As someone who’s spent decades fly fishing, there’s nothing quite like the experience of casting a line into the Arkansas River, especially with my kid by my side. The Arkansas is a dream for fly fishers, offering everything from swift runs to calm pools, and plenty of trout eager to take a fly. The river runs right through the heart of Colorado’s rugged beauty, with mountains towering in the distance and the crisp, clear water rushing by your feet. There’s something special about being out here with family—teaching the next generation how to tie a fly, cast properly, and appreciate the simple joys of being on the water.

Whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler like me, the Arkansas has something for everyone. My kid is still learning, but there’s no better place to start than here, where the community is welcoming and the river is forgiving yet challenging. The best part? Watching their excitement as they hook their first trout—priceless.

The Arkansas River has long been known as one of Colorado’s premier fly fishing destinations, famous for its healthy population of brown and rainbow trout. Over the years, efforts to maintain the river’s quality have made it a Gold Medal fishing stream, meaning it has some of the best trout fishing in the state.

When it comes to good fishing spots on the river, I’ve found that Brown’s Canyon is a family favorite. The canyon offers deep pools and slower water, which is ideal for teaching kids the basics of casting and reading the water. Plus, the scenery is absolutely stunning, making it a memorable outing no matter how many fish you catch. Another great spot is the Tailwaters near Salida, where the Arkansas flows a bit more steadily. The fish here are plentiful, and the calmer water makes for easy casting, especially when you’re trying to guide a youngster through their first few casts.

As much as I love using my own fly fishing gear, when you’ve got kids in tow, sometimes it’s just easier to rent. Thankfully, Salida has a couple of great spots to gear up before hitting the river. We stopped by ArkAnglers, right in downtown Salida, and grabbed everything we needed. For just $40 a day, I rented a high-quality rod, reel, and waders for myself, and for my kid, they had a smaller setup for $25 that’s perfect for beginners. They also threw in a box of local flies for about $10, which worked like a charm out on the river.

Another solid option is Salida Fly, located on F Street. They offer full-day rod rentals for $35, and they’re great about helping families get outfitted with the right gear. They even had kids’ waders, which made my life a lot easier. Both shops are close to the river, so we were able to grab our gear and head out fishing in no time. Renting made the whole day stress-free, and it gave my kid a chance to learn on solid equipment without us having to worry about bringing everything from home.

After a long day of fishing, we head back to Tata River Cabins. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, just 15 minutes from some of the best fishing on the Arkansas. We always stay in Cabin Number Seven, which sits right on the riverbank. There’s nothing better than sitting on the wraparound porch, listening to the river flow by while my kid recounts the day’s adventures.

Cabin seven - The Arkansas river cabin - is cozy and welcoming, with two full-size beds (perfect for a family), a well-equipped kitchen, and a bathroom that makes it easy to clean up after a day on the water. The cabin is free from distractions like TVs, which I appreciate—it gives us more time to enjoy each other’s company and the natural beauty of the area. There’s even a fireplace to warm up on cooler evenings, and my kid loves the games and activities on the property like bocce ball and horseshoes.

If you’re planning a family fishing trip, Tata River Cabins is the ideal base camp. Cabin Number Seven gives you the comfort and convenience you need while keeping you close to the river, so you can focus on what really matters—making memories together on the water.