joeljharvey
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
That early in the summer can be awesome or difficult depending on run-off. For the SW portion of your trip, keep on eye on the snowpack over the next 30 days here (look at the San Juan River Basin): https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/reports/UpdateReport.html?report=New+Mexico&format=SNOTEL+Snowpack+Update+Report. If the snowpack is below 100% the median peak, you’ll probably be good on freestone streams.
You can see consistently updated flows and general reports for the main streams in the area here: https://williamscreekangler.com/fishing-report/fishing-report-4-6/
I grew up fishing the Conejos River and tributaries on the eastern flank of the San Juan mountains. There is usually an awesome stonefly hatch in late May through mid June and a great green drake hatch in mid June. If the water isn’t swelled from runoff, it’s the best fishing of the year.
I was able to get to Reimer’s Ranch and Tejas camp over the past week. Water is really low at both. Saw a few small males Tejas, but you have to walk all the way to the top end of the lake as the river isn’t flowing all the way down. Talked to someone who had caught a couple at Reimer’s, but it seemed slow. I expect the volume of the run to pick up over the next 7 to 10 days. The trick will be finding the place where the fish can’t move up anymore due to low water and focusing your efforts there.
Anyone else have any intel ?
That sounds like the pool about 500 yards above the Chute at River Bluff to me.
It will delay it. Watch for water temps to reach 60+ degrees.
Old rule of thumb: When the Redbuds bloom, the White Bass start to run. Around here, that usually means it begins in mid to late February, peaks in mid to late March and drops off pretty sharply by the beginning of April. Highly dependent on temperatures and water flows. Low water this year is going to have a negative impact on the runs and the places you can chase them.
I wade with the Mid Length and absolutely love it. The extra length makes a huge difference in the time it takes to net large fish. Where you attach it will determine if it’s too long or not. I use a magnetic quick release to attach it to the top loop of a small backpack, basically just below the back of my neck. That works great for most situations. If you plan to attach it any lower on your body, then it will probably be too long.
I’ve gotten above the falls a few times, but it’s been at least ten years. It’s pretty water with a low density of RGCTs. There are not a lot of fish (at least back in the day), but the few we found were good sized. Who knows how it’s changed over time.
Give it a shot! If you can’t get in, there are plenty of backup spots to pivot to in the area.
Jimbo,
You need a 4×4 AND a chainsaw to get into the Upper Rio De Los Pinos. The bark beetles decimated the firs in that area and there are huge, dead trees blown over the logging roads leading to the falls. Tried to get in last summer and couldn’t even make it half way. There is a logging company working the area, so wouldn’t be surprised if the roads are clear at some point, but I’d be nervous that something might fall on the vehicle while driving or fall after you passed and block your exit.
Thanks for sharing Jimbo (and for not sharing the name of that Cutthroat creek…you’re right, it’s gotten more and more pressure over the years). Always enjoy your stories and pictures and they especially help to temper down the cabin fever right now.
The Conejos is a temperamental mistress, especially if you’re fishing dries. It’s interesting how it’s changed over the decades; lower numbers, larger fish and a lot less “looking up”. When I was younger the dry fly bite was pretty reliable through the whole summer. Now, there is a pocket from mid June to early to mid July where it’s good and then it’s mostly a nymphing game. However, I found something kind of surprising the last two summers in early August. While I couldn’t find many fish willing to take a dry on a long, natural float, I caught several nice browns skating a size 10 Stimulator with a down and across presentation, even with no surface activity. Tried it on a whim and was shocked that it actually worked. My grandfather taught me how to fly fish on that river and if he saw me skating flies downstream he would have been none too pleased!
I agree with both of you…
Trice, I saw that guy at Kanz on Saturday as well and also texted the wardens. Unfortunately, by the time I got to Rio the wardens were there but the poacher must have just slipped by them. He killed at least two other fish that had swallowed the hook and just let those drift off in the river. Pretty upsetting to see.
Count me in with a +1.
Will have room for 2 or 3 riders plus truck bed for any supplies.
Rocky Beach, that’s encouraging.
Jerry – I thought Suckers spawned in the spring. Wonder why they would be dispersing eggs now?
So who gets to count that 20″ Rainbow as a catch?
