Fishing Season: April-October

Rio Grande - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

48

Duranglers Flies and Supplies's Tip of the Week

Flows are up with reservoir releases, which means it's bugger season. A black bugger might be your best friend right now, with a stonefly/mayfly nymph rig if you are not a streamer junkie.

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Map of Rio Grande

5-Day Outlook as of 4/22/26

We are back to a cooler cycle again over the next week, with rain and snow expected this weekend. We are hoping this brings a little more snow and snowpack to the Rio. Spring irrigation releases have begun, so the the flows are up for now.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/22/26

Streamer fishing with a black bugger, or your favorite streamer. But, nymphing will also produce. Get your flies down to the bottom. The water is cold, and that is where fish will be. Watch for some risers with BWOs with overcast days as well.

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
Prince Nymph Natural 10-16
Double Bunny Black, Olive 6-8
Gold Bead Hare's Ear Nymph Natural 12-16
Pat's Rubberlegs Brown 8-12
RS-2 grey 18-20
Sparkle Dun Copper 18-20
Blue Wing Olive Parachute Olive 18-20
Black Flashabugger Black 4-8
Caddis Larva Olive 14-18

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:

BWOs, Mayfly Nymphs, Stonefly Nymphs, Caddis nymphs

Best Time to Fish:

10-4

Best Stretch:

creede down stream

Best Access:

coller