you and your group want and we'll try to provide it. We often do fly fishing instruction for beginners followed by floats on the river. These are great for small company outings or adventure groups. From camp trips to private ranch excursions, we try to please.
Prices are quoted per trip.
