July 31, 2013
Flow: 332
Water Temp: 65– 77
The more things change the more they stay the same. We had a
great time mingling this evening at the Courtyard Marriot’s open house showing  off their new lobby and rooms. Surrounded by the new we saw old friends and caught up on current events. The stewards of this community continue to make a better place just as we strive to improve our river.
Pueblo’s not just a great fly fishing destination it’s a mecca of
art, culture and entertainment. Emily of the Damon Runyon Repertory (theater) is excited about this season as am I. Late this summer they’re presenting “Evil Dead, The Musical”. As a sponsor we have tickets and I’m excited to see it. The Courtyard Marriot’s renovation is immaculate and our guests still get a big discount.
Fishing has been terrific with the trophy class trout being a little more difficult but hookups abound. The water is a little off color and sight fishing is technical but possible. Size 14 BH pheasant tails have been
the pattern. Trout are spread all over and moving daily. Cover lots of water and don’t skip the “J” hooks.
The dog Days of summer are here and temperatures are getting high in the afternoons in Pueblo. We request that unless you’re sight fishing to our huge carp stay upstream of Pueblo Boulevard and fish early. There is plenty of room and lots of water. It’s odd, we’ve been busier than any outfitter ever has
here but the river hasn’t had a lot of traffic.
 Weekend trips are booking fast but we do have some weekday slots open so get your reservation in. Pueblo’s top guides know where to go and as always full day trips include a hot lunch prepared by the chefs at the Coyote Grill.
Tight lines,
The Evil Genius

July 20, 2013
Flow: 368
Water Temp: 65-75
We’re happy to have another innovation in the books for Steel
City Anglers. Our first was Colorado’s smallest fly shop. Our marketing has made us the busiest guides in Pueblo and giving to the river and community has rewarded us in turn tenfold. We were the first to hold a fly fishing film in Pueblo that just broke even. We’ve had great successes and had a few things blow up on us and we keep trucking on with the motto if you have nothing to lose by trying and everything to gain if successful by all means try.
 Today’s innovation is the tournament in a box. Competitors submit photos of their fish on a tape with a random code. The longest carp (or whatever) wins. Easy to promote, organize and run. We were even able to compete in one for once. The mini tourney went great with a small turnout. We decided
  to take a relaxed day of it carp nymphing at the lake. I may have produced better results if I kept the beer hand free. Mike on the right went and worked the downtown sections and took the prize with a 23 inch fatty. On the right side of the check is Jim Little, the new executive director of the Nature and
  Raptor Center. We anticipate some great things from him. A special thanks to Barry Reynolds for the prize package and support. Stay tuned for a trout report.
Tight lines,
Ben

July 11, 2013
Flow: 419
Water temp: 63-74
Now is the time. Right now. Flows are still fluctuating, trout are just off their summer break and I love wet wading. Winter fishing is what makes
Pueblo a rockstar but I enjoy the challenge of keeping up with trout on a daily changing river. It’s an additional puzzle that keeps the tailwater fresh and new. Of course Pueblo’s local guides have a big head start on where the big boys go between 400 and 300 cfs.
I’ve had the opportunity to hit the water early mornings before work this week to outstanding results. Pheasant tails #18 and midges below the
ubiquitous san juan have produced well. Plan on exploring lots of water or of course book a trip. A half day trip can get you keyed in. The photo was a subtle reminder to carry two rods in Pueblo. The deck at the Nature Center is an aquarium of big intelligent trout. I had a short time to fish and was interrupted with the need to find a port-a-john as the café was still closed.
  On the way back I peeked over the deck to find big rainbows competing over food
  on the surface  film. Changing a nymph rig to a dry isn’t too hard but if my gamble didn’t work I’d have been out of time to switch back. Thankfully my bet paid off with an 18 deer hair caddis.
A quick pic and I’m on the six minute drive (love Pueblo) to work. Walk in on time still squishing in my sandals. Next time I’ll remember extra socks.
Deer flies have been brutal this year so bring bug spray or we’ll provide it on your trip. Long sleeve shirts and wading pants keep the bugs away. I don’t wear shorts because it would be a peek through Colonel Sander’s peephole more than anything but I see the benefit.
Keep an eye upstream for changing flows and tubers and start upstream and early. Water temperatures are getting high in the afternoon downtown.
Tight lines,
Ben

July 2, 2013

July 2, 2013
Flow: 530
Water Temp: 61-69
Enjoy wet wading on these comfortable mornings.
We’ve booked 14 guests in June but somehow we only have one trip over the long holiday weekend.  Because we like to work so much we are offering a deal. Book your full or half day trip for the 4th, 5th or 6th and we’ll take 25% off. Full day trips include a gourmet lunch at the coyote grill and any gear needed as always.  As predicted the trout have come back from their summer break forgetting all the lessons of the year before (sound familiar?). Try your fly box out. Most patterns are catching fish without many performing better than others. 18 BH pheasant tails may have landed the most under an attractor.
Caddis and BWO are all over the foliage with limited hatches and the days have been just beautiful.
 Tight lines,
 Ben