Fly Fishing

cosfisher · Newbie Joined: Mar 09, 2008 Posts: 2

Hi everyone, don't know if this question has been posted but I like to backpack into secluded rivers, creeks, and lakes to fly fish. I've heard that the Conejos River above Platoro Res. is bomber for big backcountry browns. Info on this is pretty scarce, does anyone have any info about what they eat up there that you are willing to divulge?

joey · Newbie Joined: May 31, 2004 Posts: 108 Location: Colorado

cosfisher-

Never fished that area but have hit some spring creeks near me about 5 hours north of there. I have had luck on big stimulators, woolly buggers, and nymphs. If they are spooky and get a lot of pressure I would stick to 6x and small bugs otherwise I would throw the box at them. If you hike in where there is not as much traffic I bet they would eat a big bug on the surface. If the water is gin clear watching them come up for it would be killer. Goodluck. If you make it up near vail PM me and I'll show you some water around here.

j-

Trucha · Newbie Joined: May 21, 2007 Posts: 6

The headwaters of the Conejos does have some good fishing. Access isn't too much of a problem as it does shadow the forest road leading up from Platoro Res. I use stimulators, caddis patterns, nymphs up #14 to catch them.

Another tributary to look at is Lake Fork of the Conejos - about four downstream from the town of Platoro. It is catch and release fishing for Rio Grande Cutthroats.

MassTeach · Newbie Joined: Mar 25, 2008 Posts: 19

The Conejos looks like a beautiful river. It doesn't seem to be as busy as the Animas and some of the other major Colorado rivers, is that correct?
Thanks,
Zach

Trucha · Newbie Joined: May 21, 2007 Posts: 6

Zach,

The lower part of the Conejos is very accessible and there is a fly fishing only section. As you go into the national forest it becomes more and more isolated. I usually fish the section below the little town of Platoro and sometimes I am the only one fishing. The scenic beauty of the area is an added plus, too. Most of the water is also Wild Trout Water. I go to fish it a couple of times a year.

Trucha · Newbie Joined: May 21, 2007 Posts: 6

Hey Zach, here is something to wet your appetite.

MassTeach · Newbie Joined: Mar 25, 2008 Posts: 19

damn...that looks really nice!! What area of the river is that?
Thanks for the pic.

Trucha · Newbie Joined: May 21, 2007 Posts: 6

This is the second meadow section of the river below the town of Platoro. In the background you can see Conejos Peak with snow on it.

Trucha · Newbie Joined: May 21, 2007 Posts: 6

This section is right below Platoro. I stopped my car to look at the water and saw two browns working the surface; both fish were where the riffles and still water met. I tried for the lower one and missed him than casted to the upper fish and caught and release a 19 1`/2 inch Brown. Sorry, no photos because I had the camera in the car.

MassTeach · Newbie Joined: Mar 25, 2008 Posts: 19

Sweet. Can you get by with a car out there for access to river, or do you need 4x4?
thanks. Zach

Brett · Newbie Joined: Apr 21, 2008 Posts: 1

We have a cabin right on the river. Like most rivers, sometimes the fish bite and sometimes they just laugh at you. The great thing about this river is that there are so few people on it. If you like to backpack, there are lots of places to go. I'll try and post a couple of pics if I can find them.
I'm always looking for a reason to get up there so if someone wants a guide or a place to stay, let me know.
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Troutloop · Newbie Joined: Apr 23, 2008 Posts: 1

Check out www.conejosriveranglers.com they have a ton of great info on everything downin that area. You can also give them a call @ 719-376-5660. Ask for Devan or Jon.