Arkansas River - Below Pueblo Reservoir - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Arkansas River – Below Pueblo Reservoir - Water Flow Chart
Arkansas River – Below Pueblo Reservoir - Weather report & radar
Arkansas River – Below Pueblo Reservoir - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midge |
| March | Blue-Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | 18-22 | BWO Sparkle Dun |
| Midges | Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midge | |
| April | Blue-Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | 18-22 | BWO Sparkle Dun |
| Midges | Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midge | |
| May | Caddis | All Day | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| June | Stoneflies | All Day | 10-14 | Golden Stonefly |
| July | Stoneflies | All Day | 10-14 | Golden Stonefly |
| Caddis | Morning/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | 12-16 | Ant, Beetle, and Hopper patterns |
| Caddis | Morning/Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | 12-16 | Ant, Beetle, and Hopper patterns |
| October | Blue-Winged Olives | Late Afternoon | 18-22 | BWO Sparkle Dun |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18-26 | Zebra Midge |
Arkansas River – Below Pueblo Reservoir Access Points
The Arkansas River below the Pueblo Reservoir offers a numerous access points for fly fishing lovers. Here are some of the best locations:
- Pueblo Reservoir Tailwater: This site, downstream from the Pueblo dam, accommodates angler access and provides ample space for fly casting. It is one of the most popular sections, known for its large rainbow and brown trout.
- Riverwalk: Located in downtown Pueblo, it offers multiple public access points along a well-maintained path.
- Runyon/Fountain Lakes Wildlife Area: This location presents great opportunities for trout fishing. It’s about 3 miles downstream of Pueblo.
- Canon City Riverwalk: Provides excellent fly fishing opportunities. The riverwalk trailhead can be located at Sell Ave or Ash Street in Canon City.
Arkansas River – Below Pueblo Reservoir Fishing Spots
The Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is known for its large population of brown trout and holds some of the best spots for fly fishing.
- City Park: This is an urban park with a section of the river running through it. Ample fish and easy access make it a popular choice.
- Pueblo Tailwater: This section of the river is designated Gold Medal Water by the state, indicating a high density of large trout.
- River Watch Resort: Aside from being a great fishing spot, it also offers accommodation for overnight trips.
- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area: This area offers miles of river with many great spots to cast your line.
Arkansas River – Below Pueblo Reservoir Local Fish Species
- Arkansas River Rainbow Trout: Known for their beautiful rainbow-like colors, these fish are native to the Arkansas River music and offer exciting battles for anglers.
- Brown Trout: One of the most common fish species in the Arkansas River, brown trout are often very sizeable and present a great challenge to fly fishermen.
- Mountain Whitefish: Though not as famous as trout, Mountain Whitefish are still a popular target due to their numbers in the river and resilience to changing conditions.
- Greenback Cutthroat Trout: As the state fish of Colorado, this rare and unique species is often the prized catch of many fly fishers in the Arkansas River.
- Brook Trout: Brook Trout in the Arkansas River are known for their vibrant colors and patterns, making them a favorite among many fly fishermen.
- Golden Trout: Recognized for their brilliant golden color, catching one of these rare species is often considered a trophy in the fly fishing world.
- Bluegill: While smaller than most trout, Bluegill are known for their fight and are a popular species for beginners to practice their fly fishing skills.
- Yellow Perch: Though not native to the area, Yellow Perch are often found in the Arkansas River and offer an exciting catch for fly fishermen with their strong fights and delicious taste.
About the Arkansas River – Below Pueblo Reservoir
The Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir is steeped in rich history and filled with amazing tales. It’s one of the most important water sources in the western United States.
Established in the 1700s, during early Spanish explorations, the river acquired its name from the French interpretation of a Sioux term, meaning “land of downriver people”. It soon became a prominent exploration and trade route.
- In the 19th century, the river served as a vital route for early settlers during the ‘Gold Rush Era’.
- The Pueblo Reservoir, built in the 1970s as a part of the Fryingpan-Arkansas project, is a testament to mankind’s ingenious ways to harness nature’s abundance.
This historic river delivers more than just water, serving as a haven for all sorts of wildlife, attracting innumerable species of fish and birds – a true paradise for nature lovers.
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