January 25, 2014
Flow: 89
Water Temp: 36-41
Confidence isn’t a word that can inspire others to greatness or convey a great technique. It’s the result of thinking, study and planning time executed with a strong work ethic. Those principles mixed with a little creativity are the foundation of Steel City Anglers and have served us well. In our third year we are the top outfitters on the Pueblo tailwater by no small margin. It may not be the biggest pond in the fly fishing world but it’s our home and a damn fine fishery.
Today lesson in confidence is a sign the Ark tailwater is coming back to its own. As the water (hopefully) continues to warm the big trout will start making more appearances. I went today to a black and olive san juan because in the last few outings they have been productive and saved my tail on my last guide trip. My companions had a good day but switched rigs often trying to find the key pattern. 
As the sun set on a beautiful 60 degree January day we sat down at the Coyote Grille for Fat Tires and fish and chips. Another confident angler having a cabernet with his lovely wife showing some class told me of his day.
To my surprise it was very similar with the exception that his confidence pattern was a size 20 rs2.
Fish with confidence no matter your favorite pattern and experiment below it. Enjoy our beautiful weather and book your adventure now. We have confidence.
Tight lines,
Ben

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January 5, 2014
Flow: 108
Water Temp:  32.54
We don’t have much of a fishing report as we’ve been volunteering at the Southern Colorado Greenback Chapter Trout Unlimited booth at the Fly Fishing Show in Denver. Thanks to Alex Zip from the Drift Fly Shop for coming up to help and Bill Miklich for putting it all together. We sold a ton of raffle tickets for the March drawing and scored a ton of goodies for the FFO raffle after we announce our winners. Teams Scott-Costa one and two are donating a Scott Radian ($795.00) for the longest trout and six pairs of Costa Del Mar blackfin and fantail sunglasses ($250.00).
We as most of you know don’t have a brick and mortar store (and never wish to) so today when a handsome young man knee high to Peyton Manning walks up and asks “Excuse me, are you Ben?” I was a little surprised when he handed me a deposit for a trip. We usually have to bust our tail for every outing we get. Nobody walks in our font door because we don’t have one.
Talking to him and his dad it was quickly apparent that this kid is an accomplished angler and I’ll have to give him my absolute best. But then again those are the days I love the most. If you can take one good technique from us and master it we’ve done our job.
I’ve always remembered Jack Palance’s “one thing” line in City Slickers and the “one thing” is fly fishing. Fly fishing; however isn’t one trick or technique, it’s ten thousand. We learn something new every day.
Keep discovering,
Ben

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January 3, 2014

Flow: 108

Water Temp: 39-37

Start on a high note.

2013 was a great year but we’re not resting on our laurels. The Frostbite Fish- Off is just around the corner and we’re pleased to be helping the Southern Colorado Greenback Chapter of Trout Unlimited again. We still need volunteers to measure fish. Everyone is treated to lunch, goodie bags, BBQ dinner Saturday night and a rockin’ tee shirt. Training is 6:00 PM Thursday, January 9^th at Jones Healy Realtors. Sign up on the link.

Traffic on the river has been incredible. I think the Denver Post can stop writing about Pueblo now! The local guides of course have places to get away from the crowds with big trout and open water. Book your trip now as our spring is filling fast.

With the pressure we’re seeing trout all over. A few anglers unfamiliar with the tailwater can wade through good runs and scatter fish to their hiding ground. Present midges suspended early moving to the deep green water pools as pressure increases. Explore your fly box as conditions change quick.

Construction begins on the 13^th for more stream improvements. Please give the crew a wide berth.

There’s some great news we’ll be sharing in 2014 so keep your ear to the rail.

Tight lines,

Ben