December 31, 2012
Flow: 66
Water Temp: 39 at dam 34 downtown
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We’re finding big pods packed in small areas with huge sections of river devoid of life. Walk the high bank to find them working the water close together like that will somehow keep them warm. I’m talking of course about the fisherman. We’re seeing more traffic on the river as the rest of the state is biting cold. For the most part the typical spots are getting heavy pressure and the majority of the river is empty. Yesterday I worked upstream to one of those well known holes to find someone there already so I waved hi and hit the next section up a hundred yards and found sight fishing opportunities to a number of 18” bows. After landing a few there I hit the section a hundred yards below the early bird angler and found the same thing. Seeing red cheeks before profiles in slightly stained water with an overcast sky the fishing was technical. After a few there I witnessed a first. Some guy working downstream invaded the top of the early birds water and within ten casts snagged a duck. You could hear the poor thing quack and thrash two weirs down. Three minutes later the guy held up his prize. Satisfied that he had sufficiently jacked up that water the duck dapper moved down toward me. I’d been sitting on the weir letting the water rest enjoying a little coffee and the dog's company. “Any luck” was my greeting from the poultry pounder, I half growled some non sequitur response and turned back to my water. Seeing I wasn’t chatty he kept trucking probably to see if he could also scratch a beaver off his bucket list. A short while later the bird left his perch and I wandered up and fished if for a bit. The top still had the aura of duck poop so I hit a couple suckers and missed one trophy in the lower before passing the hole on to a local fan working up and beat feet for the best brunch in Pueblo at the Coyote Grill. Sitting under the heater gorging myself on prime rib and pork tenderloin, checking stock in Colorado’s smallest fly shop and sipping mimosas is just bliss. All with my waders still on.
Work slowly looking for trout everywhere. 80% of my catch was in flat water. Fish an attractor/emerger/midge tapered rig almost to the bottom in the fastest seam of slow water. If you’re having trouble finding open water give us a holler. There’s still plenty to explore.
Tight lines,
Ben

December 25, 2012

Flow: 65

Water Temp: 41 up 36 down

With a czech nymphing get together coming up and no obligatory domestic obligations I made my way to the river. The river was empty and the mutt and I made fresh tracks upstream from the nature swinging the ungainly FIPS Mouche regulation czech rig. I had not practiced the international method for some time but like riding a bike it came back quick and as John Wayne said in The Sons of Katie Elder it was “Katie, bar the door”.  Takes were subtle with gentle tugs or the pigtail indicator stopping mid drift. Every spot produced multiple trout and a few miles up I ran into some good friends and fished a while together. The biting cold was still a welcome change for us all and we enjoyed a little bit of serendipity.

            I’d been fretting about a holiday post but today put it in prospective. We’re thankful for this incredible river, our friends and family and a clientele of folks that have made this an extraordinary year. And 2013 is going to be even better. Thank you so much for your love, friendship and patronage. Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Ben and Lou

December 22, 2012

Flow: 68
Water Temp: 40
Hearing reports of combat fishing and an over crowed river we took a drive this morning and found it. Parking lots were full and people were trampling over each other in a half mile stretch out of nine. The rest of the river was empty. Trust Pueblo’s local outfitters to steer you to open water. Trout weren’t picky on fly patterns. We fished a random selection out of Colorado’s smallest fly shop all day. Bows and browns are feeding off half weirs and riffles below boulder clusters. Hit anything wet, adjust your depth and cover a lot of water. If you find a crowd give us a call. 70% of the hot spots on the Ark below Lake Pueblo are our little secret.
Tight lines,
Ben

December 16, 2012
Flow: 63
Water temp: 41
"Great! Now do it 10,000 more times." It’s always a pleasure working with people that have never cast a fly rod. Yeah it’s more work but I still share the thrill of landing your first fish on a 9’ rod with a funny line. We’ve been blessed with great clients that pick up quickly and catch fish. Frequently stocked areas are hitting san juans and eggs (DUH!). More pressured areas are hitting 18 bh fb hares ears below attractors. If you’re seeing too much traffic get in touch with us and learn where the local guides go to avoid the crowds. We hardly saw anyone all day.
Tight lines,
Ben

December 15, 2012

Flow: 63
Water temp: 41
Always looking to better ourselves today we picked up the Hank Patterson bible and snapped it today. Last nights fly tying party ended early so I made it to the river at the early hour of noon. Cutty-Rainbrowns were spawning today so we hit the reds. Bows like the 12” monster you see here are taking san juans with a suicide strike and running you into backing. Keep a strong grip on your beer and slap it right in their face. Slap ‘em enough and they get really mad.
Thanks for reading,
Ben

December 13, 2012
Flow: 65
Water temp: 48
Pete Gallagher gave a terrific presentation tonight and
had a solution to all our fears for the 2013 Frostbite Fish-Off. River work will finish the section they’re on and let the water rest three days prior to
tourney day. 107 new structures are planned in the seven mile stretch and modifications to existing structures hole by hole look great. Our resident CPW biologist gave thumbs up for the bugs. These improvements are designed to stand the test of time and keep the river in the channel it needs to flourish. The schedule is created to minimize the impact on the fishery as well.
Now for the fishing, contrary to the reports from those that don’t live here the fishing’s been great. We’ve seen more pressure as the cold temperatures set in around the state but to call it combat fishing is just silly. Get in touch with Pueblo’s local guides and we’ll steer you to
open water on any day. Typical Ark patterns produced today with another FFO contestant with a 16 BH pheasant tail. Trout are holding in deep pools, the takes are very subtle and depth is critical. We have a spot open Saturday from a rescheduled trip. Book now, after Christmas we have 43 more trips booked through March. Thank you to all those that have made this such a wild ride.
Tight lines,
Ben

