9/27//2013
Trout Creek

Flow:  8 CFS

Temperature:  66-68 Degrees

Arkansas River

Flow 680 CFS

Temperature:  69 Degrees

 Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout, what an incredible fishery.  The lakes have cooled and the stream has almost perfect flow for the large rainbows and Cutts that lurk there. Our guest was from Lubbock TX and is an outfitter providing hunting and bass fishing services.  He is a very good fly fisher as well. 

 We arrived at about 7:30AM and headed for the stream.   Since it was early and the sun had not hit the water, a Cone Head Olive Bugger size 6 was dynamite!  Later in the day, the ubiquitous Red San Juan Worm and Cream Midge were the ticket.  Wouldn’t you know the last fish of the day would make his trip.  The 24” brown in the picture took a Red San Juan Worm not a foot from the edge in the small pond.  After 1 ½ trips around the pond and a lot of patience, he came to net.  Why so long you ask, T.J. was using his 2wt Loomis!

 The fall fishing at Rainbow Falls will only get better!  Book your trip now, and be prepared for a trip of a lifetime!

 Tight Lines

 Lou

September 21, 2013
Flow: 374
Water Temp: 65-73
Last Saturday we witnessed the flow in the Arkansas River tail water go from 60 to 2800 cfs almost instantly. Pueblo’s a unique place having an incredible fishery and 4G coverage. Lou called me as the claxons rang at the dam. They can be heard for about 500 yards at the beginning of our nine mile river. I was at the Nature Center and decided to experience the rising water. We’ve seen it before but rarely on this magnitude.

 I set markers at the water line and kept fishing the fast water. As far downstream as the Nature Center is the increase in flow is subtle. Fishing a run for a while an angler could find themselves stuck where they stand. It is, in my opinion, a big safety concern.

I thought about making a few courtesy calls to our local overseers of water and their partners but this is going to require a change in policy from the top. If I have my way, with the support of our friends, should this situation occur again a park ranger will travel the length of the river and warn anglers to watch the water and get to the same bank their vehicle is.

We at Steel City Anglers strive to provide the best information in a timely manner. For those that don’t know I am also president of Pueblo’s chapter of Trout Unlimited and emcee for the Frostbite Fish-Off (Colorado’s only open fly fishing tournament). I sincerely apologize for the late report. I will be willing to put up a fight in the in the interest of public safety. If you’re willing to join in and sign a petition requiring a warning system for flow fluctuations that go over 500 cfs email me at ben@steelcityanglers.com.

What about the fishing you ask? The water is muddy with about 12” of visibility so big bright and fuzzy is the key. The good news is the water and lake are cooling and we’ve survived another summer in this drought. Watch your step wading and cover lots of water. Trout are all over and in unusual spots with the protection of the murky water. This could be a great time to hone your Czech Nymphing skills as you can get right on top of the seams and high stick.

The pictures are from Sunday as we toured North Lake and Wahatoya.

Tight lines,

Ben

September 8, 2013

Flow: 129
Water Temp: 67-74
Guides day off!

With a little more water and cooling temps we can let out a sigh of relief. A few more weeks and the lake itself will start cooling.  This drought has taught us how tough the Arkansas tail water’s trout are. Most data we mine off the internet and our colleagues suggest 65 degrees is dangerous for most salmoniformes. We hit 80 for a week! Our trout are lively and healthy. They still exhibit the shoulders we saw develop five years ago. Their girth is good and if played with care and efficiency are easy to revive. This years’ caddis hatch was minimal but bwos and tricos provided plenty of sustenance. This week’s trico hatches have been incredible.

Currently the water is off color but if you take a little time watching the slack water pools behind structure you’ll find nice trout moving to feed. Two minutes scanning the water to make a single cast may not sound like fun but the satisfaction when you set in the meat is exceptional.

 In the meantime today was much like the rest. Fishing for big trout followed by gourmet burgers at the Coyote Grill. The only difference is that whilst not on the clock the food can be paired with fat tire. San juans above olive cdc rs2’s. were the key.

October and November are going to be great months and we are ready in Pueblo to go above and beyond to make your day with us an adventure you’ll never forget. We tell our salty yarns but it your stories that give us the most pride. Book your trip now.

Tight lines,
Ben

September 4, 2013
Flow: 93
Water Temp:  71-80
We’ve had a busy week here in Pueblo. Our little city always has something going on. Watching flows and temperatures and kicking off the fourth Frostbite Fish-Off for Trout Unlimited. Then hosting a booth at the fair, helping the Nature and Raptor Center in the Fiesta Day Parade and finally some fishing.
The river dropped a few degrees with slightly cooler days. Moving the output to the north gate of the dam seems to have helped too. We’re not out of danger yet but the trend looks promising. Our local biologists are aware and have walked the river. We appreciate their patience and quick response when we have concerns.
Our limited fishing has been good on attractor/ nymph rigs. Bass are active in the warm water and the tug is the drug. Stand above the deep weirs and strip a bugger upstream. Sunday the Arkansas offered me a great day for browns. A trico hatch and trout feeding sub surface prompted me to put an RS2 and zebra midge below my san juan. All were effective but the browns hit the juan four to one over midges.
As we cool off please continue to fish upstream and early. The river is clear turning green in the pools. Great days are just around the bend.
Tight lines,
Ben