St. Vrain Angler

Conejos River

             River: The Conejos River is a small stream that begins below Platoro Reservoir. The closest town is Antonito, located in South, Central Colorado.

Fish: The Conejos is inhabited by a fifty-fifty mix of rainbow and brown trout, and also has a few protected Rio Grande Cutthroat in the upper stretches and tributaries.

            Bugs: This is good stonefly and caddis water. Terrestrials are important during summer months, too.

            Flies: Nothing fancy is required. Standard nymphs and dries will work well. Carry a good selection of hoppers, beetles and ants during the summer and early fall.

            Techniques: Use standard pocket water techniques: short line casts, lots of mending and line control. Be ready for quick rises to your attractor patterns.

            Seasons: The best time to fish the Conejos is dependent from year to year on water. During low snow-pack years, early will be best; during heavier snow years, plan on fishing from late June through the fall.

            Rating: Fair;  not crowded, though, which is a  plus!

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