Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 7/25/2026
Current Conditions:
The Arkansas tailwater near Pueblo has been a fan favorite for our guides this year. This season, we have been lucky to see decent water temps hold decently into midday. The flows have been anything but consistent, but other than a couple of short stints of lower flows (around 30 cfs), things have been pretty good. We are back up to 112 cfs right now. This makes this section of the Arkansas River a go-to spot for excellent fishing!
Guide Report:
Ted Demetriou - 7/23/2026
70cfs. Tricos and Caddies after the hatch. Dual rig Gunkels shotglass trico with bead and trail one without a bead. Small Pheasant Tails, RS2, Black Emergers, fished under an indicator. After Tricos are done, switch to caddis. Larvae, emergers. Caddis candy, and caddis emerger like a kryptonite caddis. Stones and worms as attractors.
Tyler Boroff - 7/15/2026
Fishing was great. Caddis, Anneworm, and Baetis all worked. Some fish were up on tricos and Caddis even with the higher flows.
Weather:
Short Term -
It is hot and a little cloudy today! Temps are expected to push up to 98 degrees. Tomorrow is more of the same with high sunny skies and temps pushing close to 100 degrees. It is summertime on the Ark. near Pueblo! Make sure to hydrate and don't forget your sun protection.
Long Term -
As the week progresses, they are calling for more of the afternoon thunderstorms we have been getting over the last couple of days. Starting on Sunday and continuing through the week, we should see some rain just about every day. It pleases me greatly to say that you may need some rain gear if you are heading out going into next week!
Hatches:
As Tyler mentioned above, Caddis and Tricos are going to be your best dry fly opportunity right now. There are also going to be PMD's in the mix, as well as the good old standby. Midges! Tactics:
Tactics:
This tailwater has been a great fishery for us this year. This fish can be particular depending on the day. Start with a 4x or 5x leader with tippet matching for your droppers. If you are not seeing any action, consider going smaller. Both on your flies and on your tippet. Red is a go-to color on this section of the Arkansas River.
Tips:
Fish Red. Red midge larvae are abundant within this tailwater system. The fish love them!
Photo by Ted Demetriou
This is an area where we offer guided fly fishing trips. There is no better way to learn an area like the Ark Tailwater near Pueblo than hiring one of our Orvis-endorsed professional guides!
Recommended Fly Patterns
Dry Fly Patterns
- Sprout Trico, Size #22-26
- Parachute Adams, Size #18-24
- Stubby Chubbies, Light Yellow, UV Tan, Size #14-18
- Goddard Caddis, Size #14-16
Nymph Patterns
- Manhattan Midge, Red, Size #18-24
- Massacre Midge, Brown, Size #18-22
- Silverman Cranefly Larva, Size #08
- Sparkle Wing RS2, Black, Gray, Size #18-24
- Juan's Kryptonite Caddis, Green, Size #16-18
Streamer Patterns
- Mayers Mini Leech, Black, Size #12-14
- Fish Whacker Mini, White, #6
- Humdinger, Brown/Tan, Size #2
Anglers Covey Bug Of The Month:
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR "WHERE TO GO" PAGE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OTHER AREAS!
River Info
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
- From Anglers Covey: take I-25 south to Pueblo
- Get off on the highway 50 exit and go right
- Take highway 50 to Pueblo Blvd. and turn left
- Turn right on Thatcher and take Thatcher to Valco Ponds.