ArkAnglers began with the opening of Salida’s Arkansas River Fly Shop in 1994. Within a few short years, float-fishing, wade fishing, and fly-fishing retail were all combined under one roof, providing the upper Arkansas River fishery with its first and only full-service fly-fishing business. Twenty-five years later, ArkAnglers retains that unique distinction.
Along the way, we have developed the broad spectrum of guided trip opportunities detailed on this website. We have introduced countless new fly patterns and rigging concepts to the fishery that are now considered standard issue on the Arkansas. And we have developed an industry-wide reputation as the experts on fly-fishing the Arkansas River.
The fishery has changed considerably over our many years here. Water quality has improved dramatically, the aquatic entomology has become more resilient and diverse, flow management decisions now include the best interests of the fishery… These improvements have come through considerable collaborative efforts and ArkAnglers has been there every step of the way. In 2018, Colorado Trout Unlimited presented us with their rare Exemplary Guide and Outfitter Award. It was a testament to our many years of work both on and off the river.
Despite providing the most professional guided trips in the valley and presenting the most comprehensive selection of fly-fishing gear, flies, and terminal tackle, at ArkAnglers, our number one product has always been information; timely, accurate, reliable information. If we can provide that in a coherent and humble way, through our website and our fly shops, the success our customers experience on the river will be reflected in our business as well. Operating fly shops in Salida and Buena Vista, as well as the region’s largest guide service, puts us in a unique position for assembling that information. We get daily reports from throughout the river corridor from our guides, our guests, and our retail customers. These accounts of individual experiences are rather like snapshots of distinct places, times, and the use of specific techniques or fly patterns. They are anecdotal, dependent on the perception and decisions of the teller of the tale, but taken as a whole, and combined with our own observations and the data we crunch each day, these accounts combine to formulate the clearest understanding of what is happening in the fishery. If we have done our job, this information will enhance your fishing experience on the water.
The information we provide is unique and freely given. If fishermen have a good day on the Arkansas, it is usually a good day for ArkAnglers as well. In pursuit of that, we stock our fly shops as completely and fully as possible with the best flies and tackle suited to our fisheries. Whether you need a complete outfit or just a fishing license, be assured you will have our full attention and appreciation of your patronage. We offer the same individualized service on our guided trips. Our menu is structured to cover the water as effectively as possible, offering experiences and instruction for all levels of ability and experience. However, if you don’t see what you want, ask for it. We are always glad to customize a trip to meet individual needs.
We know that fly-fishing requires an investment of your time and money and we do our level best to honor that with the information we provide, our fly shops and guide service. Thank you for visiting our website and we sincerely hope to see you on the Arkansas!