Press Release:

Pete Gallagher of Fin-Up Habitat Consultants will be our featured speaker at this months Pueblo Trout Unlimited holiday meeting. The presentation will give a sneak peek at the redesign and additional structure and erosion control being placed in the Arkansas River. The Southern Colorado Greenback Chapter is proud to be part of this project and welcomes everyone to join us to see what lies in store for the Arkansas River.

This meeting will be held this Thursday, December 13^th at the Jones-Healy Realtors Building, 119 W. 6^th St. in Pueblo at 6:30 pm. A Holiday Potluck will be available beginning at 6:00 pm so bring a dish (I prefer Twinkies and bacon). The meeting is free and open to the public. For further information, call 564-1799.

December 8, 2012

Flow: 69
Water Temp: 44

With the kickoff of Colorado’s Smallest Fly Shop and 45 trips booked between now and April we’ve been running. Lou had a great trip Tuesday and I’m taking the next few out so I was happy to get wet today before the weather hits. Fishing was technical but rewarding with four over 20” netted. An 18 black copper john produced through the day. Tomorrow I’ll be out at the Nature Center alternating between the rock pile and the heaters on the patio. Get your Christmas gift certificates now and give the gift they’ll talk about for years.

Tight lines,
Ben

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of Colorado’s smallest fly shop. All flies are $1.25 including tax and designed for the river 50 feet away. The unit is stocked with leaders, tippet, floatant and tools. You’ll find fishing reports and brag a board just like the big shops but we don’t have to sit there all day. We want to thank our wonderful customers and community for our success and making this possible. Thank you Pueblo!

Ben and Lou
Oh right, the fishing report
November 30, 2012
Flow: 70
Water Temp: 48
Fishing continues to be great with lots of big browns in our high rainbow population. A tapered nymph rig starting with a san juan worm and ending with a 20 zebra midge worked well. Fly Fisherman magazine’s article naming Pueblo in the top ten tailwaters in the country has added a little traffic to the river. Pueblo’s local guides know the secluded spots. Give a hole thirty casts and move on or let it rest. Explore anything with 12” or more of water. Print your pictures and put them on the brag board. Best picture of December gets a free vend.

Tight Lines,

Ben

November 25, 2012
Flow: 83
Water Temp: 47
What an incredible weekend. The Arkansas River tail water faced unprecedented pressure. It is sad in a way, Ben and I started all this and now face the idea that the precious fishery we have has been discovered by all. In any case the fish were very selective and the browns are almost over their amorous mode. We are settling down to the winter cold with very selective fish and gin clear water. The flow is down 10 CFS from the "normal” because of the drought. Remember, the flow out of the dam is not the actual flow. The hatchery below the dam adds 20 to 30 CFS approximately ¼ mile below the dam. Recommendation??? Size 20-22 black midge patterns, small copper johns, (Red), pink egg, orange egg and the browns were attacking the ubiquitous Red San Juan Worm. Go figure??? In all a gorgeous weekend fishing in the banana belt!! Stay tuned to an important announcement from Steel City Anglers!!
Tight Lines,
Lou

November 17, 2012

Flow: 70 CFS

Water Temp: 44-51

If you take a walk in the Big Apple and say “Hi” to everyone you see, you’re likely to be rewarded with several “Up yours!” At least that’s what we’re led to believe by the television. I cannot confirm or deny this as I’ve never been to New York, so if I offended anyone of that great city, well…Up yours! ;)

 

What’s this have to do with fly fishing, you ask? Don’t worry folks I’ll get there.

 

This scenario unfortunately can be seen on the river. Anglers crossing paths utter grunts at each other and guard their spots like a spider monkey jacked up on Twinkies and Red Bull. I see kids run to get ahead of 70-year-old men and people slide into the water you were fishing when you step away to take a wizz. And god forbid a baitfisher walks by!

 

Today was not a day like that. Today, I met new friends, said "hi" to lots of people that were having a great day, shared holes with old friends, and clients and even stood on the bank shooting the bull for over an hour watching others catch fish. A couple of folks just walked up and shook my hand. As fly anglers, the image we convey is completely up to us. If we are the “advanced” form of angling, we must also advance our image. Today’s main photo was hooked in “MY” hole I shared and as you see, Dan was the one to bag it. At the end of the day, I feel better for it. So I’m making the challenge to everyone to do more than grunt and beat your chest. On your next outing say “Hi” or “’Sup homie” to everyone you see and see where the attitude meter lands at the end of the day.

Okay, that was the public service announcement; here’s the fishing: Eggs, san juans, pheasant tails, hare's ears and the Drift’s FOD are killing them. The Lower Ark is on! Cast anywhere that’s wet. The water is gin clear with green water beginning in three feet or deeper and trout are loving it. Watch for subtle takes and adjust your depth frequently. Present to everything and cover lots of water. Keep moving or let the water rest. One 3-foot-by-10-foot pool produced 20 quality trout because we gave it periodic breaks. On the way home, I got another report from the Martini hole downtown from a future Frostbite Fish-Off hall of famer that I’ll include.

