Arkansas River Tailwater, Pueblo
Pueblo Tailwater Fishing Report: Pueblo Dam down to I-25
Date: June 3rd, 2026
Flow below dam: 120 cfs from the dam
Temperature: 51F From the Dam, 51 – 60F Downstream
Clarity: Good
June 3rd:
Conditions are ideal for wade fishing on the tailwater at this time. There has been three days of cuts to flows since the spring peak flow of 550 cfs on Sunday, and flows are now at 120 cfs from the dam. While much lower than normal for this time of year, the current flow is ideal for easy wading on the tailwater with excellent sight fishing opportunities and increased surface feeding. We continue to see strong midge and BWO hatches, as well as increasing trico and caddis activity.
With water temperatures remaining in the 50’s, the streamer action is definitely picking up and can be particularly good when there are afternoon storms developing.
We have openings in our guide schedule so give us a call if you’d like to experience the tailwater with the most qualified, local guides available. Tight lines!
May 29th:
Flows are back up a bit going into the weekend but are still at a very wadable level. Rock weirs and boulder clusters are always productive at this flow. Match the hatch is still important with size 18 – 22 flies being the primary focus. However, fish will feed a little more opportunistically at this flow so larger attractor patterns can be very effective at time.
May 26th:
Flows are back down below 100 cfs, including the hatchery outflow. We are alarmed that flows are this low during what would normally be the start of runoff, however, water temperatures are still in the low to mid 50’s so the trout are in excellent condition and are very active. Fishing can still be very technical at times, but there has been a good mix of midge and small mayflies hatching throughout the day. We encourage folks to get out and fish while water temperatures are good.
May 21st:
We have been fielding a lot call this week from folks concerned about flow changes below the dam. Looking at a graph, especially on a phone, can be very misleading. To put it simply, the only real concern about flows this year is if they get to low. The highest flow we’ve see so far is still well within the comfortable wading level. There are still many areas where you can safely wade across the river at 600 cfs on the tailwater. I am encouraging folks to get out and enjoy the tailwater as much as possible before flow get really low (well below 100 cfs) and water temperatures climb into the 70’s. I am hopeful that this will not happen before July be that really depends on what kind of weather we get in June.
For now, the water levels and water temperatures are in the ideal range for trout and the tailwater is seeing very good hatches of midge and blue-winged olives. We even had tricos hatching last week before the cold front moved in. I expect the tricos to resume hatching by Sunday or Monday and there are also caddis starting hatch. The next few weeks should offer amazing fishing so get out and enjoy! We still have openings in our guide schedule as well so give us a call if you want to experience the tailwater with the most qualified guides in the area. Thanks for checking in and as always, Tight Lines!
May 15th:
Flows have come up to a more typical level as inflows into the reservoir have risen steadily over the past several days with snowmelt. We are not expecting expecting much of a runoff this year but it is good to see that there is some snow left in the high country. The river is still easily waded at this level and water clarity should remain excellent.
Tricos have already started hatching and fishing have been found keying in on all stages of life in the early morning hours. Midge are active through most of the day and BWO’s are hatching in the afternoon hours. This an excellent time to fish the tailwater as consistent hatches are motivating fish to actively feed through much of the day.
Our guide trips are producing good numbers of fish along with many quality trout over 20 inches. Stop in the shop or give us a call and get your date reserved! (719) 543-3900 Tight lines!
Recommended Patterns:
UV Midge, Ninja, Tube Wing Midge #20 – 22
Wonder Baetis & Epoxy Back Baetis #20 – 22
RS2 & Sparkle Wing Rs2 #20 – 22
Extended Body BWO #18-20
Foam Para-Midge #18 – 22
Trico Spinner #22
True Blood Midge #16 – 22
Jigged Mini Leech #14
Streamers: Articulated Thinmint, Mini Sex Dungeon, Peanut Envy, Jigged Poacher
UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER: Canon City to Salida
Date: June 3rd, 2026
Flow @ Wellsville: 365 cfs
Temperature: 52 – 65F
Clarity: Good
June 3rd:
The upper Ark is fishing good and the summer hatches are just getting underway. Caddis, BWO’s and midge are all active and some larger mayflies and stoneflies are starting to hatch. Fish will often feed opportunistically on nymphs and attractor dries in the 12 – 16 size range but be prepared for matching the hatch when bugs are prolific. Flows are high enough for float fishing, yet low enough to be comfortable for wading fishing. Expect the best dry fly fishing early and late in the day, and whenever there is good cloud cover.
