Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Rio Grande - Del Norte - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges 11am-3pm #18-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Winter Stoneflies Warmest part of day #16-20 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midges 11am-3pm #18-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
March Midges 11am-3pm #18-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, midday #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
April Midges 11am-3pm #18-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, midday #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
Caddis Afternoon to evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
May Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, midday #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
Caddis Afternoon to evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Golden Stoneflies Afternoon #8-12 Golden Stone Nymph, Stimulator
June Caddis Afternoon to evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Golden Stoneflies Afternoon #8-12 Golden Stone Nymph, Stimulator
Green Drakes Midday to afternoon #10-14 Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Nymph
PMDs (Pale Morning Dun) Midday #14-18 PMD Emerger, PMD Dun
July Golden Stoneflies Afternoon #8-12 Golden Stone Nymph, Stimulator
Green Drakes Midday to afternoon #10-14 Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Nymph
PMDs (Pale Morning Dun) Midday #14-18 PMD Emerger, PMD Dun
Caddis Afternoon to evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
August Golden Stoneflies Afternoon #8-12 Golden Stone Nymph, Stimulator
Caddis Afternoon to evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
September Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, midday #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
Terrestrials All day #10-16 Ants, Beetles, Hoppers
October Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, midday #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
November Midges 11am-3pm #18-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Blue-Winged Olives Cloudy days, midday #16-20 BWO Emerger, BWO Dry
December Midges 11am-3pm #18-24 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Fly fishing enthusiasts should include the Rio Grande – Del Norte on their bucket list. Stunning landscapes and magnificent species make it an irresistible angling destination. The best spots to fly fish here are:

  • South Fork: Renowned for its gold medal waters and abundant trout population.
  • Conejos River: This tributary of the Rio Grande is perfect for anglers seeking solitude. It is best known for its large rainbow trout.
  • Rio de los Pinos: A hidden gem near the New Mexico border, famous for its brown and cutthroat trout.
  • Creede: An idyllic spot for fly fishing, known for its great variety of hatches.
  • Taos: Home to the Rio Grande Gorge, provides year-round fly fishing opportunities for brown trout and occasional rainbow.

Best Access Points

The Rio Grande – Del Norte national monument offers some of the best spots for fly fishing. A few of the best access points are:

  • La Junta Point: This spot is at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Red River, providing a diverse fishing environment.
  • Wild Rivers Recreation Area: Offers shoreline access and views of the river below.
  • The Taos Junction Bridge: Situated close to several fishing hotspots, making it an excellent choice.
  • Near the John Dunn Bridge: Another accessible location with plenty of opportunities to catch fish.
  • Pilar: This is popular among local fishermen for its high volume of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout.

Note: Remember to follow local regulation, and to practice catch-and-release to preserve fish populations for future generations.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: One of the most popular targets for fly fishers along the Rio Grande due to its aggressive nature and beautiful coloration.
  • Rainbow Trout: Known for their fighting spirit and vibrantly colored strip, making the catch a rewarding experience.
  • Brook Trout: A smaller species that make up for their size with distinct beautiful markings and their spirited fights.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Native to the Rio Grande, they are loved by fly fishers for the thrill of the catch and their beautiful red throat slash.
  • Rio Grande Perch: This fish is a playful catch and they are highly sought-after by fly fishers due to their tendency to group together, which allows for multiple catches.
  • White Bass: An enormous crowd-pleaser due to their hard fight and the excitement they bring when on the line.
  • Channel Catfish: Offering a unique challenge as they stay near the bottom of the waterbody. They provide a great fight and satisfy the thrill of the hunt.
  • Black Bullhead: Although smaller in size compared to most fish, they fight aggressively making fly fishing them an exciting challenge.

About The River

Let’s embark on a historical journey about the Rio Grande – Del Norte. This majestic river, also known as ‘Rio Bravo’, is one of the longest rivers in North America, stretching over 1,900 miles. It provides life to diverse ecosystems enchanting with its phenomenal beauty.

  • Traced back to PPaleo-Indians around 10,000 years ago, it was a source of resources and a route for migration, making it a cradle of civilization.
  • Spanish Colonial Era, it served as a natural boundary, shaping the geopolitics of the region.
  • In the mid 19th Century, the river played a crucial role in the Mexican-American War and kept giving life to agriculture and shaped the modern border.

Living through centuries, the Rio Grande – Del Norte symbolizes endurance, unity, and cultural diversity. Indeed, a river is more than just water, it’s a flowing history.

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