Fly Fishing Uncompahgre River - Below Ridgway

Fly fishing Uncompahgre River below Ridgway Reservoir—locally known as Pa-Co-Chu-Puk—is one of southwest Colorado’s most accessible and productive tailwater fisheries. Flowing through the lower end of Ridgway State Park, this carefully managed stretch provides year-round fly fishing opportunities for impressive rainbow and brown trout in a scenic, high-desert setting framed by the peaks of the San Juans. Cold, nutrient-rich releases from the reservoir create ideal conditions for aquatic life, supporting healthy populations of trout and reliable insect hatches throughout the year.

What sets Pa-Co-Chu-Puk apart is its thoughtful design and ease of access. The river has been enhanced with channel improvements, rock structures, and plunge pools that concentrate fish and create consistent holding water. Wading is easy and safe along the well-maintained banks, making it a great destination for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The fish here are no pushovers—many exceed 16 inches, and some reach 20+—but they’re more approachable than trout in more pressured tailwaters.

The river fishes best on nymph rigs with small midge, baetis, and caddis patterns throughout the winter and early spring. As flows warm in late April through early summer, blue-winged olives, caddis, and pale morning duns bring trout to the surface in the slower tailouts and under overhanging willows. Dry-dropper rigs are effective in these stretches, especially when flows range between 75 and 200 CFS. Winter fishing is particularly popular, with open water and active fish while nearby freestones are locked in ice. Midges and attractor nymphs remain productive throughout the cold months, especially in the slower, deeper pools downstream from the dam.

Anglers can access the fishery directly from designated parking areas and trails within Ridgway State Park, which also offers picnic spots, restrooms, and campsites for extended stays. The river is catch-and-release only in this section, with flies and lures required—ensuring a healthy fish population and a strong chance at landing quality trout even after heavy angling pressure.

Whether you’re dialing in a technical nymph rig or casting to surface risers on a spring afternoon, fly fishing Uncompahgre River below Ridgway Reservoir delivers a consistent, rewarding, and low-hassle fly fishing experience that’s perfect for a quick session or a weekend getaway. For those exploring the diverse waters of southwest Colorado, this tailwater is a must-fish stop.