Where to Fly Fish near Castle Rock, Colorado

Castle Rock is adjacent to loads of outdoor adventure including on-the-water fun like fly fishing. There aren’t many fly fishing hot spots directly in town, but there are a few great options nearby. Let’s learn everything you need to know for fly fishing near Castle Rock including where to go, what flies and equipment work well, and nearby resources for a productive day of angling.

The South Platte River drops in from Nebraska before winding its way through Denver and into Waterton Canyon near Roxborough State Park. Great fishing spots on the South Platte are only a short drive northwest from Castle Rock. The South Platte along Colorado’s eastern slope has earned gold medal status for the size and quality of fish.

You can fish multiple sets of roads, reels, and flies with success on the Arkansas, but an ideal rig is a 9 foot 5 to 6 weight rod with a floating line. 9-foot leader is a great base for great bites. For flies you can use dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, depending on the hatch. The Arkansas has many distinct hatches and you can easily find success by matching the hatch. Unlike other spots in Colorado fish on the Arkansas hit a wide variety of flies so bring plenty of tackle to find the biggest fish. You can fish from the shore, wade, or float the Arkansas River so match the waders to your fishing. Chest waders are recommended if you know you’ll be wading into deeper spots.

Located a few miles northwest of Castle Rock, Chatfield Reservoir in Chatfield State Park is fed by the South Platte and offers options for both traditional and fly fishing. Because this is a reservoir you won’t be reading the current or finding riffles, but you can easily use your fly rod and reel to nail some great fish.

You can fish a variety of equipment and flies at Chatfield with success. Because you could be targeting sunfish or trout depending on your mood and conditions, it’s best to bring a wide range of flies including smaller dry flies to top-water fish species like bluegill. You can wade as deep as you want to in Chatfield though it’s designed for shore and float fishing – hip waders are all you need. Bring a medium weight rod and line for targeting multiple species.

The Arkansas River is much further than the other destinations but is less than a 2-hour drive in most traffic conditions. Though it isn’t on Castle Rock’s doorstep the Arkansas provides some of the best fishing in all of Colorado and is worth the drive for any Castle Rock residents who want an amazing fishing destination.

If you’re smart, you’ll be fishing for brown trout on the Arkansas so keep that species in mind when you’re packing up. Which flies work depend on the time of year and what hatches are happening so match the hatch for your best fly selection. The browns in the Arkansas have an open and varied appetite due to the local variety of insects so pack a mixture of dry flies, nymphs and streamers. You can get away with waist waders on the Arkansas, but chest waders are recommended. Pack a 9-foot, 5- weight rod and you’re ready to go.

There aren’t many places to fly fish within Castle Rock city limits but there are several offerings nearby or a short drive from town. Decide your destination and what you want to fish, hit up a great local retailer, and use our advice above to get on the fish. Always check local reports and get your license before going for an uninterrupted and productive day on the water.