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.”
Enjoy just over one mile of the Little Arkansas River just outside of Salida, Colorado. This historic cattle ranch was founded in 1868. It has been in the family for 7 generations and still runs an active cattle operation.
This property has had extensive river restoration work completed over the past several years. You will find phenomenal structure that offers pools, eddies, and riffles. The average brown trout will range from 12″ – 14″ but a few bigger fish will linger in the deeper holes. Come prepared with a 3-weight – 5-weight rod. There are plenty of casting lanes to target willing fish.
Please keep in mind this is an active ranch that has cattle on the property. During the springtime, the mother cattle are very protective of their calves. Please do not try and pet the calves. Fences are being installed to keep the cows away from the river and anglers, this is to protect the riparian vegetation. This project should be completed by the end of the summer. River access is easy for people of all ages.
Although we typically get your booking approved within a few hours, please allow up to 1 business day for booking confirmations.
Due to livestock and other concerns, dogs and other pets are NOT permitted on this property.
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 flow report here.
- Contact a local fly shop for the most up-to-date hatch and fly information.
- Know the local regulations.
- Fishing Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Recommended Rod: 3-5 wt rods are recommended
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
12/6/2023
58℉ / 27℉
Thursday
12/7/2023
49℉ / 31℉
Friday
12/8/2023
39℉ / 27℉
Saturday
12/9/2023
30℉ / 9℉
Sunday
12/10/2023
38℉ / 6℉
Features and Amenities
Location
Reviews (6)
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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 10:08 amI fished this stretch in the afternoon, it was very easy to find and the access was stellar. Right at the bridge by the parking area, you can see trout hanging out in the pool below. Dry flies were hitting, as long as you can get a cast in without spooking them. The ranch itself is beautiful and scenic, with friendly horses grazing behind you as you fish. 3-4wt water all throughout
Helpful Review 1Ryan Moore
April 6, 2022 at 6:07 pmGreat day on this property. Super easy drive from Salida and to navigate once there. Met the owner and his daughter. Awesome people. Fun stretch of water. Took my 6yr old son. We were on hungry browns all day. Definitely will go back.
Helpful Review 4Bill Jameson
September 19, 2021 at 12:36 amGreat stream lot of pools and fish habitat. 13 or so catches, all browns with one fat 15” bow. All on top with small hopper. Enjoyed the day.
Helpful Review