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

June 4, 2012
Flow: 505
Water Temp: 58
Gradually increasing flows kept water cool and fish moving all weekend. Water is off color with the lake turning over. Look for fishy water and take a long look before you cast. There’s a good chance you’ll see something hitting emergers. Half weirs and slack water below the diamonds proved effective. The Pueblo tailwater has data coverage through the entire system. Check the flows and check them often. Our trout tend to explore or seek shelter as the river picks up speed but will get back to feeding fast. If you’re having trouble reading the water or just want to take the next step on your fly fishing journey guide trips are available.
Tight lines,
Ben

June 1, 2012 P.M.
Flow: 347
Water Temp: 62

June 1, 2012 A.M.
Flow: 259
Water Temp: 62
Yes, the flow is 259. Enjoy the river but take care of the fish during Colorado’s free fishing weekend. We’re expecting warm weather and low flows so water temperatures may climb. Take time releasing fish and don’t play trout to exhaustion. It appears the lake is beginning to turn and the water is off color a little so heavier tippet will help land fish faster. Attractors nymphed above midge/ caddis patterns have been producing well. Fluctuating flows mean fluctuating fish so explore the water and work to dial in your depth.
Tight Lines,
Ben