Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo
Current Reports
SUMMER HOURS 6 am to 6 pm Daily
Report Date: 8/4/2026
Current Conditions:
I came to write how awesome the fishing has been and then saw the flows drop...The flows on the Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo River are back down after running up over 300 cfs this last week. No doubt due to downstream demand. This will turn the fish off for a bit while they readjust. If you do go fish this section, keep in mind they will be a little more reluctant to take aggressively. Slow, well-presented drifts will produce the best.
Guide Report:
Ted Demetriou - 8/3/2026
264 to 50cfs. Not much of a hatch. Few Tricos and Caddis around. Larvae and emergers. Hot!
TJ Spader - 7/31/2026
Barr's graphic caddis#16-18, brown San Juan worm #14, brown cdc soft hackle pheasant tail #16-18
Weather:
Short Term -
There is a little bit of cloud cover being offered today as relief from the heat. Expected to hit 81 degrees today with a little bit of a breeze.
Long Term -
This week is shaking out to be hot and dry following the storms that are moving through from the weekend. We are forecasted to be in the high 90s and might hit the triple-digit mark. Summer really has set in down in Pueblo! No rain until early next week. Do those rain dances!
Hatches:
Caddis and Tricos are going to be your best dry fly opportunity right now. There are also going to be PMD's in the mix, as well as the good old standby. Midges! Tactics:
Tactics:
This tailwater has been a great fishery for us this year. This fish can be particular depending on the day. Start with a 4x or 5x leader with tippet matching for your droppers. If you are not seeing any action, consider going smaller. Both on your flies and on your tippet. Red is a go-to color on this section of the Arkansas River.
Tips:
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
- Sprout 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.