Explore Trips
Departures at Cotopaxi location
Our most popular option
Action-packed day w/ lunch included
Enjoy a magical time of the day
Hook Rainbow and Brown trout in some of the best hidden-gem fishing holes in Colorado on a float fishing trip! Rather than standing on the riverbank, you'll be drifting down the river by raft, providing you with access to prime fishing spots that are impossible to reach by foot without encroaching on private property.
With predominantly 10" to 16" Browns, our Arkansas River fly fishing trips offer some of the fastest dry fly action in the West, with feeding and holding zones that are only accessible by raft. Our float fishing trips provide an unparalleled view of the Arkansas River, with no crowds, breathtaking sunsets, and plenty of wildlife to observe.
Only flies or lures are allowed – no bait! Anglers should be proficient in casting skills to ensure a rewarding experience. If there are newbies in your group, don’t worry! This trip is a little more challenging if you don’t have basic fly fishing fundamentals, but we welcome fly fishers of all levels to join. Everyone will be catching fish!
From beginners to avid anglers, a float fishing trip on the Arkansas River is a day well spent. This is a fantastic trip for couples who want a healthy balance of fishing fun and relaxation, or individuals who want to skip navigating the uneven riverbank by foot.
Anyone over the age of 12 who has a fair handle on casting out will spend a rewarding day exploring Gold Medal Water, angling for trout, enjoying the river, taking in stunning views, and flying down some exciting rapids.
Location: Arkansas River with departure at Cotopaxi location
Requirements: Minimum age requirement 12+
Trip Length: Half-day, Full-Day, and Evening trips available
Adventure Level: A reel great time
Hook Rainbow and Brown trout in some of the best hidden-gem fishing holes in Colorado on a float fishing trip! Rather than standing on the riverbank, you'll be drifting down the river by raft, providing you with access to prime fishing spots that are impossible to reach by foot without encroaching on private property.
With predominantly 10" to 16" Browns, our Arkansas River fly fishing trips offer some of the fastest dry fly action in the West, with feeding and holding zones that are only accessible by raft. Our float fishing trips provide an unparalleled view of the Arkansas River, with no crowds, breathtaking sunsets, and plenty of wildlife to observe.
Only flies or lures are allowed – no bait! Anglers should be proficient in casting skills to ensure a rewarding experience. If there are newbies in your group, don’t worry! This trip is a little more challenging if you don’t have basic fly fishing fundamentals, but we welcome fly fishers of all levels to join. Everyone will be catching fish!
From beginners to avid anglers, a float fishing trip on the Arkansas River is a day well spent. This is a fantastic trip for couples who want a healthy balance of fishing fun and relaxation, or individuals who want to skip navigating the uneven riverbank by foot.
Anyone over the age of 12 who has a fair handle on casting out will spend a rewarding day exploring Gold Medal Water, angling for trout, enjoying the river, taking in stunning views, and flying down some exciting rapids.
Location: Arkansas River with departure at Cotopaxi location
Requirements: Minimum age requirement 12+
Trip Length: Half-day, Full-Day, and Evening trips available
Adventure Level: A reel great time
Departures at Cotopaxi location
Departures at Cotopaxi location
Our most popular option
Action-packed day w/ lunch included
Enjoy a magical time of the day
Fish the banks, pocket water and private property floating from the boat through some of our 102 miles of gold medal-designated water.
The Arkansas is filled with Brown trout and Rainbow trout ranging is size. While it is not a guarantee, we typically see a lot of action.
Depending on the day we may be fishing dry flies, nymphs or streamers. If you do not have prior experience, we will teach you on the fly!
Your whitewater adventure starts with a meetup at our rafting outpost at 9487 US Hwy 50, Cotopaxi, CO. You’ll be greeted by our team to check you in, get you some gear and ensure that your group is ready to ride.
