In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Captain Mark Richardson of Ark Anglers to talk about fishing the Arkansas River around Salida, Colorado. Mark guides this water day in and day out, and in this conversation we cover the different sections of the river, seasonal conditions, floating productive water, and what makes the Arkansas River such a special fishery.

We also revisit a day we spent on the water together and talk through streamer fishing in slightly stained conditions. From river structure to fly choice and presentation, this episode offers practical insight for anglers planning a trip out West or simply wanting to learn how a guide breaks down a river.

A big takeaway from this conversation is that success on the Arkansas often comes down to reading conditions, adjusting your approach, and understanding how each section of river fishes differently.

Key Highlights:

• The Three Basins: Mark breaks down the upper, middle, and lower sections of the Arkansas River.
• Why the Lower Basin: We talk about why this stretch is one of Mark’s favorites to fish and float.
• Streamers in Colored Water: Slight stains can make streamer fishing much more effective.
• Retrieve Matters: Cadence, movement, and angle all play a role in getting eats.
• Confidence Flies: Mark shares a few of his go-to streamer patterns and colors.
• Adjusting Setups: We discuss when to change lines and presentations based on conditions.
• Watching Fish React: Observation and small changes can lead to better results.
• Beyond the River: Mark also talks about nearby high-country lake opportunities.

Resources:

• ArkAnglers in Salida, Colorado
• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA