Are you an opportunist? Do you see yourself as a slick person-someone who wants to get through the day with the least amount of stress? If so, you might be a match for Arkansas River’s brown trout. The fish is slick and guarded. This is one time you need to camouflage and stay behind the brown. It won’t care how many back-and-forward castings you do-if it sees you, it won’t bite. Your fly could be in unison with the current and still no luck. If you energized the fly with irresistible moves, you could get the brown to strike. Whatever approach you take, it will be an adventure.

Some great fly-fishing spots are along Highway 24 (north of Buena Vista) and Highway 285 (south of Buena Vista). The Arkansas River runs alongside the highway. You can also go to the high country in Colorado to fly fish. If you are interested in a guided tour fly fishing make sure to check out our deal with Dvorak Fishing Expeditions in Buena Vista. Perhaps you have family members with you who don’t want to fish. There would be plenty for them to do in Leadville, from discovering ghost towns, shopping for antiques, or driving the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway. They are entertained while you experience panoramic views of Mount Elbert (14,433 ft.) as a brown strikes your favorite fly, an elk-hair caddis.

As an angler fishing the Arkansas River, you can expect brown trout over 17 inches when you fish “… the canyons between Salida and Swissvale through the Royal Gorge.” You might even want to float fish in the canyons. If so, the towns of Salida and Buena Vista can outfit your outing and offer services to help make your fishing experience the best. Whether float fishing or wading, you will need to decide if you will use a dry fly, nymph, or streamer: watch the brown come to the surface and strike your fly; attach a strike indicator to let you know when the brown takes your fly underwater or; go for the minnow-type fly that gets the brown to swallow in one aggressive swoop. If you are an opportunist or can think like one, the browns could strike repeatedly, giving you all that you wished for. Just remember, it’s best to go unnoticed, have room to move, know the insect activity, and adapt to elevation shifts like changes in seasons

Looking for lodging in the area? Well, you are in luck because we have a great deal with the Loyal Duke Lodge in Salida, Colorado. They have packages for everyone in the family even your furry best friend! The Loyal Duke Lodge intention is to be a “welcoming and comfortable place for our guests and continue the hotel’s long tradition of being an integral part of the Salida community. Loyal Duke Lodge will be the ideal base camp for families, hardcore nature enthusiasts and everyone that wants to discover the unique wonders of Salida and the surrounding areas.”

If you have questions on more deals, lodging, or activities please feel free to contact us.