June 24, 2013
Flow: 414
Water temp: 58-68
After another great weekend on the water with a double double guiding terrific folks Saturday I’ll let the kitty out of the sack. After a break in angling pressure from irrigation flows the trout are dumber than a bag of ball peen hammers. The water is stained from the upper Ark’s runoff causing an increase in water temperature. Fish early and break in the afternoon. If you
  take a cruise around Lake Pueblo you’ll see a channel moving brown water from the gorge right through the lake to the river. I expect the water to clear up soon. In the meantime give the trout meat and po-ta-tos; san juans, streamers
  and big Barr’s patterns.
Lou met his couple at eight for a half day trip and I dropped in to say hi and wait for my father daughter pair at nine whilst admiring the lady
joggers and a beautiful morning. As I sat in a patented Steel City Anglers chair sipping coffee a gentleman from Arizonian walked up and said “Hi I study your site before I come here to visit my kids, what’s working”? I gave a few tips and had a little more coffee. My pair pulled up and we did the diligence (paperwork) and hit the water. Our morning was a little slower than Lou’s but I love when the kid (especially a daughter) bags one first. Finally my pair said “we’re so  hungry we could eat at Subway” but as customary we had rubens, sloppers and grande nachos at the Coyote Grill. Lou’s pair took me aside, complimented him and asked for a photo with the three of them. After lunch we headed down to where Lou’s pair had this successes to find kids swimming in the weir. In spite of the adversity we  pulled through and put some in the net. Sunday took us to Rainbow Falls for big cuts and bows.
Angling has slowed since opening day but the spring fed stream is offering great sight fishing for 20” class trout. The ranch has been almost devoid of people and there’s room to explore.
Earlier this week I was able to replace my net and after a new waterproof camera from the weekends earnings I’ll be back on top better than ever.
We continue to be blessed with the best guests an outfitter can dream of.
Thank you Colorado for making us the most successful guides on the state’s best tail water.
Ben and Lou

June 16, 2013
Flow: 1836 cfs and falling
Water Temp: 58-64
We had a great Saturday competing in the Sangre de Cristo Celebrity Fishing Derby.
It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to fish great lakes that have been closed to the public for 17 plus years. We met some old friends and some new ones before the sun hit the horizon, dropped off a big
package of food for the wildfire victims and hit the water. This year was considerably cooler than last year (107) and not much wind. I enjoyed seeing
conventional anglers fishing side by side with the fly guys with courtesy, respect and sportsmanship. I took the prize for smallmouth bass and gave the check back; a principle I took to heart from team Scott/Costa of February’s Frostbite Fish-Off. The kids tourney produced some very nice fish with several
bigger than the adults. Thanks to all the volunteers that made it happen.
 We were humbled by how many people stopped to say hi and give a handshake between events. In our little community it’s good to be king. Now it’s our privilege  to use our outreach to help the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo. Saturday July 20th we’re going to attempt something new. A self proctored carp tourney. See below on how to enter. I encourage the carp pros to pair up with someone eager to learn how to bag the golden bones. The tourney is cheap to organize, cheap to enter, easy to promote and if successful easily repeatable. Without the expenses we can raise a lot of money for the NRCP.  I'm sure we’ll make a mistake or two but we can take the heat from the pundits and bloggers. Thanks to Trigger Promotions for donating the facilities to make the tapes.
I’m also going to go out on a limb and say the peak flows are done and the water will be going down in the tailwater over the next few weeks. The high flows are the spring break for trout we’ve missed for a few years. With a break in angling pressure our trout’s little brains get stupid again. I expect wadable waters in a few weeks with some epic fish stories to follow.
Tight Lines,
Ben and Lou

Join us July 20th for a mini carp tourney benefitting the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo.

The rules are simple. Your two person team must be standing on the Nature Center deck at 8:30 for registration. You’ll be given a measuring tape with a random code.

At 9:00 am when the horn blows you can go fish any public access water in Pueblo County. Anglers can fish simultaneously, sight fish, net and employ any method of fly fishing that your strategy requires. Carp must be fair hooked in the mouth (honor system).

