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Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo

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SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily

 

Report Date: 7/14/2026

Current Conditions:

Flows have bumped! Things on the Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Dam are day-to-day right now. The higher flows are just what we need right now!! The best fishing is early in the morning, with hatch activity being reported between 7:30 and 9:00 am. This is a tailwater, but with air temps in the 90's, it is warming up later in the day. Keep an eye on those temps and consider reeling up if it gets into the mid 60's.

Guide Report - 

Josh Heney 7-10-2026

Fishing was a little bit slower today than it has been lately. The Trico hatch was a little bit slower and lighter than it has been. But still managed a solid handful of fish to the net. Top flies today were a black RS2, Neil’s buckskin, and a Hilbert's Daysaver Beatis. As we got close to noon, RS2 and PMD's started being more dominant

Vance Williams 7-10-2026

Excellent trico hatch in the morning, as is the norm lately in Pueblo. I'd say right around 7:45 til about 8:30/9ish it was super good. The mayer tails-up trico has been my top producer during these hatches lately, typically trailing behind an olive-bodied trico.

Tyler Boroff 7-10-2026

Flows went up a little. The tricos were in full swing.

 

Hatches:
The Tricos are still around early. Don't miss this summertime dry fly favorite. In addition to this tiny Mayfly, we are also seeing Caddis and PMD activity throughout the day. And... don't forget the Midges down here!
Tactics:
Dry fly action early is the place to be! Tricos are feeding the fish and make for a great option early.
With the bump in flows, fish will also be willing to eat larger flies. When the dry fly action turns down, consider nymphing with a large attractor leading such as a Mop or Leech with a tailwater tiny selection trailing behind.
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.

Photo by Covey Guide Ted Demetriou

Weather:

Short Term - Sunny and 93 degress ferenheight today. This kicks off a warm and sunny week ahead. Early morning and just after dark will be the best times to be on the water.

Long Term - Hot and steady this week. The sun is out and the the tempetures will be in the 90s all week. Make sure to take your sun protection and avoid being out during the heat of the day! Also, drink plenty of water!!!

 

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.
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