The Rio Grande is a classic western river. It is a great dry fly river with one of the best Salmonfly hatches in Colorado. The flow is partially controlled by a dam, but the many tributaries add significant flow during spring and wet weather.  Need a guide?

CFS: 

70 CFS (30 Mile)

234 CFS (Wagon Wheel)

Rising/Falling: Falling

Fishing Conditions: The float season on the Rio is done and it’s time for the wade anglers!  Watch for hatches of Caddis, PMDs, or Tricos.  There may also be spruce moths and hoppers starting to show.  A dry/dropper combo is a hole-in-one.  Be wary of afternoon water temps and head to the high country if they rise too far.

Patterns/Bug: Nymphs: Prince nymphs 10-16, Runt Stone Golden 12-16,  Pat’s Rubberlegs 8-12, 20 Incher 10-14, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-20, Blowtorch Jig 14-16.  Beadhead Green Drake Nymph 10-12.

Dries: Tan or Yellow Foamulator 10-14, Spruce Moth Patterns 10-14, Morrish Hopper 10-12, Vis-a-Dun PMD16-20,  Parachute Adams 14-20, PMD Pink Hairwing Dun 16-18.