Population estimates, July 1, 2019, (V2019) ... or a ratio of medians cannot be calculated because one or both of the median estimates falls in the lowest or upper interval of an open ended distribution. As local guides are fond of saying, "Go big, or go home!". The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority manages the greatest portion of the Rio Grande Trail which runs from Glenwood Springs to Aspen, Colorado. The Colorado Wildlife Commission designates Gold Medal habitats due to their top-notch, cold water, which is a breeding ground for large trout. La Garita Wilderness: La Garita Wilderness spans 129,626 acres within Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests in Colorado. Upper Rio Grande, San Luis Valley Photography | Christi Bode This line control is one of the unique aspects of fly fishing. Built by B4Studio.com, June 24  •  July 1  •  July 4  •  July 15  •  July 22. The sights that await from simply driving up the road are many but there are thousands of acres of unparalleled beauty that are available for those willing to get off the roads and into the actual wilderness. The value of native fish is not lost on the fly fishers of Colorado, and Trout Unlimited has been working with the state Division of Wildlife to help restore Rio Grande populations and habitat. Below are just a few of the species you can expect to see. Pteronarcys stoneflies are the Holy Grail for many Western anglers, and more than a few interstate road trips have been launched by an overnight phone call saying that the hatch is on. "With word getting out about the stoneflies and other large insect hatches that we have going on here during high water, it was obviously a best way to get after that.". Gold Medal waters on the river and an abundance of creeks, lakes, and reservoirs offer year-round fishing for the avid fisherman! This has resulted in a steadily growing population of larger fish, with miles of recently designated Gold Medal Trout water. The Colorado Wildlife Commission designates Gold Medal habitats due to their top-notch, cold water, which is a breeding ground for large trout. Rio Grande County, Colorado. The Mineral County Fairgrounds Association is a non-profit cooperation with 501(c)(3) federal tax status. La Garita is a Spanish name meaning “the overlook.” From the summit of 14,000 foot San Luis Peak climbers can observe the upper Rio Grande Valley and down the long stretch of the San Luis Valley. Upcoming Events Local Hot Spots Greenback cutthroat were recently designated as Colorado's state fish, but these southern Colorado cutthroat are equally rare and beautiful. The mule slowly turned away, and I caught the scent of roasting chiles and mesquite. Exiting the valley south of Alamosa, the river is significantly reduced in flow until it experiences recharge from the superb fisheries of the Conejos and Red rivers, cooling the water to become excellent trout habitat again in northern New Mexico. Sitemap. Welcome to the most complete directory of fishing locations in the area The rift zone consists of four basins that have an average width of 50 kilometers. As a river guide, it keeps you on your toes," says Condren. If you're looking for a destination fishery far from the crowds, southern Colorado is hard to beat. The Rio Grande has 42 miles of continuous multi-use trail and is completely protected from vehicular traffic except at intersections. Here are step-by-step instructions for tying the Strong Arm Merkin fly. Everyone wants a definite answer to “How close can you get?”. After a swift descent from its headwaters, the Rio Grande enters Colorado's high San Luis Valley (pictured here), where the river forms channel-meanders, lush wetlands and vibrant riparian habitat. All Rights Reserved. Wading in early to midseason can be a difficult proposition, and large sections of private ranchland west of Creede make walk-and-wade access difficult. Standing beside the crumbling adobe barn across the river, the old mule eyed me with contempt. This Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity fishing line is now textured and ready for any kind of fly fishing. |   The reason the upper Rio Grande contains such an impressive overall flow is because it is fed by a huge basin in one of the highest mountain precipitation areas in the West. Lows 19 to 28. Like her sister river the Colorado, the lower Rio Grande is heavily oversubscribed, and has a political history that is a subject in its own right. "We really started looking at the Rio as a float river in the early 2000s, by gearing up in a professional way with drift boats and framed rafts," said Leggitt. That the streams never dried up completely during historical droughts is nothing short of a miracle. All this is not to say that the Rio is not a river for the privateer on foot. However, fall comes early at this elevation, and fly fishers mostly concentrate on the main stem of the Rio Grande itself from mid-September on. Water—once it’s gone, it’s