"Three fish over 20" today. It was a weird day. It was slow for most of the morning and then we hit three big fish within an hour or so. If you want to use this pic for advertising, feel free! My fish porn is your fish porn!" :-)

-Jamie

Tight lines,

Ben

November 10, 2012

Flow: 59

Water Temp: 51-55

All the leaves are brown, and the skies are grey, Colorado carp dreamin’ on a winter’s day.

A multitude of fronts may put the trout down but Pueblo’s loco anglers can always steer you to a good day. We had a slow but good morning with previous client and future Frostbite Fish-Off hall of famers. Everyone caught numerous trout but the big boys were elusive with multiple fronts coming overhead. We have nine miles of river plus our special sections to keep you our dedicated readers informed on and sometimes even we’re surprised. November carp is such a wonderful thing. #14 hares ears and eggs provided hookups all afternoon long. Get your entry in now for the Frostbite Fish-Off as teams are filling fast.
Tight lines,
Ben and Lou.

October 28, 2012

Flow: 92
Water Temp: 52
What a great week folks.
 After a long hot summer the brisk mornings and shirtsleeve afternoons are a welcome change. We didn’t have a huge turnout for our film but a good crowd enjoyed a great film at the Runyon Theater and had a great time with fish tales, cold beer and friends. Thanks to TU # 509 and our volunteer guides from The Drift Cat and Cody. It’s Pueblo’s local guides that’s making this river famous and continue to help improve it.
Saturday’s journey was short with the upcoming film. I started out at the Nature Center and worked to Albert’s hole and back. Trout are all over the river in any pocket available. The morning was 18” after 18” on an olive BH hares ear or the rs2 below it. Today was a later start. We had a great after party. So as soon as the room stopped spinning we hit Cat’s run. Numerous bows took a san juan and 18 BH hares ear. The afternoon took us to Pillars Park.  A skip upstream put us on the big dogs. Lou caught the 22”er on a 18 BG GR Hares Ear.

            While most shops are winding down our season is just starting. Pueblo’s winter fishery is the best in the state. Book your trip now to ensure your date.

Tight lines,

Ben

Join us this Saturday for “Where the Yellowstone
Goes”Saturday, October 27th at the Damon Runyon Theater in Pueblo. The film follows a team floating 400 miles over 30 days down the longest undammed river in the lower 48. The filmmaker will...

present prior to the showing and following the film we will hold a guide auction with proceeds benefiting Trout Unlimited and our ongoing projects on the Ark. The theater features a full bar and we plan on having a great time.
Where the Yellowstone Goes follows a 30-day drift boat journey down the longest “undammed” river in the lower 48. Intimate portraits of locals in both booming cities and dusty, dwindling towns along the Yellowstone River, illustrate the history and controversies surrounding this enigmatic watershed leading to questions about its future. Connect with colorful characters, get lost in the hypnotic cast of a fly rod, and experience silhouetted moments of fireside stories on this heartfelt river adventure.

From the Gateway to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana to the confluence of the Missouri River at historic Fort Buford, North Dakota, two boats drifted north on the freestone waters of the Yellowstone River. Led by fly fishing guide and 4th generation Montanan, Robert Hawkins, the small crew experiences a soul searching and inspirational journey down the longest free flowing river in the contiguous United States. The crew eases into life amongst the peaceful sounds of a massive water flow, flanked on each side by rugged mountains, plains full of big game, and an unending sky showcasing bald eagles and osprey.
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4148137190?#

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October 20, 2012
Flow: 90
Water Temp: 59
Fall is here and we’re seeing magnificent colors in the foliage and the fish. The browns are exhibiting the red spawning dots that I personally find so cool. The rainbows are following suit with a false spawn and this year it’s looking more pronounced. I caught a 15” bow with a very mature kipe jaw that was unusual for its size. Trout are in green and riffled waters feeding actively. BWO hatches are abundant but dry action is slow. The water is a little stained but with stealth and patience sight fishing opportunities abound. Today’s color was red. Blood midges, san juans and red copper johns were effective all day. Sight fish for big individuals near the bank or nymph just off the fast seams above and dropping into deep pools. Catch fish, have fun and bring your fish stories to “where the Yellowstone Goes” next Saturday October 27th at the Runyon theater. Filmmakers will be there to present before the film. Stick around afterwards for a guide auction featuring Pueblo’s finest and knowledgeable guides. Proceeds of the auction go to Trout Unlimited chapter 509 to continue our good work.
Hope to see you there and thanks in advance,
Ben and Lou

October 15^th 2012

Flow: 62
Water Temperature: 57
While most of the top fishing waters experienced highs in the forties our nine miles of tailwater heaven hit a beautiful 70 degree sunny Sunday with hungry trout. Saturdays’ winds foiled our plans of hunting carp below Pillars Park following a TU sponsored cleanup day. Thankfully nymphing for big trout never gets dull. Bows and browns are seeking feeding lanes in fast water with turbulent cover. Cast to the center seam and walk your presentation downstream ‘till you find fish. The water is gin clear and sight fishing opportunities abound. Trout aren’t near as spooky as last week but keeping low and slow is still key. Top flies were 16 BH GR olive hares ears, eggs, san juans, 18 FB pheasant tails above wd40s. Registration is open for the Frostbite Fish-Off http://www.chapter509tu.org/FrostbiteFishOff.htm. Early registration discounts apply and we’re limited to 18 teams. Get your tickets now for “Where the Yellowstone Goes” At the Runyon Theater October 27^th by clicking the link below.
Tight lines,
Ben

