Skip to content
719-471-2984

Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo

Current Reports

Bug of the Month Videos
Bug of the Month Blog

SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily

 

Photo by Covey Guide Ted Demetriou

Report Date: 7/10/2026

Current Conditions:

Our favorite Arkansas Tailwater has slowed a bit in the last week. The warmer temps have turned some of the hatches down a bit. While the dry fly bite isn't what it was just a couple of weeks back, the nymphing game will still produce. Flows have been somewhat steady. Bouncing between 34 and 52cfs. This makes for low, clear conditions. The water will also warm up later in the day. Keep an eye on temps and think about packing it in if you hit the mid 60's.

Guide Report - Josh Heney

Hatch seems to have fallen off a little bit, so fish were a little slow to get fired up. Pheasant tails, RS2's, Buckskins, and Pale Ales were the patterns for the day.

 

Hatches:
Reports of PMD's are coming in. The Midges are always a mainstay, so keep an eye out during the coolest part of the day. You may also run into some Craneflies and the summer Tricos as well!
Tactics:
Low clear water means presentation is key. Ensure your drift is drag-free and matches the current you are fishing. Presentation, profile, and then pattern.
Tips:
As we warm up, plan on fishing the low light periods of the day the hardest. While it is a tailwater location, the low water conditions can still allow the water to warm through the day. Expect fish to spread out throughout the day. Look for structure and riffles to be home to the fish currently.

Weather:

Short Term - Today is the "coolest" (if you can call it that) day of the week this week. With close to 90 degrees forecasted and a high sun.

 

Flash Flood Watch UNTIL 8PM MDT JULY 10TH - Due to Aspen Acres Burn Scar

 

Long Term - This week looks to be more heat. Temps are to hold in the 90s, and the sun is set to be out.

 

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-
  • Kryptonite Caddis, size 14-18
  • Foam Emerger, sizes 18-22
  • Graphic Caddis, tan, size 16
  • Caddis Candy, sizes 16-18
  • Graphic Caddis, tan, size 16
  • Splatte Roller, Olive, 14-16

 

Our top Dry flies for today-
  • Neil's BWO, olive, sizes 20-22
  • Shotglass Trico (Dun and Spinner), sizes 18-22
  • Elk Hair caddis, sizes 16-18
  • Micro CDC cripple, olive, size 22
  • Parachute PMD, size 18-20
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.
Get Directions