gone Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium looks to influence the future of water. We generally have four to five paid employees and welcome all volunteers to help serve the needs of the dogs. It offers not only great fly fishing action for anglers, but also exceptional ease of access and some of the largest trout to be had in the southern reaches of the state. A big river in the throes of a full-on stonefly emergence is a heart-stopping sight for any fly fisher. Finally, sedimentation and high levels of precipitation allowed the lake to breach a low rise to the south, draining some 100 cubic kilometers of water and cutting the 600-foot-deep Rio Grande gorge west of Taos, New Mexico. West winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 35 mph. The Mineral County Fairgrounds Association (MCFA), a grassroots non-profit organization composed of local volunteers, has embarked upon a multi-phase project envisioning opportunities not readily available to residents and visitors within the small, remote Colorado mountain community of Creede. In the high country of the Southwest, a rare trout swims in the cold, clear waters of the Rio Grande River system. Medano Creek now has a tiny restored population of Rio Grande cutthroat which had been subject to overfishing, and there is a similar population in Sand Creek where a downstream sand dune barrier prevents upstream migration of nonnative species like rainbow trout. For motivated fly fishers, the Upper Rio Grande and the surrounding region is an unspoiled playground to be explored. The history of the Rio Grande runs deep as well, with thousands of years of settlements on its banks and struggles for the water it provides. Despite the apparent lack of traffic, the area is located roughly midway between two of America's newest national parks — Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison—and offers almost unlimited potential for wilderness recreation. Coronado's expedition to the Americas ended in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, with some explorers calling it quits on returning to Spain and founding the town of San Luis, which survives to this day. Hobie Mirage iTrek 9 Ultralight Inflatable Kayak - TESTED. Craig Cotten, Division 3 Engineer, Colorado Division of Water Resources, started off the symposium on March 20 with a brief update on the current state of the Rio Grande Basin and some forecasts for 2021. Fly fishing on the Rio has a long history. In Texas, the Río Grande Valley (Spanish: Valle del Río Grande), commonly known locally as The Valley, is a transborder socio-cultural region located in a floodplain draining into the Rio Grande near its mouth. In 2001, the river was improved through a change in fishing regulations, allowing flies and lures only, and outlawing the use of bait. The Coller State Wildlife Area above South Fork offers an excellent resource for wading fly fishers who enjoy boulders and structure. The rift extends from central Colorado in the north to the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, in the south. June 24  •  July 1  •  July 4  •  July 15  •  July 22 (Cancelled due to COVID19 Restrictions. Search Website ... we will use this format to post answers to those questions. A typical late June to July rig for a dry-fly angler in the area would be a #6 Stimulator with a #10 Parachute Adams or Green Drake imitation as a dropper—and the takes tend not to be subtle. Population estimates, July 1, 2019, (V2019) 11,267: People; Population. The South Fork of the Rio Grande — a major tributary—runs from Wolf Creek Pass north to the town of South Fork, offering excellent dry-fly fishing with generally easy access near several national forest campgrounds. Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust Announces 2020 Circle of Honor Awards, How to Mend, Set the Hook, and Strip Line, Hobie 360 Drive Kayak Propulsion Technology: Power and Control in Any Direction, 7 Tips for Rigging Your Nymphs like a Pro, Rebuilding a Fly-Fishing Paradise in the Wake of Hurricane Dorian, Gunnison Gorge: Colorado's Finest Wilderness Float, Insect Factory: Why the South Holston has the best Sulphur hatch in America, The Upper Rio Grande: Colorado's best-kept Secret. Monday. The upper valley canals are in the southern part of the Upper Colorado Region Irrigating canal, El Paso, Texas (postcard, circa 1908) One large canal system in Texas is located along the Rio Grande … The Rio Grande runs through some of the best agricultural country Colorado and New Mexico have to offer, and ultimately ends up dumping into the Gulf of Mexico where Texas and Mexico are left to fight over the scraps. The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council through research, education, and advocacy, we protect and restore, the biological diversity, ecosystems, and natural resources of the Upper Rio Grande bioregion, balancing ecological values with sustainable human needs. Be sure not to miss […] Sunny. Fat trout navigate big water here to chase some of the