Arkansas River - Bighorn Sheep Canyon

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No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.

Why you'll love it

Gold Medal water

River

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Arkansas River - Bighorn Sheep Canyon

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Fishing rules here

Brook Trout
Daily limit: 4
Curated from CPW statewide bag. Many small mountain streams have an 8-fish bonus limit — confirm at the source link.
Brown Trout
Daily limit: 4
Curated from CPW statewide bag. Counts toward 4-trout aggregate.
Cutthroat Trout
Daily limit: 4
Curated from CPW statewide bag. Greenback / Rio Grande / Colorado River cutthroat populations have additional water-specific restrictions — confirm at the source link.
Kokanee
Daily limit: 10
Curated from CPW statewide bag. Daily limit drops to 5 on some reservoirs during snagging season — confirm at source link.
Lake Trout
Daily limit: 8
Curated from CPW statewide bag. Lake trout do NOT count toward the 4-trout aggregate.
Largemouth Bass
Daily limit: 5 · Min size: 15"
Curated from CPW statewide bag. Confirm water-specific exceptions at source link.

License needed

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Resident annual: $36
Non-resident annual: $100
Day pass: $16

Pricing retrieved May 12, 2026

Learn more at the agency Buy license

About this water

Bighorn Sheep Canyon on the Arkansas River is a Gold Medal fishery offering outstanding wade fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout in a dramatic canyon setting between Salida and Canon City. The river here is characterized by riffles, runs, and deep pools that hold large trout year-round. Stonefly, caddis, and midge patterns are highly effective throughout the season.