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Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo

Current Reports

 

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Photo by Covey Guide Ted Demetriou

 

Report Date: 5/10/2026

 

Current Conditions:
  The flows have again come way down on the tailwater. After a week of some really good flow rates, things are back down to 115 cfs. These flows will again concentrate the fish and increase the technical element. Its a good idea to go back to smaller bugs and lighter terminal tackle. Focus on areas that do have some deeper lies and good cover/oxygen for the fish. Focus on your presentation!  Work areas of the river you would in the off season. 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:
 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-  There will be a pretty good stretch of really nice weather coming up. Today will be the coolest with temps in the 70's. As we roll into next week, we will see temps akin to summer time highs. Expect sunny and sometimes windy conditions with highs in the 90's! Around mid week we will see some slight precipitation chances come back into the picture. This last week has been nice and cool, and we even saw some decent precipitation in the area. While it wasnt really enough to turn things completely around, it was extremely helpful. In all, this coming week is going to be absolutely gorgeous!

Long Term-  Next weekend, things will remain nice with temps in the upper 80's/ low 90's. Precipitation chances will increase as we get into the following week. Right now, its too far off to tell, but all signs are pointing at some extended wet and cool weather. Longer range weather forecasts are showing a wet pattern for the state. This would be the ideal scenario after a dry winter. One thing to note about that.. There has been a lot of talk about our lackluster winter. While that was the case, we are in decent shape for water in our local basins. No doubt we will see water restriction, etc. but the fishing will remain very good clear throughout the season and into fall. One thing we learn living here is that things can change very fast. And a spring and summer with normal or even slightly below normal rainfall, will keep us in good shape this year.

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
  • Slim Shady, olive, size 22
  • 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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