This winter, we ve seen a fairly radical increase in the number of people fishing the Arkansas River, particularly fly fishing, Melby said. It s a nice place to fish. We very seldom see no one out there, even in some fairly nasty weather. While the river seems to attract a lot of fly fisherman, there are no restrictions on bait or lures, and all types of anglers utilize this unique fishery, Melby said.
Several factors contribute to the river s growing popularity.
Pueblo Reservoir, just west of the city, has created warmer, clear water and stable flows until the middle of March. Since the river at that point is classified as a C water, in which there is little or no danger that whirling disease can spread into protected upstream or adjacent trout fisheries, the Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir can accept fish from hatcheries considered whirling disease positive. As a result, that stretch of river receives an annual allotment of 30,000 to 40,000 catchable-sized rainbows and is stocked nearly every month. If available, the Arkansas River through Pueblo also receives brood fish ranging from 3-5 pounds from a Division hatchery twice a year. There is also a small contingent of big brown trout, up to 7-8 pounds, lurking in the river as well but they are rare and difficult to catch, Melby said.