Our outpost is about 30 minutes from Cañon City and 1.5 hours from Colorado Springs. Aim to get to our meeting spot at least 20 minutes early. Once you’re checked in by our guest attendants, we’ll ensure you have all the gear you need for a rewarding float fishing trip. Feel free to bring your own gear, or we can suit you up with some top-of-the-line rentals.
When we reach the put-in, your expert fishing guide and raft extraordinaire will give you the low-down on what to look out for, where to cast out and the different fishing grounds you’ll visit. They’ll tailor your trip to the activity of the fish, switching it up to maximize your chances of casting out in optimal places. After a safety talk and fishing game plan, it’s time to hop on the water!
As we navigate the boisterous rapids of the Arkansas River, we’ll stop off at some of the best fishing holes on the river – many of which are impossible to reach by foot. This means skipping crowds and not rubbing elbows with other eager anglers! You can often have prime fishing spots all to yourself, so you and your group can take advantage of the area.
Your guide is happy to give you tips and advice as you get a feel for the water. You will visit, on average, 4 different fishing grounds on a half-day trip and around 8 on a full-day trip. This is highly variable depending on how the fish are biting. As you raft from spot to spot, you’ll also get to experience some of the famous rapids that gave this river its reputation as one of the best whitewater destinations in the state.
Arkansas River Fly Fishing
The Arkansas River is famous for its large Brown trout population, but anglers can also hook some rainbow trout, bass, and catfish down the river. The fish sizes range between 10″ and 16″.
The Arkansas River is a Gold Medal Water, so anglers can expect fantastic fishing and a high standard of regulation. When you plan a float fishing trip with Arkansas River Tours, you can be confident that you’re getting to the best fishing ground while following all of the regulations and best practices for the area.
We offer three different Arkansas River Float Fishing trips:
Views Fishing the Arkansas River
We raft to the most active, scenic fishing spots on the river, so you can hook some big fish and have a great view while reeling them in.
The Arkansas River is known for its surrounding towering canyon faces. The giant river boulders, rock gardens, and natural geography shape the honey holes and drop-offs that attract Brown and Rainbow trout in droves.
No! For people that have never fly-fished, the Colorado wade fishing trip is usually better as it allows for more instruction time. That said, we do take people float fishing with no experience as our guides can adjust the positioning of the boat based on your casting ability.
Yes, you do and you can obtain one at Colorado Parks & Wildlife!
Transportation to and from the river, PFD/life jacket and lunch on full-day tours. Fishing gear is available for rent.
We recommend bringing your own flies. That said, your guide will be stocked with all flies and tackle needed for the day (as a backup). If you lose a lot of your guides’ flies, it is customary to reimburse them.
No. Our fishing boats have hard floors, swivel seats and lean bars. Fishing can be done either standing or sitting down. The only walking during the trip is to get in our out of the boat.
No! For people that have never fly-fished, the Colorado wade fishing trip is usually better as it allows for more instruction time. That said, we do take people float fishing with no experience as our guides can adjust the positioning of the boat based on your casting ability.
Yes, you do and you can obtain one at Colorado Parks & Wildlife!
Transportation to and from the river, PFD/life jacket and lunch on full-day tours. Fishing gear is available for rent.
We recommend bringing your own flies. That said, your guide will be stocked with all flies and tackle needed for the day (as a backup). If you lose a lot of your guides’ flies, it is customary to reimburse them.
No. Our fishing boats have hard floors, swivel seats and lean bars. Fishing can be done either standing or sitting down. The only walking during the trip is to get in our out of the boat.
We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch customer service and are here to assist you in any way we can. Let us know how we can help!
If you'd prefer, email us at info@arkansasrivertours.com or call 1.800.321.4352.
Since our inception in 1973, Arkansas River Tours has been committed to providing the safest, highest-quality river trips available.
Phone: 1.719.942.4362
info@arkansasrivertours.com
Cañon City Location
Cotopaxi Location
Dumont Location
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