Pueblo, CO—Pueblo Arkansas River Cleanup Planned for Oct. 13

The Southern Colorado Greenback Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting an Arkansas River clean up on Saturday, October 13th, from 10 am to noon, with lunch to follow. Volunteers should plan to meet at the 11th Street parking area off of Pueblo Boulevard. The clean up will cover the river from 11th Street to 4th Street/new Pillars Park. Bring gloves and weather appropriate clothing! Bags will be provided.
Please sign up to RSVP for lunch, and for further information you can contact Chapter President Kelvin Melton at 719-564-1799.

October 6, 2012

Flow: 61
Water Temp: 59 at the dam 54 at Moffat
Like a bird on a wire I’ve been waiting for a cold day much like a child on Christmas Eve. The crisp breeze on my cheeks, stiff fly line and open water tell me that the river is ours exclusively once again. Look forward to a great winter ladies and gentlemen. Our fish are stouter than ever and the reduction in fishing pressure is going to make for a great season. Tiny little browns continuously took a wd40 all morning so I took it off and put on a 18 brown zebra midge below a 16 bh fb hares ear and 14b san juan. The water is so clear sight fishing to big rainbows was easy on a very cloudy day. Trout are suspended and feeding well but not moving far for food. Proper depth and presentation are paramount over fly selection. Approach riffled water low and slow and you’ll see big trout. They’re in any bit of water that conceals them from the falcons, hawks, eagles and insurance salesmen. By the end of the day I was so hungry I could even eat at subway.
Book your trip now as our winter is filling up.
Tight lines,
Ben

October 6, 2012

Flow: 61
Water Temp: 59 at the dam 54 at Moffat
Like a bird on a wire I’ve been waiting for a cold day much like a child on Christmas Eve. The crisp breeze on my cheeks, stiff fly line and open water tell me that the river is ours exclusively once again. Look forward to a great winter ladies and gentlemen. Our fish are stouter than ever and the reduction in fishing pressure is going to make for a great season. Tiny little browns continuously took a wd40 all morning so I took it off and put on a 18 brown zebra midge below a 16 bh fb hares ear and 14b san juan. The water is so clear sight fishing to big rainbows was easy on a very cloudy day. Trout are suspended and feeding well but not moving far for food. Proper depth and presentation are paramount over fly selection. Approach riffled water low and slow and you’ll see big trout. They’re in any bit of water that conceals them from the falcons, hawks, eagles and insurance salesmen. By the end of the day I was so hungry I could even eat at subway.
Book your trip now as our winter is filling up.
Tight lines,
Ben

September 30, 2012

Flow: 92
Water temp: 65
Are you ready for some footballs?
The barometer for Colorado’s hottest winter fly fishing destination is just blowing my mind, man. After an emotional summer with unprecedented fishing opportunities, heartache over high temperatures, Personal carp records and having the opportunity to guide some extraordinary people we’re seeing a prophecy of our best winter season ever. At 65 degrees these trout are fat, energetic and thriving. The big dogs are coming alive and the river is almost devoid of traffic when you get away from the parking areas. Trout are exploring pockets and back eddies that were too warm a few weeks ago. Sight fishing is great if you work upstream SLOWLY. Look where you wouldn’t expect and you’ll see trophy trout. Pueblo’s hometown guides know where to put you on these monsters. Book your fall/winter trip now and get your tickets for Where the Yellowstone goes before they’re sold out.
Tight lines and as always thank you so much for your patronage.
Ben

September 22, 2012
Flow: 79
Water Temp 61.5-67
Fall temperatures are beginning to stave off the afternoon high water temperatures. In the next few weeks we’ll start seeing our bigger trout come to life. Recent days have offered technical fishing with limited results. Of course for the Arkansas River tailwater that means 10-20 fish days. Today produced a trifecta (rainbows, browns and a very lovely smallmouth). Even though the angling has been slower we have witnessed some key events that testify to our home waters health. One of which is a BWO hatch on par with any Colorado river I’ve ever seen. We made it through the high summer heat and are getting ready for a spectacular winter.
Join us October 27^th for “Where the Yellowstone Goes”, a great independent film following a great bunch of folks floating almost 500 miles down the longest undammed river in the lower 48. The filmmaker will be there and afterwards we’ll hold a guide auction to benefit TU and ongoing river projects.
Click the link below for tickets.
Hope to see you there and tight lines,
Ben

September 7, 2012

Flow: 107
Water Temp: 58-68
We had a beautiful and relaxing day fishing sections we hadn’t surveyed in a while. It amazes me sometimes how many spots we have in the tailwater. With the low summer flows and consistent summer business we haven’t fish any other river all year (thank you all by the way). We met a lot of great people with very different stories of success. The only thing the patterns had in common was they had nothing in common. The trick of the day is to stop, look and think. The water is clear with a slight stain that makes sight fishing a challenge. Read the water and take a long view at fishy water. Pound it and keep moving. There’s another spot around the bend.
Get your tickets now for our Pueblo premiere of Where the Yellowstone Goes October 27^th at the Runyon Theater. Just because this kid has been one of my greatest pleasures to guide and the reason we started this business I’m leaving his picture up.
Tight lines,
Ben

