Arkansas River — Pueblo Tailwater
The Pueblo tailwater is one of Colorado's top warmwater-adjacent tailwaters — consistent flows below Pueblo Reservoir, heavy caddis hatches, and large brown and rainbow trout within city limits.
The rivers we fish, mapped out — access points, seasonal windows, hatches, and what to expect on each section.
The Pueblo tailwater is one of Colorado's top warmwater-adjacent tailwaters — consistent flows below Pueblo Reservoir, heavy caddis hatches, and large brown and rainbow trout within city limits.
Roughly 3.5 miles of technical tailwater below Cheesman Dam, accessible by foot via the Gill Trail. Gold Medal Water, catch-and-release, flies and lures only.
The most-fished section of the South Platte. Roadside access, year-round flows, consistent BWO and midge hatches. Crowded but productive.
Trophy wild trout in open meadow water. The Dream Stream is catch-and-release only, producing some of the largest South Platte browns and rainbows you can access on foot.
Reservoir-fed tailwater running through a steep canyon south of Lake George. Cold, clear year-round flows. Strong midge and BWO hatches, with one of the best streamer fisheries on the South Platte.
The overlooked South Platte stretch above Spinney Reservoir — Tomahawk/Santa Maria SWA meadow water. Flies and lures only, habitat stamp required. Feisty resident browns, rainbows, and brookies; best spring before runoff and again late summer through fall.