Feb 19, 2021. This is easily one of the best rivers for anglers to catch fish on fall/winter dry flies. Terrestrials are also present during the summer and early fall. `Fall on the Arkansas Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir can provide some of the best fishing around the state. The largest groups of rainbows were around 6-8” and 11-18” (Figure 1). 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. Given Pueblo’s mild climate there are great Baetis and Midge hatches almost daily from October-March. Winter flows bring “winter sight fishing”on Pueblo’s Tailwater. : 30s-40s. 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. The O'Grady's parody Wicked Tuna and fill the video with some amazing fishing clips. The Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is a tailwater that flows through the town of Pueblo. Of the ballpark 900cfs flowrate, close to 500cfs of that is release water out of Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Reservoirs. 1) Its location in Pueblo is unique compared to the majority of other tailwaters around the state because of the weather patterns. Pueblo, Colorado offers some of the finest Fly Fishing in the state. 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 … 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. This makes sight fishing more difficult, requiring anglers to diligently fish deep pools and runs. 2) Another big factor here are the flows. Located only 2 hours from Denver, the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is an easy trip to make. Friday Report - Braden Baker . Along with the Rainbows, there is a very healthy Brown trout population. 3/5. The Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is a tailwater that flows through the town of Pueblo. Low/High-9/25 . 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. Latest update: 2/4/21 --Flows at Salida are 241 cfs as of today. Latest Arkansas River, Colorado fishing conditions with flows, weather, and hatches. Salida. 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. After making the short 2 hour drive to Pueblo, river access is quite abundant. Fly fishing the Arkansas River provides as much fun and excitement as any of the state's top trout streams. It is very possible to find open water on this section. 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. Wind. As Fall and Winter approach the flows will drop giving anglers great access to the river. ARKANSAS BASIN Fishing Report. Fish size here ranges from small to very large with Rainbows pushing the two-foot mark never out of the question. In the presence of a hatch, trout will rise in the tailouts of deep pools as well as the slow riffles. Along with nymphs, leech and worm patterns are highly effective. [13] Today, brown trout dominate the river, which also contains rainbow trout. 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. This report was written by Royal Gorge Anglers: … 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. Colorado Fishing Report: States. Anglers have the option of approaching the river from several locations. The river begins from several small headwater streams in the highest mountain range in Colorado, the Sawatch Mountains. Annual reports of very large Brown Trout are not uncommon. Watch for bank ice! Here the river is characterized by gentle bends, deep holes and majestic stands of cottonwood groves. 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… Average summer flows here make it a very difficult to wade. Fishing Conditions Lower Basin: Salida to Canon City. Rating. Once in Pueblo, drive west through downtown and continue west for a few miles. We sampled using a raft electro- fishing unit in 2019 and captured fish as large as 24 inches in length. Arkansas River. Focus on deep runs and structure with dead drifts or quick strips. Lastly, there are also a ton of streamer options here throughout the fall/winter. Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo Tailwater) General Overview. This will also allow you to fish some larger nymphs like Barr’s Emerger, BH Pheasant Tails, Micro Mayfly, and Soft Hackles. 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 insertion of rock weirs created additional pools where trout of various sizes feed and hold. Flows below Pueblo reservoir are at 80 CFS. 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. Look for trout to spread out in the afternoon, particularly Mon (2/22) through Wed (2/24) and consider fishing emerger patterns. Even the Tailwater has seen some significant ice flow, and that may continue for a few days. This stretch of the Arkansas River is best fished with a nymph setup but does provide for exceptional dry fly opportunities. 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. 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