05/17/2026

Where to fish?

We are still in somewhat high water, therefore stay tuned to the USGS discharge sites. Currently, the Rio Grande at thirty-mile is at 510cfs, at Wagon Wheel Gap its 900cfs, and in Del Norte it’s at 1560cfs. We are seeing bumps and drops due to solid moisture in the Upper Rio Grande drainages. Also, dam releases for agricultural use. The whole river is fishing well right now from thirtymile CG to Del Norte. Water to focus on currently is between Creede and South Fork Co. Fishing on a drop day is always ideal on this river. If it’s a bump day, fish soft water banks.  

Guide insight: Fishing is great right now, it’s primarily a sub-surface game. Think run-off stone flies. Look for soft water banks where you can pitch it in tight. Fish are mostly deep, with the exception of really warm days. Look for shoals and shelfs, red to green color changes. Don’t be afraid to fish 2x tippet, as they are not very picky right now. Streamers have been a great option as well, no need for huge streamers, think size range around 4/6sz. Some deep pools fish are still stacked, take your time, as you will be surprised how many are willing to eat! 

What time to fish?

No need to be out there early, as some evenings/nights we are still seeing temps in the upper 20’s. Ideal bite time right now is 10am-2pm, when the sun is at its highest. Allowing that water temp to rise to active feeding temps. We are seeing fluctuations from 49 degrees to 56 degrees, this means fish accordingly, be willing to change based on what you are seeing. Keep in mind its windy season, wind has been picking up by about 3pm each day.     

 What to use?  

Streamers: Baby Gonga sz.6, Muddler Minnow. Sz.8, Hawkins(fulling mills) sz.6, dead drop blk sz.6, hot squirrel sz.4, Black Sex Dungeons sz.4 and Wooly Bugger sz.4/6

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubber Legs BK Sz.10/12, Jigged Prince Nymph Sz.12/14, Croston FMJ sz.16, Tung Jig brush hog sz.16, Tung jig fire perdigon sz. 14, Tung RL Prince Sz.14, Olive HotSpot Sz.14, BH Lighting Bug sz. 12, Tung Pheasant Tails Sz. 12, Tung Jig Red Copper John sz. 14, Zebra Midge sz.16, and smaller euro bugs in the 12-16 size range. 

Dries: We are expecting hatches soon but, no predominant hatch yet. We have seen a few smaller mayflies flying around. Then a couple caddies, nothing crazy yet. It should start happening soon though. Fish are definitely starting to stage on willow lined banks, they are ready for it! Bugs I would have ready are Hi-Vis parachute Adams sz.12/14, Royal Wolfs sz. 12/14, and peacock caddis sz.14.   

Season Expectations: The reality of it is we are in a very low water year, record status. There are constant updates regarding releases, storage water, seasonal moisture reports, and believe me the list goes on. Keep calling and we will keep you posted on our current reports, beliefs, and thoughts. There are lots of rumors going on about this year, the truth is no one totally knows what to expect as it’s unlike any other season. All we can say is be stewards of this resource, be smart, and most definitely pray for moisture. As always, keep calling and we will keep you posted.  

  ***Call the shop for any questions you need answered. We are still on off-season hours till Memorial day. Current hours are 8am-12pm Monday- Friday. Then we will shift to normal hours after memorial day till October 1st. Normal hours 8am-4pm, Monday- Saturday, closed Sundays. We still have a couple openings in May. Call quickly as there are few left. Also, we have several sales going on at the fly shop, Come get discounted RGA Logoed 2025 apparel.***