Sept 3, 2012

Water Temp:  58.1
Flow:  98 CFS
Ben and I had a holiday double.  He had 2 clients from Pueblo and Utah.  Check out the pictures!  Blue caught his first trout on a fly rod.  The look on his face tells it all.  Check out the pics.  I had a guy from Texas that had fly fished once before, he took a 16 and14” bow, numerous hookups and broke off a very large bow.  The fishing was slow and tough.  The barometer was falling and a cold front had just passed through.  Working flies, Zug Bug, Red San Juan Worm, Bead Head Pheasant Tail.  It was cool in the morning and a very limited hatch.  The larger fish were hanging on the shelves of deep pools and in the tail out of the deep pool.  It was a very good Labor Day, I hope yours was as awesome!!!
Tight Lines
Lou

September 1, 2012
Flow: 104
Water Temp: 64-69
Sharing is not a word you hear often in the parlance of fly fishing. If someone asks to share a hole I may be prone to suggest they stick I firecracker up their bum. That being said there are times as fly fishing men and ladies it’s in our best interest to share the river.

         After a good morning of fishing we sauntered back (Lou Sashayed) to the Coyote Grill for lunch. While not as spicy as some of the sloppers around theirs are one of Pueblo’s best. After lunch I didn’t feel like hiking too far and I still needed to net the obligatory 20”er that you all have come to expect. My go to cluster of rocks just off the Nature Center had a gaggle of kids swimming through it and others turning over rocks and netting bugs. My first thought was something I can’t say in polite company but I walked by and said hi, let the kids pet the dog and nymphed the fast water upstream. I figured the trout from my rock pile wouldn’t move far and the feeding lane above is a good one. This bow took an epoxy head san juan. I’m hesitant to recommend it as this is the first fish caught on it after a long day as an attractor. Progressively tapering a nymph rig down in size with a san juan or egg, zug bug or bh 20”, and miracle midge or rs2 worked well on a hot summer day with diminishing flows. Early morning blessed us with a great bwo/ trico hatch. Being an obstinate bastard I caught all mine on a hendrixson. In other news a dog having puppies in the Nature Center parking lot was cited for littering.

Tomorrow our friend Professor Sam Ebersole recommended a great show. Here’s the press release.

This Sunday, Sept 2nd, at 4pm, on Rocky Mt. PBS (KTSC, KRMA, KRMJ) tune in to watch Designed to Deceive. D2D is a one-hour program about five of the top fly tiers in Colorado. Here's the program description:

Join five of Colorado's finest fly tiers as they demonstrate their craft and fish their signature patterns on some of Colorado's most famous rivers. AK Best, Ed Engle, Larry Kingrey, Ken Iwamasa, and Charlie Craven are featured on the Thompson, South Platte, Arkansas, Frying Pan, and Colorado rivers.
Tight lines,
Ben

August, 28 2012

Flow: 165
Water Temp: 67
Sorry for the delay getting a report out folks. Over the weekend I was afflicted with a malicious social disease. This malady can affect anyone and strikes without warning. What I’m talking about of course is helping people move. The last time I checked the side of me truck reads Steel City Anglers not Steel City Movers. The short bit I got to fish Saturday started slow with intermittent stocker size trout hitting 20 bwo dries early morning. The wind picked up around nine and I met up with a friend and we worked upstream. Takes varied between san juans, miracle midges and rs2s. Fishing was hit and miss with just a few fish per spot. Then we made to ****** hole (call us we’ll tell you) and it was “fish on” every third cast. Sight fishing was great in fast water and the hole produced 18” bows one after another. Then the call to move came and the fishing was history. We have a spot left for the holiday weekend at our private ranch if you want open water during the busy weekend. Call now to book your trip.
Tight Lines,
Ben

 August 20, 2012

Flow: 128
Water Temp: 66 and falling
The dog days of summer are behind us for the most part and we have endured the worst drought in many years. Our big piece of luck was a good spring season that warmed the lake gradually. Most years we have hot and cold snaps that churn up the thermal cline and mix up the lake. This year the cold water dropped straight to the bottom and fed us the 58 degree lifeblood that allows trout to thrive. Fishing has been great in the upper half of the tailwater fishing itty bitty nymphs (18-20) below attractors and dialing in your depth. Trout are still everywhere so don’t pass up anything that looks fishy. I tried a plethora of patterns and really can’t say one produced more than any other so use your comfort flies. We are grateful for all your support and reports on the lower sections where water temperatures hit critical many times. To show our thanks we will be hosting a great independent film “Where the Yellowstone Goes” Saturday, October 27^th at the Damon Runyon Theater in Pueblo. The film follows a team floating 400 miles over 30 days down the longest undammed river in the lower 48. The filmmaker will present prior to the showing and following the film we will hold a guide auction with proceeds benefiting Trout Unlimited and our ongoing projects on the Ark. The theater features a full bar and we plan on having a great time with you and this wonderful community that’s made achieving our goals easier than we ever imagined. Click the picture to order your tickets now.
Thanks in advance and as always tight lines,
Ben and Lou
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4148137190?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_eventv2&utm_term=eventname_text

