Arkansas River Tailwater, Pueblo
Fishing Report for the Arkansas River Tailwater, Pueblo:
Date: January 21st, 2025
Flow: 85 cfs from dam and 20 cfs from the fish hatchery outflow
Temperature: 38F from the dam
Clarity: Good, 3-4′
****** The 14th Annual Frostbite Fish Off will be held February 1st ******
This event is the local TU Chapter’s only major fundraiser of the year. To volunteer or compete visit:
https://tu.myeventscenter.com/event/Mountain-Aire-Mechanicaltrout-Unlimited-2025-103430
If you aren’t participating we kindly ask that you fish below Pueblo Blvd this one day of the year.
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January 21st:
The recent cold spells have keep fishing pressure light on the tailwater while water temperatures have dropped to an annual low of 38F from the dam. There is some skim ice on slow flat water areas but this will melt off later this week as daytime highs get back into the 30’s and 40’s. As temps warm you can expect to see decent midge hatches between 10am and 3pm most days that will draw fish into active feeding lanes. When there isn’t a hatch in progress, look for fish to be holding in areas will slow currents where they can conserve energy. These may be deep pools or areas of shallower water with a low gradient. Yarn indicators can be helpful in detecting strikes in such water. Water clarity is good so try to sight fish before you cast when lighting allows.
December 26th:
Water clarity has significantly improved over the past two weeks which has allowed for much easier sight fishing. Look for fish in prime feeding lies when either midge or BWOs are emerging. Midge have been the main hatch and will continue to dominate the food source now until spring. However, BWO’s can emerge in significant numbers on any given day. When no hatch is evident, it’s a good idea to have on a caddis larva or leech imitation.
As water temperatures continue to cool, fish will start to spend more time is areas of slower currents when there isn’t a hatch occurring. When you are targeting these slower, and often deeper stretches, it’s imperative to get your rig dialed in so your flies are drifting just off bottom. Any hesitation or subtle movement of your line/indicator could be a take so don’t hesitate to set the hook.
The brown trout have finished spawning but the eggs will not hatch until spring. Please keep an eye out for redds to avoid wading through them and crushing the eggs. Thanks for reading and Tight Lines!
December 1st:
Fishing on the tailwater has improved significantly over the past few weeks. Water temperatures are in the ideal range and we are seeing good midge hatches along with the start of some decent BWO hatches. Fish are generally seeking out feeding lies with good current from around 9am to about 2pm. This is often water that is less than 4 feet in depth and can sometimes be as shallow as a foot in riffle water. An exception is behind full rock weirs, where the water is often deeper, but the current is bringing in a steady supply of emerging insects from the shallow water above the weir. The dry fly fishing has been a bit dissappointing thus far as it has primarily been young of the year rainbows that are looking up. This could definitely change at anytime if we get some strong BWO hatches that are common in December.
November 15th:
Winter Water Storage on Pueblo Reservoir began this morning at 12am. Flows will remain nearly level for the next several months with a target flow of 100 cfs, which includes the hatcher outflow. This stabilization in flows generally coincides with the start of our fall BWO hatches and this year seems to be no different. Despite relatively poor water clarity, you can expect to find fish feeding on top during peak hatch periods on both BWO’s and midge. Nymphing will certainly be productive as well but don’t overlook opportunities to catch big fish on little dry flies. We hope you enjoy the start of the “winter” season on the tailwater!
Recommended Patterns:
UV Emerging Thunder/Foam Back #22-26
Top Secret Midge, Ninja midge, Mercury Black Beauty #20-24
FOD, Top Secret Baetis, JuJu Baetis #18-22
Other: Jigged Sexy Walts, Squirrel Leech, True Blood, Tungsten San Juan Worm, egg patterns
Streamers: Peanut Envy, Wounded Sculpin, Thinmint, Big Gulp and Sparkle Yummy Minnow
UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER: Canon City to Salida
Date: January 21st, 2025
Flow @ Wellsville: 382 cfs
Temperature: 33- 36F
Clarity: Good
January 21st:
The upper Ark has significant ice accumulation due to the recent cold spells and is not fishable at this time. Once we get several days of warmer weather there will be some areas with good sunlight that clear of ice and slush.
December 26th:
Water temperatures on the upper Ark are now in the mid 30’s and the “upper Ark” is offering winter conditions that typically last until mid-February or early March. Look for fish to be congregated in primary pools that offer good depth and slower currents. The depth offers fish a sense of protection from predators while the slow currents mean fish can spend as little energy as possible while their metabolisms (and food consumption) are low. If you are looking for solitude and want to fish the upper Ark, pay attention on the weather patterns and try to go after a there has been two or more days of mild weather. If nigh time lows are dropping into the teens or single digits there will be a decent layer of slush on the surface until late morning so don’t be in a rush to get on the water. Fishing close to Salida can be a good option as this area generally doesn’t get as cold at night and the river here receives a fair amount of direct sunlight. The main thing to remember is to focus on primary pools and get you nymphs down to bottom as fast as possible!
Recommended Patterns:
UV Emerging Thunder/Foam Back #22-26
Mercury Black Beauty, WD40, RS2 #18 – 22
Juju Baetis and FOD #20-22
Tungsten Caddis Larva #16-18
Mercer’s Epoxy Golden Stone and Cravens Two-Bit Golden Stone #10-14