NEW Arkansas Tailwater Fly Fishing Video Report (Early Spring)

Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo Tailwater)

General Overview

After one of the colder weeks of the year in the 2nd week of February, the Pueblo area has rebounded dramatically with highs in the 60's the last several days...and rather temperate weather is expected in the long-term forecast. We very well might be moving into the "Early Spring" window in this neck of the woods as is rather typical around early March year to year. Look for the rainbow population to begin to group up as they enter pre-spawn, so please do be considerate of fish on "Redds" and actively spawning fish...but plan some days to get out and enjoy the Tailwater!

Flows are a bit lower than the Winter average, which has pushed fish very tight to structure and into what deeper tailouts and pools that remain. Still alot of pressure and technical fishing, but if you know where to be and how to rig...pretty hard to beat the Ark Tailwater in Early Spring! We've got some really solid weather here this weekend, so take advantage!

 Though its a small bug game for certain, those bugs (BWOs & Midges) have been very active within all lifecycle stages. We've had some nice overcast days, which are always great for heavier activity in the BWO emerger and adult categories...and on the flip-side your brighter/ blue bird days the Midge category will typically be your breadwinner. Because of the consistency the Tailwater offers, pressure has been heavy at times, so expect for fishing to be technical throughout the Winter season.

Clarity is very strong on the Tailwater and flows are low. Its a small bug game on the majority of our fisheries now, but you can expect to see hatches of Midges, Tricos and Fall Baetis throughout the course of the day. Our guides have been producing some great trips on the Tailwater as of late, and the long-term forecast looks fantastic ...plan some days! The "Early Spring" season offers some of the most productive fishing of the year on the Tailwater with building BWO lifecycle activity, so plan some days...and if you're ready to take your game to the next level, give us a shout to grab a guide for a day! (888) 994-6743 ext 2

 Give us a shout if you'd like to book a winter wade trip or pre-book a float trip next season with our phenomenal tailwater guides (888) 994-6743 ext 2...available float dates are limited as we are the only float outfitter on the tailwater. 

*Note: Remember, the Arkansas Tailwater is one of the most consistent Winter fisheries in the state of Colorado! We are beginning to book many of our Winter Days to capacity already.  Please call us at (888) 994-6743 ext 2, or visit our Guide Trips online to inquire about availability if you're interested in booking a trip...before all our days are gone!

Stream Conditions

Above Pueblo Flowrate: 44 cfs (Hatchery Outflow is ~20cfs)

Clarity:  Clear

Suggested Methods

The "Early Spring" Season on the Arkansas Tailwater involves very consistent bug activity...and though for the most part its a Small Bug game, we do start to fish some larger flies with fish in pre-spawn. Be ready with full lifecycles of Midges, Tricos and Mayflies (Small/ Dark BWO's). Our guides have began to take fish on larger attractor nymphs as well in the Cranefly Larva, Psycho Prince, and Two-Bit Hooker categories. While technical low water nymphing rigs will of course be your staple, be sure you're prepared with a solid selection of emergers and dries. With lower flows, look for fish to be condensed in the heavier structure and deep tailouts.  

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 (888) 994-6743 ext 2 to talk to us directly...