With mild temperatures and no snow in the high country, we are still having some great days fishing around Pagosa Spring. On the streams above 9,000 feet the best fishing time is around 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The window for good fishing is getting smaller, but it is still a great way to enjoy the mountains. On several of the smaller streams, the guides got into a bunch of spawning browns. Some of them were very big, and it makes you wonder where they were hiding all summer!
The flows below the dam on the San Juan River are at 529 cfs today. The lower has been fishing very well. Fish are still keying in on baetis (chocolate and grey foam wings emergers) and of course midge patterns. The stretch in Pagosa is running at 47 cfs and is gin clear. During the early afternoon I have been fishing adult midge patterns to rising fish at the top of the runs. The best patterns have been Griffith's gnat or black biot midge. When fishing the deeper holes nymphing I have been fishing the natural looking patterns without any flash. With the clear water, the flash has made them shy away. Fish are also still chasing streamers.
I have been spending most of my time on the lake chasing pike. It is hit and miss, on trying to figure them out. We have been throwing big EP peanut butters, Sling Blade spoon fly's, and bunnies. We have also been throwing the hardware at them when we have trouble locating them on the fly. Big spoons and the Dynamic Dynamo HD Trout lures.
The ski season is right around the corner. If you come out in the winter you can mix some fishing in with your ski trip. We offer float and wade trips on the lower San Juan year round. The temperatures are usually 20 degrees warmer than in Pagosa!
Scott Taylor
http://highcountrycharters.com
970-946-5229
While you are in town make sure that you visit the following businesses!
Need Fly Fishing gear? See Pop's
Let it Fly
Located on Put hill, just West of Downtown Pagosa Springs.
970-264-3189
http://www.flyfishpagosa.com
Hungry for Adventure?
Pagosa Outside Adventures - Rafting, Biking, Kayaking, Tubing
Downtown Pagosa Springs
970-264-4202
http://www.pagosaoutside.com
Need Ski Rentals?
Pagosa Ski Rental (PSR)
Downtown Pagosa Springs
970-264-2866
http://www.skipagosa.com
