The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I'm heading to CO to spend Christmas with my bros., and if the weather cooperates, we'll hit the Arkansas River tailwater for a couple of days.

The only tailwater I've fished is the San Juan in NM. There, the grab is extremely light and the smallest of indicators and micro shots are what works best. Also, we generally fish midges in #22-#26.

Dries are also small, when they're working, unless you're fishing terrestrials in the summer.

Is this the norm for tailwater techniques? I'll have larger nymphs too, including San Juan worms.

Anyone fished the Arkansas?

Any suggestions, would be appreciated.

Bruce,

35 years ago with spinning gear. Nothing more recent. I know they have a MAJOR caddis hatch there around Mother's day - I'd bring some caddis nymphs.

It's been about 9-10 years since I fished the Arkansas and I was not trained in the art of bobbercation. I learned that when I came to CA. I thought the Arkansas is a freestone till it hits Pueblo res. I never fished below but above was standard nymphs set up with a sz12(golden stone or Price) and something small(Buckskin,pt or brassie). If you are looking for indicators and very small flies and very big fish you should try the south Platte in Cheesman canyon. I think they use small flies in Deckers on the So Platte. Rs2 used to be a popular dry and biot midges. Best bet would be to call a local shop. I own some property in Pueblo West that I will have to decide what to do with one of these days.

Angler's Addiction
1401 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
Ph: 719-296-5886

Good Luck,

Jet

I've never fished the Arkansas but I can vouch for Cheesman Canyon. Amazing fishery! However, I think it can be very tough in the winter. I fished it in late august last year and it was as Jet said. Tiny flies, #22 barr's emergers and RS2 were the top flies. Hope you post a report when you get back.

Here's a pic to give you an idea of what the S. Platte looks like:


Good Luck

MarcP

Nice pic Marc, and thanks guys. If I have anything to report, I will.

I've heard that the winter fishing in the Arkansas below Pueblo Reservoir is one of Colorado's best kept secrets...at least it was before I posted it

Unfortunately, it isn't C&R and also has no special regs, so even though there are some big fish there, there are a lot of small ones.

Anything less than 16" is just bait!

I think the fishing was bad below the dam but in recent years they have made many improvements to the habitat and it fishes pretty well from what I have heard. The mothers day hatch is a sight to see. I could never figure out why they would take an imitation with so many naturals on the water.

Jet