Two weeks ago, we were wondering if the rivers were going to dry up! Now after 5 days of much needed rain, conditions are looking good for the rest of the summer. We are in the start of the monsoon season, which gives us good chances of afternoon rains in the high country and even showers in town. The San Juan in Pagosa went from 50 cfs 2 weeks ago to 140 cfs today, and because of improved conditions the lower San Juan was lowered 200 cfs to 825 cfs. Fishing conditions after some of the big storms will leave several of the drainages muddy, most of the time we drive around and find clear water on the N side of 160, and sometimes it is on the S side. It all depends on where the big storm cells were. It is very rare that all the streams in our area are blown out. If they are, we can always go down to the lower San Juan and fish the tailwater. By the way the ants fell last week, and there are still fish looking up for them.
At Sunset Ranch the fishing has been great in between blown out days. Last week Jeff and I had a family out there with visibility in the 8 – 10 inch range. That can scare some anglers away, but we got into a bunch of fish. We were throwing some of Pop's special San Juan worms,egg patterns, and the copper and hare. A lot of the fish were hooked one rod length away. Normally the ranch fish will not let you get anywhere near that close. Often times in dirty stained water we will catch more fish with beginners than when the water is gin clear. The clearer it is the spookier they are, and that means your presentation is more important.
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
