Pueblo Fly Fishing

Pueblo fly fishing is becoming increasingly popular; the tail waters below the Pueblo Reservoir represent the premium winter fly fishing waters along the entire Front Range of the Colorado Rockies --- AND VERY FEW HAVE EVER EVEN HEARD OF THEM!!

With wintertime temperatures that range 10 to 15 degrees warmer than any location along the foothills of the Rockies; Pueblo, Colorado is rapidly becoming the destination of choice for anglers throughout the high plains region. How has this come to pass, you might ask. Why haven't I heard of this years ago?

The reason you may have not heard of this little slice of fly fishing paradise is until two years ago, these same tail waters suffered the scouring effect of high water release from the Pueblo Reservoir every spring, leaving no fish in the river until the following fall, when it was re-stocked. Two years ago, the City of Pueblo built a series of rock obstructions in the 8 miles of river channel below the reservoir as part of the creation of a olympic-grade kayak racing course. These obstructions (weirs) created the very conditions necessary to support a year-around fish habitat, allowing the summer stock to survive through the winter into the next season, resulting in a trophy-sized fish population for excellent Pueblo fly fishing.

The rock weirs allow the fish, as well as the insect population, protection from the increased flow volumes created when the flood gates are opened to release irrigation water for agricultural use in the lower Arkansas River Valley each spring and summer. 2024 was the third season of "hold-over" trout in the Pueblo tail-waters. With December temperatures in the mid-forties to mid-fifties, and the fly fishing conditions for Rainbow, Brown, and Cutbow trout near perfect, it makes for an incredibly enjoyable time.

In addition to the structures added to the river, the City of Pueblo has built a paved trail system adjacent to the Arkansas River extending from the reservoir to downtown Pueblo. (approximately 8 miles) with picnic areas and the Pueblo Nature Center along the route, fly fishing these waters in the 'short sleeve' weather frequently experienced here between mid-November to mid-March is an angler's delight!

Although the trail system along the river below the Pueblo Reservoir makes access to these waters fast and easy, nothing can ruin an outing more than taking on unfamiliar waters without a knowledgeable guide. Why trudge for miles, navigating unfamiliar river banks and stream beds, only to lose your favorite fly in the branches of that pesky tree that always seems to appear in your casting arc, winding up the day wet and tired without a clueas to where to go for a hot drinks and some relaxation? Pueblo fly fishing is meant to be fun!

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