Where to Go Arkansas River – Pueblo

Open 9 am to 6 pm Daily

Report Date: 9/18/2026

 Voluntary closure 12 pm - 12 am daily - CPW

Current Conditions:

With flows held tight at 46 CFS, the tailwater is running thin, slow, and glass-clear. Low volume exposes broad gravel bars and concentrates fish heavily into remaining deep channel slots, dam-structure plunge pools, and shaded bank undercuts. Heavy year-round angling pressure combined with low water makes these fish extremely line-shy and sensitive to bank vibrations. High-stealth approaches and drag-free drifts are non-negotiable.

Guide Report:

Ted Demetriou - 9/18/2026

Great Tricos hatch. Riding these Tricos out until the very last day. 20-24 dries. They are picky. Caddis continue to work after Tricos are done. Buckskins and South Platte roller. Graphic caddis.

Kenny Romero - 9-16-2026

Good trico nymph and dry fly action.

Weather:

Short Term -

Highs reaching upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Mild, sunny mornings give way to light afternoon clouds and periodic breezes across the river valley before clearing by evening.

Long Term -

Daytime highs holding in the mid-to-upper 70s Fahrenheit with overnight lows cooling into the 40s. Overcast fall days will trigger extended, highly active afternoon mayfly hatches along current edges.

Hatches:

Mornings bring light mayfly spinner falls along quiet tailout glides and eddy foam lines. Midday shifts to steady midge hatches and small pale mayflies through main channel seams. Overcast conditions spark concentrated olive mayfly hatches. Afternoon hours feature light terrestrial activity along grassy banks alongside drifting caddis pupae and small crustaceans.

Tactics:

Low, regulated tailwater flows with paved access and deep artificial structure require targeting concrete shelf transitions and deep rip-rap pools directly below the outflow using minimal weight to navigate flat, slow-moving currents

Tips:

Photo by Ted Demetriou