Frequently Asked Questions

A little instruction or guidance can save many days of trial and error on the water. And while a single guided experience will not make an expert out of a novice, it will quickly move one beyond many of the errors or misconceptions that can slow the progress of a beginning angler. Tailored to the needs of each individual guest, a guided trip will get the first-timer off to a solid start, provide more advanced instruction for the intermediate angler, and familiarize all with general and current tactics for fishing the Arkansas River.

Your trip cost includes dedicated personal attention and instruction from one of our professional guides, use of waders, boots, rods, and reels, and transportation to and from the water (unless other arrangements have been made). Lunch is also included on all full day trip options.

At ArkAnglers, we pride ourselves on having the most professional and experienced guides in the region. While not required, tipping does make up a good portion of a guide’s earnings and any amount is greatly appreciated. In keeping with service industry standards, we recommend a tip of 20-25% of trip price.

In order to provide the best possible experience for our guests, guide to guest ratios are limited to 3:1 for wade and power boat trips and 2:1 for float trips.

We ask that you provide a credit card at the time of booking for all reservations. No deposit is required to hold the trip date at this time. Charges for the trip will be applied at checkout on the trip date. Circumstance may necessitate exceptions to this policy at the discretion of management.

We understand that life happens. If you need to cancel a trip, we ask that you provide us with as much notice as possible to allow us to reschedule our guides on another trip.

• In the event of a cancellation within 24 hours of the trip date, we ask that you consider charging $100 to your credit card to offset the lost wages for our guide.
• In the event of a no-show, no-call cancellation, we reserve the right to charge your credit card for the cost of the trip in full.
• In the event that your trip is canceled due to inclement weather, poor conditions, or an act of God, every effort will be made to reschedule you for another trip date.

Management reserves the right to amend these policies at any time.

The state of Colorado requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and up. Fishing licenses are available for purchase at both our locations, or can be purchased online in advance through the CPW. A one-day fishing license is included in the cost of the Never Ever Wade trip.

Available on both Spinney Mountain and Antero Reservoirs, the guided reservoir power boat is excellent for anglers of all ages and a relaxing alternative to the traditional reservoir float tube trip. These boats are powered by motor rather than manual effort.

In the interest of keeping Colorado wild, high lake destinations are not listed on our website. For more detailed information on high lake destinations, feel free to call us at the shop.

On January 10, 2014, thanks in part to the longtime efforts of ArkAnglers at the state and local level, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission announced the addition of the longest stretch of Gold Medal water in Colorado - 102 miles of the Arkansas River. This designation is only granted to fisheries that consistently produce 60 pounds and a dozen “quality trout” 14 inches or greater per acre. Today, water quality continues to improve, aquatic entomology has become more resilient and diverse, and flow management decisions now include the best interests of the fishery.

Wade fishing is fishing on foot from the shoreline or in the water and goes back to the very origins of the sport. Guests can anticipate more focused instruction from the guide and a trip tailored to your unique experience and ability. Depending on the season and stretch of water being worked, you may enjoy wet wading or be outfitted in full waders allowing you to stay completely dry while in the water. Unlike float fishing, wade fishing allows the angler to break down a particular section of water in great detail and with controlled pace. Wade fishing is the best way to fish every pocket in a particular section, perfect your technique, and try new things.

Float fishing, unlike wade fishing, is fishing from a boat or watercraft rather than on foot. A faster paced option, float fishing allows the angler to cover large stretches of river in a single trip or venture out into the deeper waters of our area reservoirs. For the experienced angler, float fishing affords an exciting opportunity to see more water in a single trip. Float fishing also enables anglers to access both public and private water from the watercraft. Guests can anticipate supplemental instruction and skillful navigation by their guide.