Fishing Report For the Arkansas Tailwater
October 2nd, 2026
Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo Tailwater)
General Overview
The Arkansas Tailwater has seen a slight increase in release as increased native inflows from rainfall over the past week have brought a little more water into the system. Much cooler overnight temperatures have also significantly improved conditions heading into fall, with water temperatures now much more suitable for fishing throughout the day. The river remains relatively low, clear and technical, so stealth and presentation are still important. Longer leaders, lighter tippet and a careful approach will pay dividends, particularly through the quality water in the first three miles below the dam.
While conditions are now favorable throughout the day, the best activity continues to come during the morning hours as Tricos and Fall BWOs get moving. Tricos can provide excellent technical dry-fly opportunities early, while increasing BWO activity is becoming a bigger part of the daily program with the cooler fall weather. Midges and Caddis remain in the mix as well. Nymphing and Dry/Dropper rigs are productive early, but keep an eye on the surface and be ready to switch to dries when fish begin consistently looking up. Anglers who slow down, fish deliberately and capitalize on the morning hatch activity should find some excellent early-fall fishing.
Questions or ready to book a trip to learn the Tailwater better? We're the oldest outfitter on the Tailwater and our guides are excellent. Please call us at (719) 371-4530, or visit our Guide Trips online to inquire about availability if you're interested in booking a trip.
Stream Conditions
Flowrate: 340 cfs (plus ~18 cfs out of the Hatchery)
Clarity: Clear
Suggested Methods
A variety of methods are getting it done on the “Tail” right now, but we’ve been leaning heavily on Double Dry and Dry/Dropper rigs. With the low, clear water, these fish can be technical, so pay close attention to what they’re eating and adjust your presentation accordingly. When you see fish actively feeding on or near the surface, a small tan Caddis up front with a Trico or BWO trailer has been an excellent combination. Keep your presentations clean, your tippet light and be ready to downsize when necessary. When fish are holding deeper, focus your subsurface selection around the same active lifecycles. Caddis Pupa, Trico Nymphs/Emergers and micro BWO nymphs are all producing. Whether you’re fishing Dry/Dropper or a Double Nymph rig, keep your fly selection simple and match the bugs you’re seeing.
The biggest key right now is versatility—watch the water, identify where fish are feeding in the column and adjust your rig accordingly.