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Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo

Current Reports

 

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SUMMER HOURS 6am to 6pm Daily

 

Photo by Covey Guide Ted Demetriou

 

Report Date: 6/3/2026

 

Current Conditions:
  The fluctuation of flows continues on the tailwater. For about the last week, we have seen some pretty high flows here. Current flows are at 363 cfs. and the fishing has been great. While these higher flows will keep some anglers off of the water, we love these flows. The fish spread out and become way more comfortable to eat. You can even float this section right now, but good luck with a take out. Nymphing will always be the most consistent method, but we are seeing several great windows throughout the day for good dry fly fishing. The afternoon BWO hatches have been quite fun. We are also seeing some good caddis activity, primarily in the evenings. 
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. Regardless of the time of year, these fish really prefer the hatch specific insects.
Tactics:
 Even with higher flows, 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  hatches later in the day here. Water temps 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-  Its summer time, and it will certainly feel like it down here. Temps will climb into the mid 90's the rest of the week and it will be downright HOT. Precipitation chances are all but zero and we should see a ton of sun. We could even see temps reach 100 by the end of the weekend.

Long Term-  As we head into next week, temps will remain hot and in the 90's. Afternoon rain chances will increase slightly through the week. These chances are still pretty low, but that wont rule out a quick afternoon rainstorm. Longer range forecasts are suggesting a more active summer monsoon this year. This would be the best case scenario with our low snow year. Do those rain dances, we can use all we can get down here!

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-
  • Blowtorch, sizes 18-20
  • Mercury RS2- grey or black, size 22
  • Barrs emerger, BWO, sizes 18-20
  • Caddis Candy, sizes 16-18
  • Graphic Caddis, tan, size 16
  • Mayers mini leach, olive, sizes 14-16
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
  • Parachute BWO, size 20
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.

Interested in Booking a Trip?

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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