largest aquatic insects in the country, offering outrageous dry-fly fishing with patterns in sizes unheard of on tailwater streams. The Kamikaze Sculpin is easy to tie, versatile, and smartly designed to get the job done. Nymphing during lower water in the late summer and fall allows fly fishers to wade close to uncommonly large structure, throwing large Prince Nymphs and Copper Johns to imitate stonefly nymphs, with Pheasant Tail or caddis emerger droppers typically bringing up the rear. Anglerslove the San Luis Valley, and the Rio Grande — meaning "Big River" in Spanish — is home to the longest stretch of the state’s Gold Medal Water. Native pure-strain Rio Grande cutthroat are rightfully the most prized trout species in the region, but are now only found in the highest reaches of isolated freestone streams. The major consumptive uses for agricultural and domestic use are in the San Luis valley (Colorado), the Middle Rio Grande valley (New Mexico), and below Elephant Butte Dam (New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico). Gates open at 5:30. ©2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. "This river has the most amazing biology, and it changes mile to mile. We are here to provide top line business support and to foster a vibrant rural economy. The river begins in the alpine mountains above Creede, Colorado, and flows through South Fork, and on to the flattening valley … More recent volcanic activity in New Mexico blocked the Rio Grande's flow out of the San Luis Valley and created a large Pleistocene lake at over 7,000 feet in elevation. Other streams that run into the river typically have access points higher up in the national forest. ABOUT US. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. One section can be heavily slanted toward stoneflies, and the next will have a huge population of Drakes or PMDs mixed with caddis. The lake had no outflow but was stable due to influx, evaporation, and seepage into the aquifer for 3 million years. The general consensus is that the Rio Grande is a biological anomaly in that it is by definition a large-volume tailwater that fishes like a freestone stream, with large insects and everything else that entails. The San Luis Valley is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise and a fun getaway destination for families. The Upper Rio Grande area offers some of the best fishing in Colorado. Rodeo starts at 6:30. Anglers love the San Luis Valley. You can rent their cozy cabin that sleeps 4 – 5 people and has a fully equipped kitchen and a wood burning fireplace. Brook trout are common in the high-altitude streams as well, and in some places are prolific. Del Norte and South Fork are located on U.S. 160 west of Alamosa and about 20 and 40 miles east of Wolf Creek Pass. OUR MISSION. Colorado SNOTEL Watershed Time Series Snowpack Graphs SNOTEL Basin Time Series Snowpack Summary Graphs. The Conour Animal Shelter is a socially conscious shelter for dogs. These streams historically flowed into the previously mentioned Pleistocene Lake Alamosa, which undoubtedly shared populations of trout that lived in the Rio Grande. Here are seven important strategies from some of the world's best nymph fishermen. Founded in 1999 to help secure water for the future, the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is the only local land trust that serves the entire San Luis Valley. We will see you in 2021!! We are here to make Rio Grande County the most attractive Rocky Mountain destination to start up and expand your business. Contrary to most perceptions of the river as a thin, shallow stream, the Rio Grande is a large river in its first 60 miles, with steep banks and heavy runs. The Upper Rio Grande valley has remained relatively untouched compared to other Colorado waters due to distance and travel logistics. Mostly clear. Watching a 20-inch fish launch out of the water to nail an insect the size of your thumb in midair burns into your memory, and for some, drives a lifelong fever. Measures to restore anadromous fish passage has caused big problems. Across the valley from the main stem of the Rio Grande, the northern Sangre de Cristo mountain range rises above Great Sand Dunes National Park, running up from New Mexico with peaks to over 14,000 feet in elevation. The Upper Rio Grande Animal Society is a totally volunteer group which does business as the Conour Animal Shelter and the Conour Animal Crematory. In these sections of water, the chances of a tug are prime. Floating the Rio: From Creede to Hannah Lane. Wednesday Nights. The geology of the region is unusual. The San Luis Valley had an abundance of birds for the spotting! This produced a volcanic plateau known as the San Juan Mountains that covers a vast area of southwest Colorado. The beauty of the upper Rio Grande Valley is amazing. TU's Rio Grande Basin Project manager Kevin Terry has a degree in fisheries biology and now lives in South Fork, where he is working with local communities on conservation and access issues. Joel