January 11, 2015
Flow: 92
Water Temp: 33-36
I typically guide with premium 5wt rods for the health of the prey on the Ark tailwater. Landing trout quickly and getting them back in the water preserves the fishery. That being said I’ve had my eye on the Douglas Outdoors Upstream 8’ 3wt six piece for some time. The Fly Fishing show in Denver was fantastic and I walked out with my purchase and waited with anticipation for Sunday. Freezing temperatures didn’t help for dry action so I spent some time casting dry droppers to nothing to get a feel for the three weights limitations. After an hour I couldn’t find any.  Droppers and single dries pitched effortlessly. The rod cast perfectly loading  big on the back cast and making a delicate presentation on the water. After having fun for a while casting I thought I might want to fight something on the upstream.  I rigged up a three fly nymph rig wit one bb and a cork indicator and my tenth cast hooked an eighteen inch fat body that gave ten runs. Fighting our energetic trout on a three weight isn’t something I’d recommend to everybody but to me; losing a little control and giving the trout more leverage made for a great fight. Finally, ascetically the Douglas Upstream is gorgeous.
Fishing the tailwater requires patience. Study the water before you cast. Sight fishing is great but that is a double edged sword. Work the tailouts and vary the midges until you find the color then adjust for the size.
Tight lines,
Ben

January 1, 2016

Arkansas River tailwater fishing report

Flow: 88

Water Temp: 34-36

The colors of winter,

Most Coloradoans look to fall for the season of colors. Here on the Ark tailwater we look to January. As the season for Pueblo’s local guides ramps up we’re seeing the coloring of the rainbow population enhance to the beauty that makes our river such an exceptional fishery. Cream midges during sunny periods and  rs2s and black midges under clouds preformed well. Two bit hookers, HL veil eggs and olive BH hare’s ears worked all day. Some mentioned to me today that a red san jaun worked, I replied “Yep, and Bruce Jenner’s cat goes bark bark bark, grrrrr”.

The river is gin clear and sight/nymph fishing is at a peak. It’s a great time to have a guide on the high bank earning their pay. Sight fishing is great but that also means most trout will spook before you see them. Having a seasoned guide keeping you out of trout’s sight will make for a productive day. The weekend weather looks good and we have a few slots left.

Happy New Year,

Tight lines,

Ben