Fly Fishing Conejos River - Meadows

Overview

Nestled beneath the peaks of Colorado’s southern San Juan Mountains, the Conejos River Meadows begins below Platoro Reservoir. Reservoir releases shape this high-country water before it takes on more of the character of a freestone stream, with bedrock channels, cobble-strewn riffles and deeper pools.

Willow and alder fringe the river, while grassy undercut edges provide cover for trout. Work the seams beneath those banks with small beadhead nymphs, then switch to a dry-dropper when fish begin feeding near the surface. Reservoir operations, snowmelt and weather affect the current and clarity, so adjust the weight and depth of the rig to each run.

Spring Nymph Fishing

In late spring, prolific stonefly nymph hatches push trout into shallow seams beneath undercut banks, and a well-presented orange or cream stonefly imitation will often trigger explosive takes. Drift small beadhead nymphs through pocket water, adjusting the rig to the depth and current.

Summer Dry-Dropper Fishing

By early summer, Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and dusty terrestrial hoppers emerge around sandy runs and grassy terraces.

As fall arrives, stable, low flows drift beneath canopies of golden aspens and cottonwoods, and prolific midge and late-season mayfly hatches create perfect dry-fly windows.

When cold-season ice conditions permit fishing, micro-nymphs and small streamers can be useful in deeper pools where surface action is scarce.