Mastering Colorado Carp

Mastering Colorado Carp

Arbor Anglers is excited to host Rick Mikesell for his class Mastering Colorado Carp.

Take your fly fishing skills to the next level with this hands-on clinic, designed for anglers looking to better understand and target one of the most challenging and rewarding freshwater species.

This two-part clinic combines an in-depth classroom session with a full on-water experience, giving you the knowledge and confidence to effectively find, approach, and catch carp on the fly. Rick’s experience as a dedicated urban fishing guide and instructor brings a practical, real-world approach that anglers of all skill levels will benefit from.

What to Expect

Friday Evening – Shop Seminar (6:30pm - 8pm at Arbor Anglers)
We’ll kick things off with a classroom-style session at the shop, covering the fundamentals of carp fly fishing. Topics include carp behavior, how to read water, spotting fish, fly selection, and presentation strategies. This is also a great opportunity to dial in your gear and pick up any flies or essentials before heading out on the water.

Saturday – On-Water Session (8am - 1pm on the Denver South Platte)
Put everything into practice during an on-water session. We’ll focus on locating fish, proper positioning, and making effective presentations to feeding carp in real-time conditions. 

Equipment

Anglers are welcome to bring their own 6 or 7 weight rod and reel with floating fly line, but we will have rods, reels, flies, terminal tackle, and nets available if needed.

What to Bring

• Polarized sunglasses
• A hat or cap for sun protection (helpful for sight fishing)
• A valid 2026 Colorado fishing license
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Camo or drab-colored clothing (carp are extremely spooky)
• Comfortable wet-wading gear and boots (expect to walk throughout the day)
• Closed-toe shoes or boots (urban environments can present hazards)
• Rain jacket if weather calls for it—carp often feed actively in changing conditions
• Reusable water bottle (water and ice will be available for refills)

This clinic is perfect for anglers looking to build confidence, improve their sight fishing skills, and unlock the challenge of targeting carp on the fly.

Check out Rick's Instagram here! @rick_mikesell

A valid Fishing Licence is required to participate. Please review our refund policy.