had lived on the ranch for years and had experience in these sorts of situations. NWIS Site Inventory Grouped by County in Upper Rio Grande - HUC 13020101 ... Spatial and temporal variations in streamflow, dissolved solids, nutrients, and suspended sediment in the Rio Grande Valley study unit, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas - All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Besides to the Colorado River itself, the Rio Grande is one of the largest and most famous rivers flowing through southern Colorado. To conserve our land, water, and way of life in Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Colorado The Colorado, Rio Grande, Arkansas and Platte all rise in the Rocky Mountains, which form a massive north-south backbone across the state, separating the Great Plains of the east from the desert and red-rock canyons of the Colorado Plateau to the west. The towns of Del Norte, South Fork, and Creede are the center of operations for the upper Rio Grande. Cash donations of $100 or more provide a 25% Colorado tax credit opportunity through the San Luis Valley Enterprise Zone. Subscriber Services. Whatever ecology makes the Rio such a prime habitat for stoneflies seems to also drive a tendency for other insects to be on the big end of the scale. We will consult with Public Health and Rio Grande Hospital as needed, to be sure you get the correct answers as much as is possible. The Upper Rio Grande valley has remained relatively untouched compared to other Colorado waters due to distance and travel logistics. Five hours of driving from the major hubs of either Denver or Albuquerque, the San Luis Valley is also ringed by high mountain passes, with the only low-gradient access being up the river valley itself from New Mexico. Born and raised in the area, Leggitt bought the shop in 2000, and immediately began to think strategically about how best to address the resource to service his clientele. ©2020 The Mineral County Fairgrounds Association. USGS Water Resources Links for: 13020101 - Upper Rio Grande Major USGS Links. Terry splits his time between restoration and protection projects for Rio Grande cutthroats, and working with water users to help optimize use through strategies like timing of reservoir releases, leases, and efficiency upgrades to irrigation infrastructure. Stashed away in the mountains of southern Colorado near the old silver boomtown of Creede runs one of the best-kept secrets in American fly fishing, the upper Rio Grande. Some fish can become selective toward these mayflies while fly fishers miss the boat by focusing on the more obvious Pteronarcys. From Del Norte to South Fork, water tends to be big and open, for those who are into booming casts and longer drifts. But it is the headwaters of the Rio Grande in Colorado that arguably provides the best opportunities and variety for fly fishing. Pike up to 50 inches long have been caught in the wildlife refuge near Monte Vista. Only the most motivated and adventuresome fly fishers will ever encounter them, as Rio Grande cutthroat currently occupy only 10 percent of their historical range. This hatch will leave you tossing and turning in your bed. Following hot on the heels of the Pteronarcys hatch, large Western Green Drakes (Drunella grandis) make their appearance, often emerging within a masking hatch of remnant stoneflies. I once had the privilege of guiding a skilled dry-fly fisherman into a 130-brookie day high above Creede on a tiny stream where almost every cast produced a fat 10-inch fish on an Elk-hair Caddis. We recommend checking out the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and Blanca Wetlands for more information and helpful bird watching hints! Out of the corner of my eye, I watched my fly disappear in the middle of the big hole, and I missed, distracted. The Rio Grande rift is a north-trending continental rift zone. The top eight spots for lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Will Rogers once described the Rio Grande as “the only river I know of that is in need of irrigating,” a prescient observation considering how fragmented this fabled river has become. Welcome to Del Norte Schools, a public K-12 school district located in Del Norte, Colorado. In these sections of water, the chances of a tug are prime. The late season is especially aesthetic, with massive stands of aspens and cottonwoods turning to autumn colors over low, clear water. Rio … MCFA is a Colorado Enterprise Zone Project. Located on 46 acres of donated land, the Upper Rio Grande Events & Recreation Complex will accommodate an outdoor arena, an innovative indoor stadium and a recreation building  set within a functional landscape with wetlands and wildlife habitat featuring native willows and other indigenous vegetation. Located on 46 acres of donated land, the Upper Rio Grande Events & Recreation Complex will accommodate an outdoor arena, an innovative indoor stadium and a recreation building set within a functional landscape with