This is easily one of the best rivers for anglers to catch fish on fall/winter dry flies. After making the short 2 hour drive to Pueblo, river access is quite abundant. Weekly Report Report Date Feb. 4, 2021 The Upper Arkansas near Salida continues to be a viable freestone option for anglers looking to ditch the busy tailwaters. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! Over the past several years, the city of Pueblo has undergone major stream restoration efforts on this piece of water. Lakes & Reservoirs. We had som… Arkansas River Fishing Report Winter Below Pueblo . Stonefly nymphs have also been effective in the faster riffles. We wouldn’t call this river technical but with low flows (mid 200 cfs) and high water clarity, anglers will need to be a little more stealthy and precise than they do during the summer. Colorado Fishing Report: States. Arkansas river at pueblo colorado fly fishing s leadville colorado statewide fishing report and colorado fishing report for the week of arkansas river the catch and hatch. Bear Creek … Weather @ARKANSAS BASIN - Updated February 14, 2021 - 11:02pm by OpenWeather. Of the ballpark 900cfs flowrate, close to 500cfs of that is release water out of Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Reservoirs. For larger nymphs and streamers a 9-foot 6-wt with a sink tip fly line makes life easier. Arkansas River Pueblo, CO (4,692ft) The Arkansas tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir is one of Colorado’s best fisheries, period. In the presence of a hatch, trout will rise in the tailouts of deep pools as well as the slow riffles. This stretch experiences all the major Colorado hatches including midges, baetis, caddis and stoneflies. Clarity is very good right now with just enough tint to allow the fish to feel less exposed than if it was crystal clear. The headwaters of the Arkansas River, in central Colorado, have been known for exceptional trout fishing, particularly fly fishing, since the 19th century, when greenback cutthroat trout dominated the river. Reports indicate that there has been significant fish activity after sundown. Watch for bank ice! Arkansas River fishing below Pueblo will only get better as the flows and temperatures rise. The city of Pueblo has made significant river improvements over the last several years, making this stretch of the Arkansas a productive and highly sought after fly fishing destination… If you’re not interested in getting in and out of the car, there is a bike path along the river that makes exploring the river easy. The most success has been on jerkbaits, specifically in orange, and other hard plastics. There is an abundance of species in this tailwater from Bass to Rainbow Trout, however the upper few miles below the dam are where most people focus their efforts targeting trout. ARKANSAS RIVER AT PUEBLO Rainbow trout fishing is a staple for the river and 10” fish are stocked monthly. The river begins from several small headwater streams in the highest mountain range in Colorado, the Sawatch Mountains. Multiple parking lots along this stretch of river make parking easy and provide a good opportunity to bounce around to different sections throughout the day. The river consists of deep pools, slow runs and riffles. In contrast to the upper freestone part of the river, east of the Pueblo Reservoir there is great tailwater fishing. Both ramps are open for launching and loading, 5am to 6pm. Water Temp. Even the Tailwater has seen some significant ice flow, and that may continue for a few days. Numbers of rainbows are slightly higher above Pueblo Blvd, and fishing the habitat structures … At this point, the heavy nymph rig continues to produce the most consistent results. Be aware, a $7 entrance fee is required if you access the river near the dam. Tailwater Below Pueblo Dam Great For Winter Fishing … Date: 01-Feb-21: Water Condition: Water Temperature : Conditions : Arkansas River - Leadville to Buena Vista - As of 1/27/2021, Braden Baker with Ark Anglers writes, The upper river is very cold and icy. Low/High-9/25 . `Fall on the Arkansas Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir can provide some of the best fishing around the state. Flow. Mang Iings on August 25, 2020 August 25, 2020. If you are not seeing results, rig up a bigger point fly like a leech or stonefly followed by any of the aforementioned trailer flies. When nymphing, we recommend leading with a small attractor pattern like a Rainbow Warrior, red Copper John, Blood Midge or Demon Midge followed by one or more more smaller imitative midge larva/pupa or baetis patterns like a Top Secret, Mercury Black Beauty, Zebra Midge, Mercury RS2 (black), or Darth Baetis. 