Diamond ArrowCarbondale, Colorado
“Great property. Hooked into a good number of 16-18in Browns and Rainbows in the riffles. Great property, landowner was friendly and helpful.”
This beautiful property includes approximately 3/4 mile of gold medal water on the world-famous Arkansas River. The location is a short drive from downtown Salida, Colorado. You can expect to catch 12-16″ brown and rainbow trout. Near the upper boundary of the property the water channels into a nice long pool with structure throughout. The run is approximately 100 -150 yards. As you progress downstream, the river widens and shallows which will offer a great hopper-dropper and targeted dry fly options in the summer. Though we love this property for the dry fly fishing season during the summer and early fall, do not be afraid to nymph and streamer fish in the shoulder seasons. We recommend a 4-weight, 8′ 6″ dry fly rod for site fishing applications. Also a 9′, 5-weight as an all-around rod. As mentioned above a 9′ or 9′ 6″ streamer rod for throwing larger streamers. This fishery can be a bit more difficult to fish due to its width, but the fish are there. With a high bank, don’t be afraid to step back and target fish.
Camping is permitted on this property so make a long weekend out of it. You won’t be disappointed! River access could not be any easier for younger anglers and people with mobility issues.
The Arkansas River offers both wade fishing and float fishing options as well as rafting. This property is below the Big Bend float put in, so do expect to see floaters coming by.
Although we typically get your booking approved within a few hours, please allow up to 1 business day for booking confirmations.
Camping prices are per vehicle/per day. Camping is dispersed camping. Please practice “leave no trace” principles and pack out all trash. You will need to supply your own water. No open fires are allowed, but you may bring a propane fire pit. A port-a-potty is typically provided in the summer months only.
RESOURCES
Know before you go
Check out the resources below to help you prepare for your upcoming trip and ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for a stellar day on the water.
- Don’t forget your local fishing license, you can grab one online here.
- Check your local flows. Ideal Flow Range 400 - 850 CFS
- Contact a local fly shop for the most up-to-date hatch and fly information.
- Know the local regulations.
- Fishing Hours: Sunrise to Sunset.
- Fishing Season: March - December. Can be fishable in winter at times.
- Rod Recommendation: 4-weight, 8'6" this is a great option for the Mother's Day caddis hatch. Use your 9' 5-wt for the all-purpose nymphing or hopper set up, and 9'6" 6-wt. for streamer fishing.
Most of our properties are ranches, so expect to walk through hayfields, cow fields, or even hop a few fences. These are not "groomed" properties. They can be rugged and wild and we believe that is part of the adventure with RareWaters! If you have specific questions or concerns, please reach out in advance of booking a trip!
River Data
5-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday
9/27/2023
79℉ / 50℉
Thursday
9/28/2023
79℉ / 50℉
Friday
9/29/2023
76℉ / 48℉
Saturday
9/30/2023
76℉ / 51℉
Sunday
10/1/2023
74℉ / 48℉
Features and Amenities
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Frequently
asked questions.
What is RareWaters?
We provide affordable and easy access to private ranches for you to experience do-it-yourself (DIY) fly fishing experiences. No upfront membership fees are required. Just pay as you book! Pricing is listed at the top of each property's listing page. DIY fly fishing means anglers are responsible for determining weather, river flow and fishing conditions. When the information is available, we include weather and river flow information for the properties on our website.
What hours can I fish?
Each landowner sets their fishing hours, and most are sunrise to sunset. We have a few landowners who deviate from that timeframe. This information is listed on each property listing page.
Can a non-angling friend or relative join me?
At this time, everyone over the age of 12 must pay the full rod fee to be on RareWaters' property. This is to ensure that all anglers have the serenity, space and outdoor experience we are committed to providing.
Will I get the water all to myself?
We limit each property to a max number of anglers, typically no more than 3-4 anglers per mile. This is different for each property, so be sure to go to the property's listing page to find out what the maximum is for the property you want to book. For example, if you have 2 anglers in your group and the maximum number of anglers is 4, we may add 2 other anglers to the property that day, even if they are from another group. If you book all 4 (or more) rod spots that day, then your group will have the whole property to yourselves.
How do I know where to go after I book?
After we receive your payment, you will receive a booking confirmation email. Within 7 days of your reservation, you will receive a property map via email with GPS coordinates, directions, parking and camping information, etc. We strongly encourage all anglers to save GPS coordinates into their smartphones before leaving cell service. Many of our properties are remote working ranches with limited cell service. Google Maps is our preferred app for all angler directions.
What are your booking policies?
Great question. Here are a few policies you should know before you go:
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made ten (10) days or more before the booked date will receive a full refund. Cancellations made five (5) to ten (10) days before the booked date will receive a credit for future use. Cancellations made five (5) days or less before the booked date will receive no refund or credit. By submitting a booking request for any RareWaters' property, you agree to this cancellation policy. If you request to book a property within 10 days of the request date, and the booking is approved and you cancel the booking, you will receive a credit for future use. RareWaters is not responsible for weather, river flows or fishing conditions. Anglers are responsible for determining weather, river flows and fishing conditions. Refunds and credits will not be issued for weather, river flows or fishing conditions. The Cancellation Policy may be superseded by extenuating circumstances as deemed appropriate by RareWaters' staff.
Maximum Angler Policy:
Please note, if your party does not equate to the maximum angler amount for the property you've booked, you may encounter another angler or group. Maximum angler amounts are listed in the description for every property on the website. Please practice good fishing etiquette around other anglers by giving each other plenty of space and sharing different stretches of the watershed.
Leave No Trace Policy:
All anglers must adhere to RareWaters "Leave No Trace" policy. This policy requires all anglers to leave properties better off than they found them. If you see trash, please pick it up and pack it out. We ask that you kindly be respectful of the land, any livestock, and the watershed so we can continue to offer fly fishing access for years to come. Trespassing will not be tolerated and all violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. By submitting a booking request through the RareWaters website, you agree to this Leave No Trace Policy.
Solicitation Policy:
Under no circumstances may an angler or their guest solicit RareWaters' landowners for any reason. During your trip, anglers and guests are not permitted to promote, sell or offer any kind of services or products to RareWaters' landowners. Additionally, anglers and their guests may not compete with RareWaters in any way while visiting RareWaters' properties. By submitting a booking request through the RareWaters website, you agree to this Solicitation Policy.
Conor Wynne-Parry
September 1, 2023 at 9:59 amCamping was excellent on this property, the landowner came and greeted us and showed us where the best camping locations are. The grass was recently mowed, there is a fire pit and a porta potty which is always a bonus. The fishing access was very easy, with user friendly banks to walk up and down. The water was a bit higher than usual when we fished, but still had plenty of eats on dry in pockets by the bank. We didn’t see anyone else besides the occasional raft floating by. Would love to hit this property around 500cfs when the main hole is a bit more accessible.
Helpful ReviewJimmie V.
August 31, 2023 at 5:26 pmNot much structure throughout that section of river. We did catch fish and the flow was still high @ 658 cfs. Perhaps would fish better a little lower.
Helpful ReviewOwner
August 31, 2023 at 7:13 pmWith all the rain the river has stayed a bit higher than normal. That being said the fish are in there, just takes a bit more work. As it gets lower it is easier to fish and anglers can have success on this section of the river. We appreciate your feedback.
Helpful Review