Fishing Season: Year Around

Arkansas River Tailwater - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

58

Royal Gorge Anglers's Tip of the Week

Increased flows due to runoff and water calls. Currently running at approx 1200 cfs. Some areas are fishable from shoreline, wading is not recommended.

Directions open in app

Map of Arkansas River Tailwater

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Royal Gorge Anglers
Angler's Covey

5-Day Outlook as of 6/16/25

Flows will remain increased during runoff, look for sudden water drops, fish will get active and feed well.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/16/25

Fishing close to the bank will be your best option. Use larger patterns such as worms and leeches. Plenty of weight will be needed due to high flows.

Local Species Available Year Around

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbow Trout; Brown Trout

Royal Gorge Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
RS2 black 20,22
Sparkle Dun black 22
Bead Head Brassie™ natural 20
Griffith's Gnat Peacock 22
Bead Head Emerging Sparkle Caddis Pupa olive 16
Slim Shady PMD PMD 18
Rojo Midge Red 22
Sparkle Dun Grey 24
Micro Leech Black 16
Trico Spinner Black 22

RS2

A must have emerger fly pattern for any trout fisherman.

2.49

Item #067T

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Royal Gorge Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Arkansas River Tailwater

The Pueblo Tailwater has grown to be one of the more productive fisheries on the Front Range of Colorado. One of the major attributes that attracts anglers to this section of water is the winter fishery. Anglers can expect more temperate weather and more productive flows in the winter than most tail waters in the state. This fishery produces some excellent size ranges of both Rainbow and Brown Trout, with solid hatches year around. A new Catch and Release section has been placed from Valco Ponds to the Nature Center.

Nearest Airport:

Pueblo

Hatches:

BWOs, Midges, Trico, caddis

Best Time to Fish:

0730AM-1PM

Best Stretch:

Quality water from Dam to Nature Center

Best Access:

CO Rd 96