1) Its location in Pueblo is unique compared to the majority of other tailwaters around the state because of the weather patterns. As the river makes its 152-mile journey from the headwaters of the Arkansas to Lake Pueblo, it can be a placid stream or a roaring river. The largest groups of rainbows were around 6-8” and 11-18” (Figure 1). This year’s “winter flow” out of the dam is slightly higher than last year which is great. This will also allow you to fish some larger nymphs like Barr’s Emerger, BH Pheasant Tails, Micro Mayfly, and Soft Hackles. Friday 2/19, 2021. Along with nymphs, leech and worm patterns are highly effective. Average summer flows here make it a very difficult to wade. This fishery generally begins to turn on later in the year for a few reasons. We won't see a return of gin clear conditions until after runoff, but remember that fish still eat heavily in tinted water. Flows below Pueblo reservoir are at 80 CFS. As Fall and Winter approach the flows will drop giving anglers great access to the river. Fishing Conditions Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City. Arkansas River Fishing Tips A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Arkansas River. If you’re interested in Fly Fishing Pueblo, The Drift is your one-stop fly shop! Mid-March into April will bring the emergence of BWO’s, and the dry fly fishing, especially on cloudy days can be phenomenal. Bug life here is superabundant with everything from Caddis to various Mayflies to Midges being present in good numbers. Anglers have the option of approaching the river from several locations. Picnic tables are also abundant along the river. Fishing Fishing Report Arkansas River Pueblo Colorado. Current River Flow Updates. Small midges and caddis larvae are on the menu as of late. Not only does the Arkansas have huge numbers of fish (check out our Arkansas River fly fishing reports), but it also has some fish that may raise and eyebrow or two. Compared to other tailwaters in Colorado, the Pueblo tailwater is generally more off colored throughout most of the year. Fishing will be better in the river’s calmer areas, but even if the river appears calm in spots, it has strong currents and care must be taken when wading. That said, small midge larva and pupa will produce the best results. In true tailwater fashion, the fishing here can get quite technical at times so be prepared to fish long leaders, 6x or 7x tippet, and flies into the size 22-24 range. `Fall on the Arkansas Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir can provide some of the best fishing around the state. 2) Another big factor here are the flows. This Pueblo Reservoir tailwater is approximately 8.5 miles long from the base of the dam, through Pueblo to the confluence of Fountain Creek at the Runyon State Wildlife area. After an uncharacteristic cold spell, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Terrestrials are also present during the summer and early fall. Fish will eagerly feed on the surface during these hatches, keying in on both emergers and adults. Temperature-8 °F. ARKANSAS BASIN River Gauge View Detailed Information. ARKANSAS BASIN Fishing Report. We sampled using a raft electro- fishing unit in 2019 and captured fish as large as 24 inches in length. During the winter, anglers itching to fish a hatch and toss dry flies should check out this stretch as the warmer weather in Pueblo aids in more consistent hatch activity compared to the other tailwaters in Colorado. Latest Arkansas River, Colorado fishing conditions with flows, weather, and hatches. We have … 2021 Fly Fishing 101 Dates: March 20, April 3, April 17, May 1, May 15, June 5 . Fly Recommendations- Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, Adams, Purple Haze, Film Critic, Griffiths Gnat, Scuds, Sowbugs, Sprout Baetis, Sprout Midge, Bucksins, Barr’s BWO emerger, Juju Baetis, Rojo Midges, Brassies, Red/Black Copper John’s, Mercury Black Beauty, Zebra Midge, Jujubee Midges, Bling midges, RS2s, Pheasant Tails, Wooly Buggers, Sculpzillas, Pine Squirrel Leeches, Sparkle Minnows, Slumpbusters. Above Pueblo Flowrate: 64.9 cfs (Hatchery Outflow is ~20cfs) ... Our guide service also offers various guided fly fishing experiences on the South Platte River, Gunnison River, Stillwater, Private Ranches, Backcountry and more. Here the river