08-06-25

Where to fish?

We are still in very low water, therefore stay tuned to the USGS discharge sites. Currently, the Rio Grande at thirty-mile is at 47.7cfs, at Wagon Wheel Gap its 189cfs, and in Del Norte it’s at 227cfs. This is an abnormally low flow for our river. Floaters, at this point and time, it’s time to put the boats in a garage, or head to a different river. If we get a bunch of rain, we will definitely keep you posted on floating possibilities. But, for now we recommend you get your wading boots out. Wade fisherman, the upper river is the place to be right now. Palisade CG and mile marker 9, and mile marker 11 are good options between Creede -South Fork. Our public land spots on middle creek road are fishing excellent. Also, thirty-mile CG and River Hill CG have been solid options. Its creek season too, any creeks above 9,800ft in elevation are a good all day option. Creeks we have recently been enjoying are Beaver creek, Park creek, West willow, and South clear creek. Still water is an option as well. The reservoirs up towards Creede have definitely been better than towards South Fork. We would recommend Continental and Road Canyon Reservoir. If you are wading the river please pull out around 2pm, also bring your thermometer and check temps. We are beyond lucky to have this resource in our backyard. Please don’t abuse it. Please call the shop for directions and advice.

Guide insight: Fish fast this time of year, work water thoroughly but be willing to move. Low water fishing so think oxygen, look for faster water. Don’t be afraid to run some drifts through the skinny water, you may be surprised. Hopper dropper fishing is the main rig currently but, once you see small hatches. Try to feed fish with a down river presentation, fish are spooky with the low water conditions. Light tippet people, will lead to success!   

What time to fish?

On the main river, we ask that you pull out by 2pm. Please check temps, do not fish if the water temp is 68 degrees fahrenheit or higher. Creek fishing you can still get away with a full day trip. Still water, be wary as fluctuations vary depending on the reservoir and depth. For further questions give us a call and we can walk you through anything you may need. Sunrise has typically been around 6:15 am recently, get out early, the bite is on!   

 What to use?  

Streamers: Baby Gonga sz.6, Muddler Minnow. Sz.8, Hawkins(fulling mills) sz.6 and Wooly Bugger sz.4/6

Nymphs: Pat’s Rubber Legs BK Sz.14, Tung RL Prince Sz.14, Olive HotSpot Sz.16, BH Lighting Bug sz. 18, Tung Pheasant Tails Sz. 18, Tung Jig Red Copper John sz. 16, Zebra Midge sz.20, black Rs2 Sz.20, Mercury Midge sz.22 and smaller euro bugs in the 18-22 size range. 

Dries: Hoppers have started to come out in force recently. Midge blanket hatches are happening sporadically, make sure you are tuned in to when it happens. Caddis are still out and the occasional red quill will show up here and there.  Patterns to use: Chernobyl Chubby royal sz.14/16, Baby Boy hopper yellow sz.14, Fuzzy Wuzzy tan sz.12/14, Parachute Adams sz. 16/18, Light Hendrickson sz. 16, Griffths Gnat sz. 20, Renegade sz.18, and Elk Hair Caddis sz.14/16.

  ***Call the shop and we can talk to you about all flies you will need, the flies listed above will give you a good idea on what’s going on. The shop is fully stocked. As always, please reach out with any questions.***