August 12, 2012
Flow: 103
Water Temp: 64-74
There’s no place like home.
Saturday we joined the women’s day expo at the Colorado City KOA. There’s no question why it’s one of the top ten KOA’s in the country. It’s a beautiful place and a prime spot to highlight the new Trout Unlimited special offer. From now until the end of the year Women can receive a free introductory annual membership with all the benefits of a paid member. Go to https://www.tumembership.org/women/ and sign up. After a long day of casting demos and manning the booth we decided to hit Lake Beckwith. It was way to low and hot to even attempt. So we moved on up to cooler climates as San Isabel. It too was low, warm and weeded in. And the fishing sucked. Living along the banks of the Arkansas River may make me jaded but it just sucked. Fishing four hours to catch 11” between two trout just to keep the skunk away is not my idea of a good Saturday. Sunday morning it was time for redemption. In my native waters the fifth cast hooked up on a nice 17” ‘bow on a #20 cdc bwo dry. As the sun rose we switched to nymphs and hit trout in almost every spot. We found a big sight fishing opportunity, dialed in our depth and got into the big boys. By 1:00 it was time for prime rib. The secret of the Sunday brunch at the Coyote Grill is getting out. Attractors fished deep trailed by 18-22 coppers, zebra midges or emergers produce energetic trout. Fish early and use heavy tippet to reduce stress.
Tight lines,
Ben

August 05, 2012

Flow: 104
Water Temp: 58-72
Flows dipped again Friday and trout were wary in the beginning of the weekend. Our guest took a slow early morning in stride and kept at it, applied a few techniques and in the end landed some nice trout. We ran long for a half day trip but that’s the glory of being your own boss and a Pueblo resident. We can focus on the client’s goals instead of the guide factories corporate doctrine. Sunday I finally got to fish and explore for you, our valued readers and clients. The action picked up again and rainbows were taking protein rich patterns without expending energy to get it. Depth and drift are the most important factors to catching trout. Wet wade to feel for cool pockets of water and you’ll find fish. I don’t say it enough but it’s your patronage and support that allows Steel City Anglers to continue to prosper, protect our river and serve our great community. From the bottom of our hearts thank you.
Tight lines,
Ben

July 29, 2012
Flow: 469
Water Temp: 62-68
LAST CALL...
A call for irrigation has dropped water temps and we can breathe a sigh of relief. A report from our man in high places states that this may be the last of the year. This last week showed us how hardy our biomass has become enduring 75 degree highs in the downtown sections. The Dam is putting out 62 degrees and trout are enjoying the feeding opportunity in the dog days. Hatches come and go like greased lightning so carry two rods and grab
a dry rig when opportunity knocks. Today’s picture slipped from my fingers after a long, hot and hard fished day. My last cast connected with a handsome rainbow just under 20” with healthy colors and girth. As I dipped and lifted for the pic a pair of local jerkwads hollered from atop the hill “Show me your
license”.The ‘bow hit the water running and I was cursing almighty bog to smite these locals and turn them into toads. The water is clear but stained and 4X will land fish fast and not overstress. As always our trophy trout seek protein. Dead drift big patterns like 14 hot wire princes, eggs and san juans to lip the big dogs. Use our competitor’s recommendations to catch dinks. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. The stockers will help build confidence as you start your journey in the extraordinary world of fly fishing. When you’re ready for the fight of a lifetime Pueblo’s only native guide is here to serve.
Tight lines and praying for rain,
Ben

Date Line:
Arkansas River, Cat’s Run.
Flow: 82
Water Temp: 58
Time 6:30AM.
Fishing “INSANE”! Upon arrival the BWO’s were emerging and the water was boiling with fish. A size 14 pheasant tail was magic, fishing it with the ubiquitous red San Juan worm with no weight. The actual hatch occurred at about 7:30AM with size 18 BWO’s in clouds. Just for fun I switched to a Hair Wing Royal Coachman!
What a blast!! As an advisory, the fish were holding in the tailouts of the rock piles. That has been the norm for over a month. Water temperature increased dramatically past 10AM. Use heavy
tippet and do not allow an extended fight. Lactic acid build-up will kill the fish with these high temperatures.Because of the low flows I expect voluntary no fishing on the tail waters very soon. I cant’t tell you how many fish I hooked up on but by 11:30AM with a very sore arm, I retired to the Coyote Grill at the Nature Center for the Sunday Brunch. The picture is Ben, he arrived late to the party, with a nice bow between the rock piles in front of the NatureCenter deck.
Tight Lines
Lou

July 17, 2012

Flow: 89

Water Temp: 69

****** Water Alert ******

Flows dropped like a rock at 4:15 today. With high temperatures forecasted through the weekend we could be in trouble again. With flows this low the evening cool down reduces by half each night. The water near the lake is still coming out fine but in nine miles it rises to dangerous levels for trout. Fish early and closer upstream to reduce the chance of mortality. 4 and 5x tippet will help as well. Enough of the doom and gloom let’s talk fishing. Lou had a great morning at 391 cfs nymphing rock clusters and fast water with meat and taters and pheasant tails size 16. My evening trip near the upper footbridge produced 25 trout in a little over an hour dead drifting a 22 cream midge dropper below a soft hackle caddis at 18”. Looking at a 16” waterline on the rocks was a little depressing. The endless fish kept my spirits up though. In every adversity is the seed of an equal or greater benefit.
Tight lines,
Ben

July 15, 2012

Flow: 313

Water Temp: 64

End on a high note.

