Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 8/12/2026
Voluntary closure 12 pm - 12 am daily - CPW
Current Conditions:
The Ark. tailwater dropped about 9 days ago, now from 250 down to 32 cfs where it is today. While this is very low and creates technical fishing, it is not impossible to fish. Because the flows have held at this rate, they should be settled in and feeding strong. A good presentation and stealthy approach will go a long way right now. Keep in mind the clouser above. Reeling in at 12 is suggested by CPW to help protect the trout populations and minimize mortality.
Guide Report:
Ted Demetriou - 8/5/2026
Fished 6 am - 12 pm. Tricos early. Trico dries, small 22-24. Caddis from like 10:30 am - 2:00 pm. Larvae and emergers.
Mike Haycock - 8/8/2026
Slow hot day, hooked up a few times, no fish to net. Caddis hits after 11 am.
Weather:
Short Term -
Pueblo is hot and cloudy today. Temperatures are forecasted to reach close to 100 with a little cloud cover for relief. No rain forecasted for today. Keep an eye on the week ahead!
Long Term -
We have some reprieve on the latter half of this week! Our afternoon thunderstorms are scheduled to roll through starting Thursday afternoon and continuing into Sunday. Temps will stay in the 90s, so it will still be hot, but this is just what we need to help keep this waterway cool for our lovely trout population down there.
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:
Keep a low profile and look 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.