Topos and other maps: USGS Pole Creek Mountain, Finger Mesa, Little Squaw Creek, Bristol Head, Workman Creek, Creede, Wagon Wheel Gap, South Fork West, South Fork East, Indian Head, and USFS Rio Grande National Forest.
Location: Southwestern Colorado near Creede, South Fork.
Description: Freestone river with pools, riffles and lots of pocket water.
Directions: Highway 160 parallels the river before Del Norte to South Fork. From South Fork upstream, Highway 149 follows the river to Creede.
Lodging, camping: Thirty-mile Campground, Rio Grande Campground, Palisade Campground. In South Fork, try the Foothills Lodge (970-873-5969). In Creede, the Creede Hotel (970-658-2608), and on the river, the Wason Ranch (970-658-2413). Others: Rainbow Lodge (970-873-5571), South Fork Lodge (970-873-5303), and 4UR Ranch (970-658-2413).
Accesses: Plenty of well-marked public accesses and pullouts along the river, but there is a mix of private and public water near the 4UR Ranch. Be sure to check the handbook. Anglers may float the entire river but may not get onshore or private land without permission.
Season: Mid-June (during normal runoff) to late September. There is no closed season for angling on the Rio Grande. When the crowds leave, August and September can provide an incredible angling experience.
Tackle: 8=- to 9-foot rod with 4- to 6-weight line. In the heat of summer, wet wading is fine. Otherwise wear chest waders.
Flies: Blue-winged Olive 1418, Elk Hair Caddis 1016, Midge Cluster 1418, Green Wulff 1014, Brown Wulff 1014, Royal Wulff 1016, Sofa Pillow 28, Rio Grande King 1014, Humpy 1016, Green Drake 1014, Royal Trude 1016, Lime Trude 1016, Adams 1020, Irresistible 1016, Pale Morning Dun 1418, Renegade 1016, Stimulator (yellow, orange, tan) 612, Yellow Sally 812, H & L Variant (House and Lot) 1016, Double Hackle Peacock 28, Prince Nymph 1014, Pheasant Tail 1014, Sparkle Caddis Emerger 1216, Bitch Creek 410, Girdle Bug 410, Dark Stonefly Nymph 26, Golden Stonefly nymph 48, Woolly Bugger 410, Spruce Fly 28, Zonker 26, Muddler Minnow 410, Zug Bug 1014, Hare's Ear 818, Midge Pupa 1824, Comparadun 1016.
Regulations: Special regulations exist for several sections of the river. Look closely at the handbook since there are numerous changes along the way including Gold Medal Water regulations.
Species of game fish: Brown, rainbow, and some cutthroat and brook trout. Rainbows average 1215 inches, browns 1214 inches.
Hazards: Be careful: Wading during high water and rafting during runoff means knowing if your craft can fit under the bridges.
Highlights: The Green Drake and Caddis hatches in early and midsummer.
Scenery: The beauty of the Rio Grande as it collects in the rugged San Juan Mountains may be unparalleled by any other western river. This is wild country punctuated by dense forests, stunning mountain vistas, and steep, dark canyons.
Navigable: Fishing from a raft is a great choice for anglers. Several outfitters and fly shops in Creede, Durango, Lake City, and Alamosa can help you.
Other: Sportsman Fly Shop in Lake City (970-944-2526), Rio Grande Anglers (719-658-2955), and Ramble House (719-658-2482) in Creede; Duranglers and Durango Fly Goods in Durango.
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