is characterized by gentle bends, deep holes and majestic stands of cottonwood groves. Anglers will have the opportunity to catch brown and rainbow trout ranging from 8 – 20 + inches”. The Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is a tailwater that flows through the town of Pueblo. Focus most of your attention to the deeper and slower moving runs and pools as this is where trout will congregate most of the morning and early afternoon. It is very possible to find open water on this section. This stretch of the Arkansas River is best fished with a nymph setup but does provide for exceptional dry fly opportunities. While temperatures around the state plunge, Pueblo has a very mild climate generally 10-20 degrees warmer on the daily average compared to Denver. Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo Tailwater) General Overview. Conditions are day to day this time of year (which is typical)...that being said, the river is still holding around 2ft of visibility with good edge clarity and is fishing relatively well. Here cutthroats and rainbows are abundant while the trophy browns, usually older and wiser fish, tend to be difficult to catch. All Rights Reserved. Fish size here ranges from small to very large with Rainbows pushing the two-foot mark never out of the question. Rivers. The upper 4 miles of this tailwater, which flows through the town of Pueblo, is the most popular stretch of this river and was even featured in the book "The 50 Best Tailwaters to Fly Fish" by Wendy and Terry Gunn. Sign Up For the Latest News, Sales And Deals, © 2021 Trouts Fly Fishing. Throughout most of the year, 4x and 5x tippet is sufficient. Winter flows bring “winter sight fishing”on Pueblo’s Tailwater. This premier tailwater offers excellent opportunities for big Rainbow, Brown, and Cuttbow Trout, with typically less crowding than commonly seen on other famous Colorado tailwaters. With over 300 miles of river, the Arkansas River starts it journey deep in the Sawatch Mountains (highest mountain range in Colorado) and runs unobstructed until it reaches the eastern plains and a dam in the town of Pueblo. Fly fishing the Arkansas River provides as much fun and excitement as any of the state's top trout streams. The technical angler will be perfectly at home here. 0 mph. As of 12/3/2020, anglers have had success at pulling in a variety of fish at Lake Pueblo. Look for trout to spread out in the afternoon, particularly Mon (2/22) through Wed (2/24) and consider fishing emerger patterns. This tailwater section of the Arkansas River, located below Pueblo Reservoir, has quickly become a popular destination for anglers near and far. You may be surprised at what winds up on the other end of the line. This is the Spring 2018 edition of the O'Grady Fly Fishing Adventures. Feb 19, 2021. Rating. Keep experimenting until you get results. We are a full-service fly shop offering quality products, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and guided fishing trips for all levels of fly fishing enthusiasts. Given Pueblo’s mild climate there are great Baetis and Midge hatches almost daily from October-March. Fly Fishing Denver; Front Range Waters ; South Platte; Blue River; Arkansas River; Taylor River; Roaring Fork; Colorado River; Gunnison River; Yampa River; Fly Fishing Blog; Resources; Contact; Front Range Waters. We do some early winter fishing on the Arkansas River Tailwater in Pueblo, CO. Arkansas River Pueblo Fly Fishing Report Date: October 27, 2012 Arkansas River Pueblo Flow: 35 CFS Denver Carp Flies: #18-22 Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Olive RS2, #18-22 Black Beauty, #20-22 Miracle Nymph, #20-22 Parachute Adams, #20-22 CDC Comparadun, #20-22 Olive CDC Rs2, #20-22 Olive Midge Larva, 6MM Glow Roe Troutbeads Cold weather and a bit of […] Located at lower elevation, this section of the Arkansas River … 1) Its location in Pueblo is unique compared to the majority of other tailwaters around the state because of the weather patterns. Friday Report - Braden Baker . The Browns are fairly elusive here given the abundance of structure these fish have to hold in, however streamers and nymphs are a great way to move these fish. Sponsored by. Along with the Rainbows, there is a very healthy Brown trout population. Shop Hand-Picked Pueblo tailwater Flies The tailwater on the Arkansas river has blossomed into one of the best fisheries in the state, and its a short distance from town. Flow at Wellsville: 225 cfs. As such, productivity will improve