Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo Tailwater)

General Overview

*Flows have been all over the place the last several weeks! As soon as flows stabilize the fishing will return to its usual great self, until then fish the Freestone in Canon City or Bighorn Canyon. The weather has been fantastic for the last several weeks, and the upcoming forecast looks very warm. Spring is here and the generally fantastic Spring fishing with it! Most of our guides have been focusing on the Freestone from Canon City up to Howard simply due to the dramatic warm up, consistent fishing and fewer people...however the Tailwater will continue to offer you some good options. Please do be aware of actively spawning fish and redds...spawning activity has really ramped up within the rainbow/ cutt-bow population on the tailwater the last week or so.

Most of our guides have now switched their focus to the Arkansas Tailwater with winter conditions setting in on the freestone section (Canon City upstream). We've seen some very consistent fishing on the tailwater here thus far in December with strong hatch activity in the Midge and Pseudo Baetis (Micro BWO) categories. Our guides are also finding some fish with smaller streamers. In general, as long as flows stay consistent...the Tailwater will be one of the very best winter fly fishing options in the state.

Stream Conditions

Flowrate: 612 cfs (plus ~25 cfs out of the Hatchery)

Clarity: Clear

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 the winter, but the fishing is quite technical.

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...