While we are adjusting to having the fires so close, we have been exploring other venues to go fishing. One of the best UN-hidden gems has been the Arkansas River below Lake Pueblo reservoir. Usually, we go to Pueblo during the fall through the spring since it is a premiere fishery in the winter months. The biggest reason that we do not visit as much in the summer is because it can get hot -- temperature not fishing conditions!
I was down to Pueblo three times last week. Let me just say that it was truly hot -- fishing conditions not temperature! My clients caught a lot of big fish and so did I when the trips were over. I had so much fun that I went down there after work one evening.
Fishing was great all the way to the dam. I focused on the Valco ponds area as well as the Nature Center. Side note: it only costs $3.00 to park at the Nature Center. You can catch really big trout,then run to the bar for a margarita, and back onto the river.
The fish seem to be the most active during the warmest parts of the day. They seemingly took anything with a beaded head on it: PB pheasant tails, San Juan worms, Hare's Ears, Prince Nymphs, Golden Stones. They also took grey and olive RS2's and Bubble Back midges. For me, though, I was more effective with no weight and two large bead heads, usually, size 12 to 16.
Go down to Pueblo Now!
Orvis 101 Introduction to Fly Fishing
Orvis 201 Streamside
Regular Hours, Fall thru Spring