Pueblo is a remarkable place. It’s not just the fishery or the community that we are so honored to support. It’s the fact that it’s five minutes from my front door and the prime rib and bacon is 100 paces from were Lou’s young ward Matthew landed this beautiful brown. It was an epic fight and a dive to net it. An urban fishery has its benefits. After photos and a careful release we discovered we were hungry. Waders are optional on the patio of the Coyote Grill and the Sunday brunch was stupendous as always (included in our Sunday full day trips). We’ve seen a slew of guides offer their services and expertise on our little piece of heaven. The truth is they regarded our river as a piece of trash for twenty years. After we made it popular and shown what we’re putting in the net everyone wants a piece of the action. It’s your local guides that will put you on the big trout.

Tight lines,

Ben

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Frostbite Fish-Off February 8-9, 2013 ENTER NOW! http://www.chapter509tu.org/FrostbiteFishOff.htm

Update
Flow: 469
Water Temp:56

Update
Flow: 366
Water Temp: 66

July 9, 2012

Flow: 181
Water Temp: 54-72
A couple bumps in flow and cooler temperatures have helped keep things cool towards downtown. The lake has turned over faster than I can remember and the water is almost gin clear and flowing at 52 degrees out of the gates. We are breathing a sigh of relief and hope we’re out the woods for now.
After several weeks of clients, tournaments and water watching I finally had the opportunity to hunt the Arkansas River’s big trout. At least that was the plan. My first distraction was 16” – 18” bows aggressively taking mayflies above the Nature Center all the way to Valco and beyond. A 22 BWO quill body was all it took. Pods were in every seam and j hook moving upstream. They spook easily so it’s effective to stick a few and move up to the next group. This distraction lasted from 7 to after noon. The next was a large number of folks still unaware of the regulations. I’ll see if I can find a spot on the site to post them. Approach these folks casually and politely and they will generally thank you for the info and move on. You’ll get a different reaction if you charge them shouting (I did this once yesterday saving a 20” bow from a stringer). I took temperatures at various times and depths in the thalweg and the nature center maintained 58-61 degrees so we’re still searching for the areas of the biggest increase. Fish the upstream sections and take care releasing trout. If you have a smart phone and a thermometer send us a temp, time and location.
Tight lines,
Ben

July 03, 2012 6:00 PM

Flow: Moffat Street: 44 + River walk: 46= 100 cfs bolow the hatchery or 63.2 from the dam.

Water Temp: 70+

***** WATER ALERT******

A drastic drop in water flow is causing rapid increases in water temperature. We have made a frenzy of calls so if I have any of this information incorrect please forgive me. According to our calls to CPW, the Board of Water Works, Bureau of Reclamation and others there was a senior water right called that is headed this way. However no one I spoke with is sure when it will hit Pueblo and more water will be released from the dam. Estimates range from 12 to 48 hours. The unfortunate thing is that none of the entities I spoke with were aware of the drop in the flow. A third party source reported seeing dead trout but this is hearsay at best. Lou and I walked separate sections and haven’t seen anything yet. As I Speak we’re getting a little cool rain that will help. As of right now I have to urge everyone to either take extreme care releasing trout or find another place to fish. The higher the water temp the less dissolved oxygen can exist. Trout become stressed and fighting an angler can cause mortality. Lake Pueblo has great opportunities for bass, walleye, carp and other species as do the valco ponds have huge fish as well.

Praying for rain,

Ben

July 2, 2012
Flow: 169
Water Temp: 61
Welcome to the jungle. A trip fell through Sunday so I took the opportunity to explore the river. At 7:00 AM there were 6 people casting over each other at the gauging station and the rest of the river was open. Where I ended up was an entirely different matter. The morning was cool and being alone I had the opportunity to explore and run between spots without worrying about anyone else. So I hit the bottom mile of our urban setting. The kayak park is helping oxygenate the water and the trout are thriving. Fish the wide runs where the water slows and you might be surprised. Pods of carp were plentiful which brings me to the lesson of the day. Just because you see a thirty pound carp doesn’t mean you should necessarily cast to it with a 5 weight. I pitched an egg with no weight in the pod and waited a few minutes for then to calm down. Of the dozen carp in the school it was the leviathan that sucked my egg. I set the hook and four seconds later it slammed into the levy on the north side of the river at what seemed thirty knots leaving a big slimy spot on the wall. I actually herd the thump.  There was a pause while it regained it senses before it decided to try going downstream.  If I had any drag set on my reel I’d be telling the tale of a broken rod.  I didn’t literally mess my britches but I’m sure I was crowning. We had another two minutes of fight but there was no doubt who was in control. All I was left with was a frayed line. Most the monsters you see us report on are on a five weight but there are limitations. The good news is I know where it lives and I’ll be back with the proper gear.
Tight lines,
Ben

June 30, 2012
Flow: 445
Water Temp: 65
We hit the Tailwater a 6:00 and enjoyed a beautiful morning exploring the regulated waters hitting bows in all the places you wouldn’t normally expect. Fast water, tiny pockets and even warm pools taking meat and potatoes. The H&L egg was most effective for the larger trout. The water temp is holding but we must keep an eye on the data until fall. Fish 4X and don’t fight fish to exhaustion in the heat. It was a little slower action with exceptional takes and fights. I wet waded and felt the sting in the early hours and felt cool in the afternoon. Lou wore waders and started roasting as the sun started casting short shadows. When the air hit 100 degrees it was margaritas, chardonnay, bacon wrapped shrimp and burgers at the coyote grill.

