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Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo

Current Reports

 

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Photo by Covey Guide Ted Demetriou

 

Report Date: 4/23/2026

 

Current Conditions:
  The flows doubled yesterday and are currently at 200 cfs. These are really good flow rates for the tailwater and will most definitely turn the fishing on. The tailwater was already fishing very well, but this is going to help! The fishing has been especially good for anglers that pay close attention to details such as depth/weight, and the bugs that are active. These fish want absolutely perfect drifts right now, and will also spook at the sound of your rig hitting the water. A stealth approach will make the fishing better.
The crowds are still pretty heavy here, but there are a lot of different places to fish down here. All through the state park and clear through town has been good. The fish are really venturing out into all types of water and have been feeding heavily during the pronounced hatches. The fishing can be on the technical side, but persistence is the key.  Nymphing will always be the most consistent method, but we are seeing several great windows throughout the day for good dry fly fishing.
Hatches:
 Midges and BWO's are the main attractions right now. We are seeing these two hatch on and off all throughout the day. Pay attention to the hatches and switch accordingly. Cloudy days are supporting some absolutely great mayfly hatches. Caddis are also becoming quite active and will add another cool element to the days hatches.
Tactics:
Start fishing water or areas you have been ignoring all winter. With these flows, the fish are starting to occupy different areas in the river. These fish want absolutely perfect drifts, so keep the focus on your presentation!
Tips:
  The prime fishing window is rather large right now. There are opportunities from earlier in the mornings clear through the evening. In fact we have seen some great midge hatches later in the day here. Water temps are still cold, but they are warming nicely and the river has really come to life.   Fishing in town has been great, just be cautious on where you park. and do not leave ANYTHING in your car.

Weather:

Short Term-  We will see a ton of wind today and that will likely make fishing on the difficult side. Temps will be warm in the upper 70's and we should see similar conditions clear through the weekend. Sunday will be another windy day as a large scale system will move through the state. Locally we wont see any precipitation or anything, but we will get the wind. Its more of the same the first part of next week too. In all, it will be warm, but not as warm as it was in March.

Long Term-  As we get into the middle of next week, we will see some pretty big changes come to the area. Starting Wednesday afternoon, precipitation chances will really increase. We should have a shot at some rain clear into Thursday in fact. This are could really use the moisture so lets all hope this comes to fruition! Those chances will taper off as we go into May. Temps will also cool during that time and be quite pleasant. The higher elevations should also get a little snow out of this system.

This is an area we offer guided walk/wade and float trips, please give us a call if you are interested!
RECOMMENDED PATTERNS
For a custom fly assortment for this location, click here!
Our top 6 nymphs for today-
  • Blindside midge, black, size 22
  • Mercury RS2- grey or black, size 22
  • Daysaver baetis, brown, size 20
  • Caddis Candy, sizes 16-18
  • Slim Shady, olive, size 22
  • JuJu baetis, brown and olive, size 20
Our top Dry flies for today-
  • Neil's BWO, olive, sizes 20-22
  • Parachute Adams, sizes 18-22
  • Smokejumper, olive, size 22
  • Micro CDC cripple, olive, size 22
Our top Streamer patterns for today-
  • Micro Dungeon, Natural. Size 10
  • Baby Gonga, yellow. Size 8
  • Conehead barely legal, olive/white, size 4

 

Standard nymph rig set up. 

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR “WHERE TO GO” PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS! 

Shop Hand-Picked Pueblo tailwater Flies

The tailwater on the Arkansas River has blossomed into one of the best fisheries in the state, and it's a short distance from town. Fish populations are very healthy here and even hold some truly goliath trout. The technical angler will be perfectly at home here. If you go further into town, you will also find many other different species of fish, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and even carp.

This area is oftentimes best fished in the shoulder seasons or winter due to high flows in the summer. But don't let bigger flows stop you! We are the only outfitter on the front range that offers both guided walk/wade and float trips here.

This is an area we specialize and are permitted to guide in, so give us a shout if you have any question or if you are interested in allowing one of our Orvis Endorsed Guides show you how best to conquer the Arkansas River – Pueblo.

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Directions - 50 miles - 50 Minutes

  1. From Anglers Covey: take I-25 south to Pueblo
  2. Get off on the highway 50 exit and go right
  3. Take highway 50 to Pueblo Blvd. and turn left
  4.  Turn right on Thatcher and take Thatcher to Valco Ponds.
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