as trout will begin to feed more heavily throughout the day and move more freely across the water. However, during periods with low flows (30 cfs – 100 cfs) and/or high water clarity, 6x and 7x tippet may be necessary. The O'Grady's parody Wicked Tuna and fill the video with some amazing fishing clips. It divided into two sections by City Park, just of Pueblo Boulevard. Trout primarily hold and feed in the deep pools and runs making a heavy nymph setup an ideal tactic. This river is home to a healthy population of rainbow and brown trout eager to take a well-presented fly. If you find that access is too crowded closer to the dam, travel further downstream. Salida. While cold weather will persist through Thurs (2/18), air temps will begin to rise starting on Fri (2/19) and extend through the end of the week. Its May 14th, that means we're on the edge of runoff season. This stretch of river is home to some of the most vibrant Rainbow Trout in the state thanks to the never-ending food supply created by the dam. Well, this long weekend has presented some of the coldest weather we've seen in a decade in Southcentral Colorado. However, don’t hesitate to throw a baetis or caddis imitation their way. Lastly, there are also a ton of streamer options here throughout the fall/winter. Fly fishing the arkansas river 10 fantastic fishing spots in colorado colorado statewide fishing report arkansas river pueblo tailwater arkansas river fishing report winterArkansas River Fishing Report Winter Below PuebloWinter Fly Fishing The Arkansas River Tailwater ColoradoColorado Fly Fishing S Steel City Anglers Best InPueblo Colorado Fly Fishing Arkansas RiverTailwater Below Pueblo … You can park near the reservoir dam and hike downriver, midriver- near the Raptor Center (on Nature Center Road), or downstream- just north of the intersection of N. Pueblo Blvd and Hwy 96 (Thatcher Rd.). The city of Pueblo has made significant river improvements over the last several years, making this stretch of the Arkansas a productive and highly sought after fly fishing destination, especially in the winter. Annual reports of very large Brown Trout are not uncommon. Pueblo, Colorado offers some of the finest Fly Fishing in the state. fishing below Pueblo Reservoir. Best as a winter fishery, it is heavily stocked with rainbows each year and provides anglers a chance to catch a lot of small fish (8-14”) with opportunities throughout the river to catch some sizeable fish as well. This makes sight fishing more difficult, requiring anglers to diligently fish deep pools and runs. This report was written by Royal Gorge Anglers: … [13] Today, brown trout dominate the river, which also contains rainbow trout. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Arkansas River in Colorado! Once at the river, parking is abundant and there is a bike path running the majority of the river. This fishery generally begins to turn on later in the year for a few reasons. The insertion of rock weirs created additional pools where trout of various sizes feed and hold. Arkansas River. ArkAnglers 7500 Highway 50 Salida, Colorado 81201 719-539-4223 or 719-539-3474 There are some areas between the Lake Creek confluence and Buena Vista that will still offer … The Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is a tailwater that flows through the town of Pueblo. Pueblo Reservoir is located just a few miles west of town. Latest update: 2/4/21 --Flows at Salida are 241 cfs as of today. : 30s-40s. Arkansas River, Lower Basin: ArkAnglers and Arkansas River Fly Shop Arkansas River, Pueblo Tailwater: Fly Cast Arkansas River, Upper: Fly Cast Arkansas River: Colorado Fly Fishing Guides Arkansas River: Mountain Angler Aurora Reservoir: Colorado Parks & Wildlife Barr Lake: Colorado Parks & Wildlife Big Thompson River: Kirks Flyshop Big Thompson River: Fly cast Big Thompson River… The results of this work has created a truly fantastic fishery where fish over 20 inches are common. 254 cfs. Fish populations are very healthy here and even hold some truly goliath trout. Located only 2 hours from Denver, the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is an easy trip to make. Focus on deep runs and structure with dead drifts or quick strips. 3/5. 18-20″ fish are not out of the question, in fact there are rumors of even larger … Home; Current Reports; Guide Service; Hatch Chart; Destinations. Wind. Once in Pueblo, drive west through downtown and continue west for a few miles. 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