Fishing Report For the Arkansas Tailwater

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Sept 27th, 2023

Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo Tailwater)

General Overview

Flows are now down in the average historic range for the Fall time period and with cooler overnight lows, the fishing is much more consistent on the tailwater. With red hot fishing on the Upper Arkansas, we're still focusing most of our efforts on the freestone...however, our guides are having some great days on the tailwater now as well. Fish will be most active during heavier lifecycle activity, which will also occur more in the lower light windows (Morning and Evening). The late Summer window and early Fall will definitely feature a return to smaller bugs...so be sure your box is loaded up with full lifecycles of Pseudocleon Baetis (Micro BWO's), Tricos and Midges.

A lot of spring fly fishing opportunities in the Royal Gorge Region...so give us a shout to get out on the water! Questions? Call us (719) 371-4530 or CLICK HERE for more information.

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...book soon for prime Spring dates, they're disappearing rapidly.

Stream Conditions

Flowrate: 126 cfs (plus ~20cfs out of the Hatchery)

Clarity: Clear

Suggested Methods

Best to revert back to smaller flies now that we have lower flows. Best success will be had focusing on Trico, Midge, and BWO lifecycle activity. Nymphing will still be your staple throughout the day but be prepared with small hatch matching dries and emergers as even the bigger fish have been found focused on the surface and sub-surface film if enough bugs are present. Streamer fishing can be a good tactic on cloudy days or early/ late when the light is lowest...slow dead swings on your streamer presentation.

Royal Gorge Anglers operates the oldest fly fishing guide service and full service flyshop on the Arkansas River Freestone and Arkansas River Tailwater. Our guide service also offers various guided fly fishing experiences on the South Platte River, Gunnison River, Stillwater, Private Ranches, Backcountry and more. CLICK HERE to Learn more about our Guided Trip Options or Call us (719) 371-4530 to talk to us directly...