Where can I go fishing?

Fishermen can cast for brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout in several excellent locations just a short distance off the byway. Beaver Creek offers quality stream fishing in a scenic mountain setting, while Skagway Reservoir provides still-water fishing opportunities with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The Arkansas River, located near the southern portions of the byway near Cañon City and Florence, offers world-renowned trout fishing and ranks among Colorado's premier fishing destinations.

The Arkansas River features diverse water conditions ranging from calm stretches suitable for beginners to challenging whitewater sections that test experienced anglers' skills. Licensed outfitters operate in the area and can provide guided fishing trips, equipment rentals, and expert knowledge of the best fishing spots for current conditions. Riparian areas along streams bordered by cottonwood, willow, shrubs, and grasses provide valuable habitat for fish populations, and nearly 75% of wildlife depend to some degree on these riparian ecosystems, making fishing along the byway not just a recreational activity but also an opportunity to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.