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Colorado · freestone · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout
No USGS gauge linked to this river.
| Month | Insect | Size | Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Blue-winged Olive | #18-22 | Parachute BWO |
| Midge | #22-26 | Zebra Midge | |
| June | Golden Stonefly | #8-12 | Yellow Stimulator |
| Caddis |
| #14-16 |
| Elk Hair Caddis |
| July | PMD | #16-18 | PMD Parachute |
| Caddis | #14-16 | X-Caddis |
| August | Trico | #20-24 | Trico Spinner |
| Caddis | #14-16 | Hemingway Caddis |
| October | Blue-winged Olive | #18-22 | Parachute BWO |
| Midge | #22-26 | Mercury Midge |
The Rio Grande in Colorado is a dramatically underrated fly fishing destination, flowing through some of the most scenic mountain terrain in the southern Rockies before crossing into New Mexico. Rising near Stony Pass in the San Juan Mountains at over 12,000 feet, the Colorado portion of the Rio Grande flows northeast through the broad San Luis Valley, offering over 100 miles of fishable water ranging from intimate mountain meadow streams to wide, boulder-studded canyon reaches.
The South Fork area is the hub of Rio Grande fly fishing in Colorado, with the river receiving its character from the headwaters drainage above Creede and the rolling valleys near South Fork itself. This section is classic Rocky Mountain freestone water — clear, cold, and home to a diverse mix of wild brown trout, rainbows, cutthroats, and even brook trout in the upper tributaries. Fish here are selectively tuned to natural presentations and reward anglers who study the water before wading in.
Special regulations along the prime fishing corridor between River Hill Campground and Masonic Park create a trophy management stretch that consistently produces fish in the 14- to 20-inch range. Within this section, rainbow trout must be immediately returned to the water, giving the wild rainbow population a chance to reach impressive sizes. Brown trout in this stretch are the primary quarry for harvest, with a modest limit designed to maintain the river's quality.
Hatches on the Rio Grande mirror those of other southern Colorado freestone rivers but with some regional character. Golden stoneflies emerge in June and July, drawing big browns to the surface in the late afternoon. Caddis are prolific from June through August, particularly in the pools and eddies below canyon narrows. PMDs and Blue-winged Olives bookend the season in late spring and fall, with midges carrying the fishing through winter months when most rivers run brown and dirty.
The San Luis Valley's high elevation — around 7,600 feet at South Fork — means summer temperatures remain comfortable for both fish and angler. Runoff typically clears by mid-June, opening excellent summer fishing through September. The Coller SWA and Rio Grande National Forest lands provide ample public access, making this a destination where a dedicated angler can find uncrowded water even during peak summer weeks. Bring dry-dropper rigs and be ready to adapt — the Rio Grande rewards versatility.
From lower boundary of River Hill Campground downstream to the west fence of Masonic Park: artificial flies and lures only; rainbow trout must be returned to water immediately; bag and possession limit for brown trout is 2 fish, minimum 12 inches. Standard Colorado regulations apply outside this section. Valid Colorado fishing license required.
Upper boundary of the trophy management section. Excellent wade access to the regulated stretch. Campground sites available for multi-day trips.
Lower end of the special regulation water. Picnic facilities. Good access to riffles and runs downstream.
One of the best public access points on the Rio Grande in Colorado. Large SWA with multiple river entry points and good brown trout habitat.
Public access near the town of South Fork along Highway 160. Convenient staging point with services nearby.
