Fishing Season: April-October

Rio Grande - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

66

Duranglers Flies and Supplies's Tip of the Week

Wade fishing is the game right now, with float fishing long gone. Right now, your best bet is to get out as early as possible and fish until about noon. There still may be a few caddis hatches going off, but terrestrials are beginning to show up. Dry/droppers are a good way to prospect the Rio right now.

Directions open in app

Map of Rio Grande

5-Day Outlook as of 7/16/26

There is potential for rain over the next few days (we are hoping) that may bump the flows and bring cooler water temps to the Rio. The monsoon cycles have not been as strong yet, but they are picking up.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/16/26

Sad to say, but nymphing will be your best option, but ants or moth terrestrials may get a rise or two. Second best option is a dry/dropper. Get off the water by noon to help preserve this fishery, as water temperatures are getting higher than 66, which can stress fish. You will probably have to be a bit technical with your rigging.

Local Species Available April-October

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Duranglers Flies and Supplies's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
TH 20 Incher tan 10
Stimulator Yellow, Royal 12-16
Elk Wing Caddis Brown, Olive 14-20
Tactical Soft Hackle Hare's Ear Jig Olive, Natural 12-16
Spruce Moth Tan 10-14
Duranglers Peacock Caddis Peacock 12-16
Travis Para Ant Copper 18-20
Turk's Tarantula Tan 10-14
Chubbies Tan, Yellow, Black, Royal, Salmonfly 12-16
Black Big Boned Caddis Black 12-16

TH 20 Incher

Big trout can't resist these deadly stonefly nymphs.

2.99

Item #5E3E

Buy Now

Duranglers Flies and Supplies's Recommended Gear

Description: About Rio Grande

Head waters of the Rio Grande River. This is a freestone river with an abundance of large bugs, including stoneflies, drakes and blizzard caddis hatches during the early summer. Late summer sees pmd's and terrestrials. Most of the river consists of riffle/ runs and pocket water (traditional western river). There is approximately 90 miles of fishable trout water beginning at the headwaters 30 miles above Creede, Colorado, continuing downstream to Del Norte, Colorado. Approximately 50% of this water is public with the lower 20 miles being gold metal waters. Plenty of public put-in's for boater, with the floating season normally lasting from mid April thru July.

Nearest Airport:

Alamosa, Co.

Hatches:

Caddis, Small Mayflies, Terrestrials

Best Time to Fish:

5am-noon

Best Stretch:

creede down stream

Best Access:

coller