The Arkansas River really has it all. Intense whitewater, great fishing and rugged mountain scenery. It courses through great little towns and has some of the best whitewater culture in the world. The Class V runs are also some of the most challenging you will find anywhere.
Arkansas River Flows And Weather
ARKANSAS RIVER AT BUENA VISTA, CO.
- Temperature: 35.96 ° F
- Streamflow: 235 ft³/s
- Gage height: 5.17 ft
ARKANSAS RIVER AT PARKDALE, CO.
- Temperature: 35.96 ° F
- Streamflow: 594 ft³/s
- Gage height: 2.94 ft
ARKANSAS RIVER AT MOFFAT STREET AT PUEBLO, CO
- Temperature: 35.96 ° F
- Streamflow: 950 ft³/s
- Gage height: 9.77 ft
Rapids and Float Notes
Brown’s Canyon – The lower section is your best bet for a low key float. It’s ideal for beginning paddlers and folks wanting a smooth and scenic rafting trip. The canyon itself is a great section of whitewater that is friendly for most experience levels.
Each major rapid has a nice pool below for recovery if needed. It also runs through a great, scenic canyon with cliff walls and cold water. Class III-IV rapids here. Challenging without jumping to Class V.
Narrows – This Class III-IV section offers non-stop action. It’s slightly technical and offers a fast paced, fun stretch of whitewater. Rafting the Narrows is a favorite for folks that want to get wet and have a challenging day. It’s ideal for intermediate and experienced rowers.
Numbers – Experienced paddlers will love this section. It’s Class IV-V with non-stop drops and maneuvers. The water is fast and technical with powerful currents and obstacles that require split second decisions.
Royal Gorge – The Royal Gorge has everything a whitewater lover can want. It’s like the wish list of rivers with steep canyon walls, powerful hydraulics, big water and technical water and tons of action. It’s Class IV-V with big drops and some iconic whitewater. Everyone should take a run down this river at some point.
Arkansas River Shuttle Services
Dvorak Expeditions – 719-539-6851, they pretty much run the whole river.
Wilderness Aware Rafting – 1-800-462-7238 and 719-395-2112
AVA Rafting – 1-877-RAFTING
Independent Whitewater – 800-428-1479
Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center – 719-395-3335
River Specific Fishing Regulations
Exceptions:
Arkansas River
FROM THE U.S. 24 RIVER OVERPASS DOWNSTREAM TO THE LOWER BOUNDARY OF THE HAYDEN RANCH, AS POSTED:
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Bag, possession, and max limit for trout is 1, 12 inches long.
FROM THE STOCKYARD BRIDGE (CHAFFEE CR 102) BELOW SALIDA DOWNSTREAM 7.5 MILES TO THE CONFLUENCE WITH BADGER CREEK:
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Rainbow trout and cutbow must be returned to water immediately.
WITHIN THE PUEBLO RESERVOIR STATE WILDLIFE AREA:
- Bag, possession and min. size for walleye and saugeye is 5 in the aggregate, 18 inches long.
- Only 1 walleye or saugeye in the aggregate longer than 21 inches may be taken per day.
FROM THE BRIDGE AT VALCO PONDS DOWNSTREAM TO PUEBLO BLVD. (EXCEPT AT PUEBLO NATURE CENTER AS POSTED):
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Trout longer than 16 inches must be returned to water immediately.
MIDDLE FORK OF THE SOUTH ARKANSAS
FROM THE HEADWATERS DOWNSTREAM TO BOSS LAKE:
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Cutthroat must be returned to water immediately.
