Fishing Report For the Arkansas Tailwater
July 17th, 2025
Arkansas River Tailwater below Pueblo Reservoir (Pueblo Tailwater)
General Overview
Flows are finally stabilizing and are much below average for this window of time, offering some good wade options for anglers. Focus your efforts in the early morning and evening for best success. You can float with a personal watercraft or raft just make sure you are clear on the put-ins and takeouts. The Upper Arkansas (Canon City upstream) is in great condition and is certainly the recommended section for you in June and July...especially with the hotter conditions in Pueblo.
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: 588 cfs (plus ~25 cfs out of the Hatchery)
Clarity: Strong Clarity, Summer Green Tint
Suggested Methods
A variety of methods will take fish on the Tailwater at higher water but don't bail on your core smaller flies (BWO's, Tricos, Midges). We do like to run a variety of attractor nymphs at higher flows that land in the Caddis, PMD and Worm categories. Nymphing will be your staple but Dry/ Dropper can also be effective on the edges. 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 early morning and evenings.
