Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 8/19/2026
Voluntary closure 12 pm - 12 am daily - CPW
Current Conditions:
Flows have bumped! And now dropped again... Keep an eye on this fishery right now. Things are up and down day to day. The flows will have a huge impact on the fishing. Especially after a large change in flow rate. Give them a day or so to reset in between flow changes. If they are down, the fishing will be more technical. When they bump, the feedbags go on. Keep in mind the CPW voluntary closures each day from 12 pm to 12 am.
Guide Report:
Ted Demetriou - 8/18/2026
476 cfs. Slow. Fish on Splatte Roller Caddis, Worms, and Annelids.
Hopper Juan Ramirez - 8-18-2026
Flows at 370cfs. Awesome! Tricos and Caddis. Shuts off mostly at 9:30 am.
Weather:
Short Term -
It was raining this morning when I rolled into the shop. Pueblo isn't so lucky today. Mostly sunny conditions are expected today, with temperatures set to hit 88, and overnight lows only dropping into the low 60s. The closure is still in place due to warm afternoons, so keep an eye on those water temps.
Long Term -
The week finishes out with more of the same from today. Hot and partly cloudy, with Saturday possibly converting over to a low-pressure cycle. The start to next week is forecasted to shift a bit. It is going to be HOT. Temperatures are forecasted to push right up to 100 degrees. Rain storms will be the relief for us as they are set to be there every day next week. Hopefully without fail!
Hatches:
Tricos are still there. We are seeing the best hatches early on in the day. Look for Caddis and PMD activity to be strong throughout the day. With the increased flows, the worm hatch is on! Larger attractor bugs are a go-to right now. Leeches, Worms, mops, and such.
Tactics:
With higher water and warmer temps, nymping will be your best opportunity. Fish will be moving up and down in the column based on what they are keyed into. Find the fish first to analyze what they are eating and then make adjustments. Fish will be spread out in faster water and in deeper pools while the heat continues.
Tips:
The flows jumped a few days ago, meaning the fish should be settled into their new higher water lays. Fish will be found in softer water that is adjacent to seams, drop-offs, and structure. Focus on these areas for the best opportunity.
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.