My 15 year old son has really gotten into fly fishing this summer. I am thinking about a 4-5 day dad-son trip to Central Colorado this August (fly to Colorado Springs, then drive to Salida /Buena Vista). Stay in an Airbnb or maybe camp a couple of nights.

A few questions:
1) Has anyone done a similar trip and have advice?
2) Recommendations for a fishing guide?
3) Recommendations about a place to stay?

I don't have any advice for that area, sorry.

But if you are interested in the Pagosa Springs area I can hook you up for sure. This is a beautiful area, with lots to do outdoors related. I would be happy to show you guys some awesome spots locally, or set you up with a local guide for public or private waters (big fish). We also have an OB'er who is a great guide on gold medal waters on the San Juan if you want a float trip. He is in Durango.

I am about to do that trip in two weeks. For me I am staying in Buena Vista based on advice from people who have done the same trip. I will report back!

As for guides I know ArkAnglers is well regarded. They even have a beginner package on their website. I would just call them and they can answer any questions on what section of the river will be fishing good that time of year and where to stay.

Arkanglers is a good guide service for that area.

If you are fishing on your own, be aware that section of the river is deemed not navigable by the state of Colorado and has a lot of private water. There is good public access in the Salida City park behind the baseball fields and the 102 bridge where the cattle sale barn is.

The past few years we have caught more and larger trout on the Arkansas below Pueblo Dam. That area has had a lot of habitat improvement work and there is public access at Pueblo State Park, the Pueblo Nature Center and through town.

My parents have a cabin in Leadville, so we've done a lot of fishing mostly north of Buena Vista/Salida. Agree that there is a lot of private water and rougher water more to the south of us.

We usually do a day each time we're up there with Tim from https://coloradoflyfishingguides.com/ in Leadville. He does a great job putting us on good fish. For public access, I love fishing in the meadows south of Leadville off of 24 before you get to Granite. It's a great scene catching trout with Mt Elbert and Mt Massive across from you.

Highly recommend hitting the Dream Stream on the South Platte…bigger fish than the Arkansas in my experience and close enough to Buena Vista. And a super easy place to cast (no trees).

Hey! I used to know Tim. Good dude.

I would stay in Salida or BV. Close to the river to check out and you could even fish walking distance. The Arkansas gets hammered pretty good. I fished mostly private waters when I was up there so I don't have a great recommendation on spots. I would recommend doing a rafting trip if in the area. Even a half day trip would be fun.

I've fished the Platte in the Bailey/Shawnee area off hwy 285 several times and loved it. Ive never fished around BV but it would be hard to beat that section of the Platte in my opinion.

Did an Arkanglers trip on the Arkansas in Salida in 2021 with my dad.

Was unforgettable. Highly recommend a trip with Arkanglers on the Arkansas.

Just got back from my trip. Overall it was awesome. However, the Arkansas is still flowing pretty good for wade fishing. However, the Hayden Meadows section was fishing awesome as they were taking pretty much any dry fly you threw at them. I would just spend all 3 days fishing there. Go north out of BV and cross over the river, about 0.5 mile further on your left hand side will be the Crystal Lakes Overlook turn off. There is a dirt road that heads south. Take that and fish the mile or so below the railroad bridge. Buena Vista was a cool town that was about 30 minutes away. Simple Eatery was awesome and the beers at Eddyline were cool. Leadville is closer to the good wade fishing in Hayden Meadows if you wanted to check that out. Overall great trip but again for someone just starting out Id stick to Hayden Meadows and think about getting a guide for at least a half day your first day to show you how its done.

I did a float trip with UpRiver Fly Fishing and Andrew (the owner) on the lower parts of the river that I would highly recommend if you want to drop the cash as well. He has a son that is just learning fly fishing too so would be a good fit.

Tight Lines!