When you land your carp take two pictures: One clearly showing the carp and code on the tape and one with the angler. Immediately upload the photos to https://www.facebook.com/SteelCityAnglersPueblo. Be back on the deck by 5:00 or you’re out. The longest Carp Wins the Barry Reynolds Carp library. Tiebreaker is the 2nd and third longest. Entry is $25.00 a person or $50.00 per team. All proceeds go to the NRCP to continue their mission.

May 28, 2013
Flow: 2000
Water Temp: 49
What a great weekend folks. We had two trips with great folks and
tough fishing and two days exploring. The river is not crossable until the
runoff subsides but there are still pockets to hit here and there. Pueblo always has opportunity to fish. Sunday’s outing to Lake Pueblo put me deep into backing on a nice carp. Once again the mafia bugger produced. Monday we traded the heat for the cool air at the Cross D Bar ranch in Westcliffe. Water is low in the ponds but the big trout are still healthy. Book your trip now for Cross D Bar or Rainbow Falls.
Tight Lines,
Ben

May 20, 2013
Flow: 1132
Water Temp: 48
We had a great Saturday with repeat guests who wanted to explore new water and see more of the improvement project. The Carp Hole (I know I conceded the name but I just can’t bring myself to type it) produced out of the
top trench early until I started noticing debris coming down river. The flow had jumped 200 cfs! The water clouded up and I finally called time to get back across the river.
Its days like this Pueblo’s local guides show their mastery of the river. Knowing where to cross by depth, speed and the path when you can’t see the bottom can save a client from getting dunked. Before we crossed we had to hit my j hook and pickle four ‘bows in short order. The Flag hole was disappointing but we had fun working back down to the Coyote Grill for a great lunch. I’ve said before we’re blessed with awesome guests and it’s even more of a treat when they come back. Thanks Jamie and Ben.

Sunday morning the flow skyrocketed. A 500 cfs spike will push fish into holding water and we have a number of spots that produce however, this was the first heavy flushing flow since the improvement project and the debris was epic. So we spent a while watching the new structure work. Pete Gallagher does great work. The structure makes for more holding areas for trout and the main channel (thalwag) is pushed away from the bank where it had been causing damage. I was impressed and can’t wait to begin in the upper section. The Bend hole is in dire need of erosion control.
BH 20" and San Juans. 'nuff said.
Tight Lines,
Ben

May 12, 2013
Flow: 264
Water temp: 49-60
The suckers are spawning, don’t get any on you. Spring may have
finally arrived in Pueblo. I have to wonder what went through
those anglers minds that fished today. I’m sure some calculated that mother’s day would leave the water free to fish. Others thought that everyone would think the same thing and descend on the tailwater. If you thought the latter you’d have been wrong. Then there are those that actually went and spent time with their mommy. If you did I salute you. As trout bums we have a propensity to forget holidays, birthdays and other important dates to pursue trout. I digress..
This morning the river was empty with cold water and difficult fishing in the morning but as the water warmed fishing improved. And the suckers were in the mood. If this stuff gets on your waders count on six weeks to get it off. Treat suckers as you would a rifle. They have a dangerous end. Don’t point that end at yourself or anything you don’t wish to be hit. Trout were spread out with rising water exploring. San juans, rainbow warriors, scuds and black midges produced.
Tight lines,
Ben

Cinco de mayo, 2013Flow: 61
Water temp: 52
Cajun; Noun: A juvenile loveable 18 month old 75 pound lab with a propensity to turn psychotic when a fish is hooked. Most dogs of this type and  age are energetic but this bitch needs tranquilizers. When I’m able to edit the videos suitable for family viewing I’ll get them on
youtube.


Today I was thankful to get out and test the new gear and spend some quality time with my pooch. The bass hole produced trout, bass and suckers but didn’t make me feel warm and fuzzy inside so I called Steve and Lou suggesting the reservoir for carp.

Lake nymphing for carp is a slow process that can be somewhat like bait fishing that
requires constant attention. A 14 rainbow bugger put three carp in the net for a total of 72 inches and Steve’s first carp ever. A grill with brats and plentiful Fat Tire kept us entertained. I love guiding but a man can’t live on bread alone. We’ve been blessed with a guides dream as far as guests go but it’s necessary to pursue your passion at the same time.
Tight lines,
Ben