CPW lifts noon-to-midnight voluntary closure on Arkansas River tailwater at Pueblo

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has lifted the voluntary noon-to-midnight fishing closure on the Arkansas River tailwater at Pueblo. The notice, effective immediately on Oct. 1, 2026, withdraws a request issued Aug. 6 that anglers avoid that reach from noon to midnight.

The reach runs from Pueblo Boulevard East downstream to the river’s confluence with Fountain Creek. CPW had asked for the break after low flows and high water temperatures made conditions hard on fish, especially fish that were going to be released. Cooler temperatures and more precipitation have improved the water.

Aquatic biologist Carrie Tucker thanked anglers and guides who gave fish a break during the summer. She said staff will keep watching the river, including possible low flows this fall and winter, and that another closure is possible if conditions get worse. Biologists are tracking streamflows, water temperatures, and fish health. CPW points anglers to the 2026 Weather and Drought Closures page before they travel. This Pueblo tailwater notice is separate from the Northeast Region voluntary closures lifted on the South Platte and Clear Creek.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Colorado Parks and Wildlife — CPW lifts voluntary fishing closure on Arkansas River tailwater in Pueblo (Oct. 1, 2026).