Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 8/7/2026
Voluntary closure 12 pm - 12 am daily - CPW
Current Conditions:
While the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is flowing low, there is still good fishing to be had! Because this is a low-altitude fishery, even though it is a tailwater, it is subject to hot air temps and a high, hot sun. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has called for a voluntary closure on this section of the Arkansas River from noon to midnight daily right now until things cool off a bit.
Guide Report:
Ted Demetriou - 8/5/2026
35 cfs low flows, but temps were good last 2 days. Trico hatch back on and heavy. Fish eating both on top and bottom. Caddis and BWOs too!
Loowwwww flloooowwwww. Tricos great for a few hours, slow all afternoon.
Weather:
Short Term -
There is a high of 99 today. On top of that, it is going to be sunny! This will only exacerbate the river's midday warming. Temperatures by 8 am are expected to be 75, with it creeping over 90 before 11 am.
Long Term -
This weekend is forecasted to be more of the same but with slight cloud cover. Saturday is set to reach over 100 degrees! No wind forecast in the near future. There is some positive outlook towards the middle and end of next week. Tuesday - Friday offering up to a 35% chance of afternoon storms.
Hatches:
As Ted mentioned above, the Tricos are still there. They have been reported most active at first light and then are tapering off. Some customers are finding great success fishing female patterns right now. As the day warms, the caddis will steal the show. Don't forget your PMDs, though!
Tactics:
Lower flows and warmed water temps will create a technical fishery. Get out early! Really early! Like first light early! This is currently the best window of bug and fish activity. Get off the water around 11 and let it rest until the next day. The water is getting to a point where it takes the overnight hours to cool.
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
- Tailsup 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.