June 28, 2012
Flow: 356
Water Temp: 59
While a number of Colorado’s rivers are less accessible the tailwater on the Ark is fishing awesome! It’s hotter than a two dollar pistol but the rewards can be incredible. Our source in high places says the flow isn’t likely to change much unless there’s a big call for irrigation. Fishing has been fast and furious nymphing meat and potatoes at large trout. The water is off color with the lake turning over so 4X will help from overtaxing trout in the heat. I’m also going place my bet that shortly we’ll be seeing a large number of guides become instant experts on the Pueblo tailwater. Don’t let these city slickers fool you. The expertise of those that live, play and fish daily in the 8100 zip codes is hard to beat. Hire locally for the best fly fishing adventure.
Tight lines,
Ben

http://www.steelcityanglers.com/contact-us-bookings.html

June 25, 2012

Flow: 319

Water Temp: 62

I hate to beat a dead horse but this community rocks! We headed to Stem Beach Saturday morning for the San de Cristo Hospice celebrity fishing derby. The folks that put this together did a fabulous job and Pueblo’s business partners stepped up beyond the call for sponsorship. I want to thank all the volunteers involved in making it a huge success. The fishing as the whistle blew at six was fast on a mouse popper. I lost a massive bass on my fifth cast as it charged me. I wasn’t quite awake enough to strip fast enough to keep up with it. My second bass qualified for the grand slam largemouth. I had been admiring but ignoring a huge school of carp tailing in front of me. As they went deeper I went to stripping Clouser Minnows and unfortunately couldn’t keep the Largemouths off for the rest of the day. Anglers Addiction has a great selection of Clousers at a great price. As we drew closer to the closing bell and I’m still four species short of the slam I switched to a deep nymph rig and found a 20.5” cat. Looking down the bank were some great views of folks with fly rods, bait, lures all having a good time in 107 degree heat. Just an awesome day.

Sunday we traded the heat for another pair of great clients in Westcliffe’s cool air on our private ranch. The drive up gave us a view of the smoke from Waldo Canyon. The weed beds are encroaching fast this summer so book your trip soon. Hooking these pigs on damsels and hoppers is so cool. After a great weekend it’s great to come home and collapse. I will endeavor to get a report on the tailwater up in the next few days.

Tight lines,

Ben

Getting ready for the Stem Beach tourney. It's going to be a blast!

Flow: 135- 500
Water Temp: 60
Flash Flood Warning….

It’s already over folks but there is a good lesson here. As the storm hit I donned my always present wading jacket and we beat feet for a nearby footbridge. We set up shop to weather out the hailstorm and noticed the water start to rise. In 15 minutes the water rose close to 12 inches and truckloads of logs started their journey to Avondale. Even in a high desert tailwater the risk is there for fast water to hit with little to no warning. Before and after the storm the spillover fished incredible. Close to 100 fish were netted in the 12”-14” range and they were all full of piss and vinegar. Occasionally we do more than hunt the trophy trout. All in all a great day.
Today’s excitement is followed by a super Friday afternoon guest from the 907 area code. One of those folks that remind us why we became guides in the first place. In spite of a 100 cfs drop in flow and two fronts passing over we ended on a high note with Lou netting the clients 18.5” healthy ‘bow right as the sun set. If you can end on a high note do it. We absconded to the Shamrock Brewery for beer, food and great conversation.
Sunday we’ll be at the riverwalk spillover showing off some casting techniques and answering questions. Come on down.
Tight lines,
Ben

Sunday June 10, 2010
Flow: 398
Water Temp: 59
What a fun day on the Arkansas!!! Fished the city park spill over,
stockers were taking red San Juan Worm and a 20 incher. The weather was cool for mid June, making the wearing of waders quite comfortable! Don’t be fooled, there are large fish lurking at the spillover. What is really interesting is what is going on below the spillover. Very large rainbows and browns are holding in the rock piles and fast runs. Ben and I hooked the same brown estimated at 22 inched in a fast run just outside one of the rock piles. I am hearing numerous reports of large fish in the rock piles all the way to Silver LineBridge. We decided to end the day at the river walk. Caught numerous stockers at the spillover, also spotted large carp in the same location, no hookups. Moved to the park bench and Ben landed the football you see in the photo. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Tight Lines!!!
Lou

June 6, 2012

It was another beautiful day at Cross D Bar Trout Ranch.  A very special day to mentor and teach  soldiers the incredible art and joy of fly fishing.  Yes, another Project Healing Waters trip, healing those who serve.  It was Ron’s fourth time fly fishing and he caught the largest trout ever for him!  The ubiquitous red San Juan worm was working fine, along with chironomids. Large hopper patterns were also taking fish on the surface.  All in all a perfect day on the water. 

Tight Lines,

Lou