There is no guarantee long the float season will last this year given the low snowpack, so give the shop a call and book a float trip soon if you are itching to float!
May 19th:
The Upper Ark experienced a small peak in snowmelt last week that has since subsided. This may very well be the peak of runoff this year, although its too soon to say for sure. For now, clarity has improved and fishing conditions are near ideal. There is a mix of caddis, mayflies, midge and craneflies hatching but fish are often feeding opportunistically and it can be more important to experiment with fly size and color to determine what the fish are preferring that day. Golden stonefly nymphs are always a good lead fly when nymphing, as are various jigged nymphs like the blow torch, spanish bullet and napoleon jigs. Chubby chernobyls, stimulators and parachute caddis are good choice for dry flies.
May 15th:
The upper Arkansas has seen a daily ebb and flow with an upward trend that indicates high elevation snow melt is now occurring. Water clarity has diminished to no more than 18″, although fishing on today was still fairly productive using streamers, large dry flies and attractor nymphs. With a low snowpack and cooler temperatures in the extended forecast, we don’t expect to see runoff climb significantly. However, if you are planning a fishing trip for the upper Arkansas river over the next week or two, you should probably have some back up waters on your list just in case conditions deteriorate significantly due to runoff or rain.
May 5th:
The upper Ark is seeing a range of hatches including caddis, blue-winged olives, craneflies and midge. Water temperatures are in the ideal range and fish are actively looking to feed through much of the day. Mornings are consisting mostly of subsurface feeding with both nymphing and streamers being effective. Most hatches are occuring between 11am and 4pm, with good evening egg laying activity. Daily weather patterns will often dictate the best approach at any given time, but be watchful for subtle rises once adults are evident in the air.
April 16th:
The Upper Ark is fishing well with a mix of midge, baetis and caddis hatching throughout Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Fish will often feed opportunistically on the freestone stretch but be prepared to match the hatch during peak bug activity. Nymphing in the morning and early afternoon is very productive and dry fly opportunities are good in the afternoon and evening hours. When the clouds roll in and wind picks up the streamer fishing really turns on.
Alex is available for guided float trips and the float fishing will greatly improve once flows are over 300 cfs. Flows will likely start creeping up over the next week or two. With limited snowpack, the best float fishing of the year will likely be in May, June and early July.
April 4th:
Flows have trended back down to the mid-200 cfs range as the weather moderates and things start to feel more like spring and less like summer! Bug activity continues to be less important than the fact that fish have generally been in a springtime feeding mood and looking to put on weight after the lean winter months. A variety of general purpose nymphs (see list below) have been producing well. When a midge or BWO hatch pops up you may want to add something more imitative to you rig, but aside from surface feeders, it really hasn’t been necessary that often.
While a few caddis had started hatching in the Canyon, cooler weather seems to have halted further activity. Look for the best caddis activity this coming week in the Canon City area up to Parkdale.
March 25th:
Spring on the upper Arkansas River is well ahead of schedule and the fishing is excellent. BWO hatches are becoming a daily occurrence and there have even been some early caddis flying around. Friday’s cool down should slow the caddis progression but we could see some strong hatches next week throughout Bighorn Sheep Canyon which would be the earliest by far that I can remember.
While matching the hatch during prime hatch windows can be important, these fish generally respond well to a variety of nymphs in the 14-18 size range this time of year, and streamer fishing can also be stellar.
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
Tung. Trapper and Graphic caddis (caddis pupa) #14 – 16
Parachute Caddis and Peacock Caddis (dry/adult) #14-16
Two-Bit Golden Stone, Pat’s Rubber legs #10 – 14
Napoleon Jigs #16 – 18
Jigged CDC Carrot, Schuck-It Jig #14 – 16
Chubby Chernobyls #12-16
Tungsten Pheasant Tails #18 – 20
Streamers: Wounded Sculpin, Thinmint, Peanut Envy