Los Pinos River - Below Vallecito Reservoir - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Los Pinos River – Below Vallecito Reservoir - Water Flow Chart
Los Pinos River – Below Vallecito Reservoir - Weather report & radar
Los Pinos River – Below Vallecito Reservoir - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Midges | Late Morning | #18-22 | Black Beauty, Miracle Midge | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Midges | Late Morning | #18-22 | Black Beauty, Miracle Midge | |
| March | BWO | Afternoon | #18-22 | Pheasant Tail, Blue Dun |
| Midges | Mid-Morning to Afternoon | #20-24 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty | |
| April | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| BWO | Late Morning to Early Afternoon | #16-20 | Blue Dun, Olive Comparadun | |
| May | Caddis | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Green Caddis Larva |
| BWO | Afternoon | #16-18 | Blue Quill, Sparkle Dun BWO | |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | #8-14 | Sixpack Stone, Golden Stone | |
| June | Stoneflies | All Day | #8-14 | Sixpack Stone, Golden Stone |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| PMD | Mid-Morning | #14-18 | PMD Emerger, Rusty Spinner | |
| July | PMD | Early Afternoon | #16-20 | PMD Comparadun, BWO Emerger |
| Terrestrials | Late Morning to Afternoon | #10-16 | Dave’s Hopper, Ant Patterns | |
| August | Tricos | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, Double-wing Trico |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #10-16 | Beetle Patterns, Dave’s Hopper | |
| Hoppers | All Day | #8-12 | Parachute Hopper, Foam Hopper | |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-16 | Ant Patterns, Dave’s Hopper |
| BWO | Afternoon | #18-22 | Blue Winged Olive, Pheasant Tail | |
| October | Midges | Afternoon | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| BWO | Afternoon | #18-22 | Quill Gordon, Blue Dun | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| BWO | Afternoon | #20-24 | Blue Dun, Pheasant Tail | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20-24 | Black Beauty, Miracle Midge |
| Midgeling | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
Los Pinos River – Below Vallecito Reservoir Access Points
The Los Pinos River – Below Vallecito Reservoir is a stellar location for fly fishing. Here are some top access points:
- Vallecito Campground: It offers stress-free river access for fly fishing. The river here teems with brook and rainbow trout.
- Pine River Campground: Just below the dam, accessible via CR 501. You need to hike in a distance to reach the spots, but the secluded fishing is worth it.
- Florida River Confluence: Fish the confluence where the Florida River meets the Los Pinos just south off County Road 501.
- Texas Hole: An excellent spot, upstream of the bridge on CR 400 where you’ll find a deep pool inhabited by large trout.
- Public Access Point off CR 500: A spot that’s less crowded, with ample wade-accessible fishing areas.
Remember: Respect private property and always check the local regulations before fishing.
Los Pinos River – Below Vallecito Reservoir Fishing Spots
The Los Pinos River below Vallecito Reservoir in Colorado is a highly revered spot for fly fishing boasting excellent trout populations. Here are the best spots for the activity:
- Lower Pine River: This stretch of the river below the dam is accessible from the nearby road. Known for its large rainbow and brook trout.
- Vallecito Creek: This tributary to Los Pinos River contains smaller trout but offers excellent solitude compared to other locations.
- Upper Pine River: This area is challenging to reach due to private properties surrounding it, however, it offers great opportunities for catching large cutthroat trout.
All these spots feature clean, fast-flowing water, varying depths and boulder-strewn pools, making them irresistible for fly fishing enthusiasts. It is advised to regard all local fishing regulations and respect private property when accessing fishing spots.
Los Pinos River – Below Vallecito Reservoir Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: The most common type of fish in the river, and a favorite for fly fishers because of its beautiful scales and aggressive nature.
- Brown Trout: Another famed fish among fly fishing enthusiasts, it loves hiding in the deeper, slower-moving sections of the river.
- Brook Trout: These small and speckled fish are found in the colder, clear running waters of the river.
- Mountain Whitefish: These fish are found in most of the same places as trout but are often overlooked by anglers because of their smaller size and less aggressive nature.
- Cutthroat Trout: This native trout species is usually found in the more remote and high elevation segments of the Los Pinos River.
- Yellow Perch: These hard-fighting little fish are a good option for beginner fly fishers or those looking for action.
- Green Sunfish: These vibrant fish offer a fun diversion from the standard trout fishing on the river.
- Bluegill: Larger members of the sunfish family, these are a challenging catch on a fly rod.
About the Los Pinos River – Below Vallecito Reservoir
The Los Pinos River, or Pine River, is a hidden treasure nestled below the Vallecito Reservoir in Southwest Colorado. The history of the river dates back thousands of years when it was richly utilized by the Pueblo and Navajo tribes. It was later explored by Spanish explorers in search of gold.
Flanked by stunning mountains and valleys, the river offers plenty of activities.
- Exceptional fishing, famed for its trout populations.
- Immerse yourself in the tranquil waters with a leisurely float.
- Experience wildlife in their natural habitat. You’ll often spot deer, elk, or birds of prey!
Today, the river is maintained by the United States Forest Service, aimed at preserving its natural beauty and rich ecology. From its early recognition by Native American tribes to its current recreational use, the Los Pinos River continues to be a serene and scenic natural heritage site.
Community Contributions
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