Arkansas River Tailwater, Pueblo
Pueblo Tailwater Fishing Report: Pueblo Dam down to I-25
Date: March 10, 2026
Flow below dam: 80 cfs from the dam plus 20 cfs from hatchery outflow
Temperature: 39F From the Dam, 36 – 42F Downstream
Clarity: Very Good
March 10th:
The Rainbow spawn has been in full swing and should be finishing up by the end of the month. While many anglers feel the fishing is great during the spawn, the best fishing is by far after the spawn is complete and the fish turn their full attention to feeding. The caloric deficit created during the spawn drives fish to build their reserves back up and the only way to do that is by eating as much as possible at every opportunity. Combine this with warming water temperatures that trigger strong hatches and the result is actively feeding fish throughout much of the day.
Our guide trips are producing good numbers of fish along with some quality trout over 20 inches. Stop in the shop or give us a call and get your date reserved! (719) 543-3900 Tight lines!
February 18th:
Got a bump in flows of 20 cfs from dam this afternoon which will give the trout a little extra room to roam and provide a little more cover. Winter Water Storage ends on March 15th, at which point flows will likely be above 100 cfs going forward.
February 12th:
The warm weather we’ve experienced this winter has not gone unnoticed by the rainbows and there is a lot of early spawning activity occurring. Please be extra cautious to avoid wading through redds and fishing to actively spawning fish. Midge hatches have been steady and fish are moving into prime feeding lies when not distracted by spawning. Be sure to go light on tippet and downsize flies, particularly on the bright sunny days.
January 2nd:
Happy New Year and thank you for checking with us. The weather has been incredible and the fishing has been equally good. Water temperatures are still in the mid 40’s and the fish are active and still occupying a variety of water types. We are also seeing prolonged BWO hatches due to the warmer than normal water temperatures which is adding to the dry fly fishing opportunities. Midge are also hatching daily and will likely become the dominant hatch by mid to January.
The warm weather and holidays combined for increased fishing pressure but most people were still pleased to be fishing in late December without the need for gloves and extra layers. Pressure should let up some over the coming weeks but expect to have to share the river with plenty of other likeminded anglers.
Our guide schedule is pretty open at the moment so give us a call and come experience the tailwater with the most experienced guides available!
Recommended Patterns:
Dorsey’s Medallion Midge, UV Foam Emerger, Ninja Midge #20 – 24
KF Flasher #20 – 24
True Blood Midge #16 – 22
Bling Midge #20 – 24
Stalcup Baetis #18 – 22
Sparkle Wing Rs2 #20 – 22
Foam Para-Midge #18 – 22
Eric’s Midge #20- 22
Flashtail Mini Egg #16
Jigged Mini Leech #14
UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER: Canon City to Salida
Date: March 10th, 2026
Flow @ Wellsville: 260 cfs
Temperature: 38-48F, even reaching the low 50’s on warm afternoons
Clarity: Good
March 9th:
The Upper Arkansas through Bighorn Sheep Canyon is quickly moving into prime spring conditions. The freestone section never really saw significant ice accumulation this winter and water temperatures are several weeks ahead of normal. Midge are hatching late morning and the BWO’s are hatching to some degree every afternoon starting between 1 and 2pm. Within a week or so we be seeing very strong BWO hatches as water temps consistently reach into the upper 40’s and low 50’s. Flows are a bit lower than normal so wading anglers can move about the river with relative ease. Fish are largely begun to spread out from their winter lies and all manner of water types are holding fish.
Recommended Patterns:
WD40’s, RS2’s and Foamback Emergers #20 – 22
Stalcup Baetis, Darth Baetis, F.O.D #18 – 22
Juju Baetis & Mercury Rs2 #18 – 20
BWO Adult & Adams #18 – 20
Two-Bit Golden Stone, Pat’s Rubber legs #10 – 14
Napoleon Jigs #16 – 18
Violet Tail Jig #16-18
Tungsten Pheasant Tails #18 – 20
Streamers: Wounded Sculpin, Thinmint, Peanut Envy