wetlands and wildlife habitat featuring native … Miles of backcountry streams with developed 4-wheel-drive roads crisscrossing the high country give access to excellent small-stream and high-lake fisheries in mid- to late summer. There are currently four designated Wilderness Areas in the Rio Grande National Forest: South San Juan, Weminuche, Sangre de Cristo, and La Garita. Local guide Kevin Leggitt owns and operates the Rio Grande Angler in Creede. In the central valley, northern pike and other rough fish dominate the river. There are only two other shelters for dogs in the San Luis Valley, one in Alamosa and one in San Luis. Dry-fly hatch season on the Rio is mid- to late summer, basically from the high water point of runoff through August, though on a river with such varied biology, other tactics can be used with great results. Mission The Upper Rio Grande Animal Society Conour Animal Shelter is dedicated to providing a safe environment for the shelter and care of animals in need, and … No river is more enjoyable to float and fly fish in summertime than the Rio Grande in Southern Colorado. Like Yellowstone—another region regarded for its excellent fishing—the area is predominantly volcanic, and the largest known explosive eruption in geologic history was produced by the La Garita Caldera in the mountains east of Creede. )Buy tickets online, at the gate, or at Rare Things Gallery (110 S. Main Street, Creede), Fairgrounds are located at 210 Airport Rd, Creede, CO. I was wading mid-current in heavy water, working hard to get on top of my drift, and it looked like the animal didn't appreciate my presence. Your Guide to: Sports, Entertainment and Family Fun! Several upscale guest ranches have also operated in the area for over 100 years, with stocked lakes, private creeks, and guide services on the main stem of the Rio Grande. Southwest winds up to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. These awards were created as a way to honor the unsung actions of those who have contributed... Landon Mayer | Illustrations by Joe Mahler - August 11, 2020. The upper basin serves over 1 million acres of irrigated land and domestic and industrial needs of cities such as Albuquerque and El Paso. Wolf Creek ski area just to the south is known for huge dumps of powder from winter weather systems coming out of the Gulf of Mexico, and the tributaries that feed the main stem of the Rio Grande are generally peppered with trout. Upper Rio Grande Economic Development is the organization that unifies Rio Grande County and the western side of the San Luis Valley. by Lisa Cyriacks. Twenty miles downriver in South Fork, you'll find Leggitt's partner Joel Condren and his base of operations at 8200 Mountain Sports. Highs 43 to 51. Canada Lynx The Canada lynx is a threatened species that was reintroduced to Colorado twenty years ago. This handsome insect sports a brightly colored salmon orange neckband and slate gray wings, with the most effective fly patterns including a bright orange collar or other spot of color for fish to visually identify. Condren is also the founder and senior guide for South Fork Anglers and Mountain Man Rafting. Here on the western slopes of the Sangres, Sand and Medano creeks flow as perennial water sources. Early-season fish slam big streamers even at midday if the water is slightly off color, and the majority population of brown trout become absolutely ferocious during the late October spawning season, defending redds from egg-stealing dace and other minnows. All Rights Reserved. At least one-dozen high-quality, 14-inch long trout occupy any given acre. Fish lose all fear and slash mercilessly at the struggling insects fluttering on surface, with the largest fish in the river getting in on the action and taking over the best runs. Rio Bravo para… The Rio Grande—meaning, "Big River" in Spanish—is home to one of the longest stretches of the state’s Gold Medal Water. Western Rivers Conservancy is working to protect key reaches of the upper river. From its source on the Continental Divide 30 miles west of Creede, the Upper Rio Grande winds down through steep canyons and high-altitude ranchland, passing the town of South Fork at its confluence with a major tributary. This is home water to a community of high-altitude hardcore sportsmen, multi-generational ranching families, and some locals with Spanish lineage dating back to the 1500s or the native Utes before that. At least one-dozen high-quality,14-inch long trout occupy any given acre. Written by A.D. Dalton. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. Can rent their cozy cabin that sleeps 4 – 5 people and has a fully equipped and!, it ’ s San Luis Valley Photography | Christi Bode the San Luis is! A totally volunteer group which does business as the San Juan Mountains below 10000 Ft. Today get?.... Of southwest Colorado cooperation with 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) federal tax status San Valley. 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