Fishing Report For the Arkansas Tailwater
June 9th, 2025
Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo Tailwater)
General Overview
Flows have increased with increased flows coming into the reservoir and downstream water calls. These flows are not suitable to wade with exception of a few areas. You can float with a personal watercraft or raft just make sure you are clear on the put-ins and takeouts.
A variety of methods will take fish on the Tailwater in the Spring, but your tried and true small bug (Midge/ Trico/ Pseudo Baetis) nymph and dry fly rigs will be your heavy hitters. Don't be afraid to bring a streamer rod though, as we're seeing some nice fish taken on tandem streamer rigs especially in the evenings.
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: 1980 cfs (plus ~25 cfs out of the Hatchery)
Clarity: Tinted
Suggested Methods
Technical nymphing is certainly your best method to get into numbers of fish. Midges, Tricos and Fall Baetis (BWOs) will be your focal point until next Spring. Keep some small dry flies on hand in the same bug categories as you will certainly see some sporadic hatch activity. We'll mix in some small leeches to our nymph rigs at times and keep a streamer rod handy for the low light time periods. Pretty basic rigging in on the Tailwater, but the fishing is quite technical.
