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Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo

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SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily

 

Photo by Covey Guide Ted Demetriou

 

Report Date: 7/4/2026

 

Current Conditions:

The Pueblo Tailwater has been a wild ride this summer! It’s easily been one of our best fisheries, but it keeps us on our toes. Following a quick "Pulse" bump up to nearly 500 cfs at the end of June, the river has dropped significantly. Right now, we are sitting at a low but totally fishable 42 cfs out of the dam. Wading is a breeze right now, but with the lower water, those afternoon sun rays can warm things up quickly. Get out there early to hit the morning hatches!

Guide Report - Ted Demetriu 7/4/26:

The Ark was flowing at 42cfs today. Lots of Caddis and Trico activity! Pattern recommendations: Shotglass Trico, Dun's and Spinner's Splatte Roller, Kryptonite Caddis, Foam Emergers.

Note: Wildfires are causing some air issues. Keep an eye on air quality if you are sensitive to this. 
Hatches:
Midges are a mainstay on this tailwater. So keep an eye out. We are also seeing the summertime bug life. Caddis and Tricos are stealing the show. They have been prominent throughout the day. Look for sporadic PMD hatches mid-to late day 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. Fish should spread out throughout the day. Look for structure and riffles to be home to the fish currently.

Weather:

Heat looks to set in for the next week, with 90-degree temps forecasted for the weekend. It is going to be hot! Fish early and get out of the sun! There is some possible reprieve coming in the middle of next week. We need rain!

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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