Conejos River

The Conejos is the largest tributary to the Rio Grande. It runs from the southern aspect of the San Juan mountains and flows eastward toward the small Colorado town of Antonito. This river is well known for its fickle personality. To the newcomer, the Conejos can be difficult to find success in catching fish. The guides at ZiaFly have put a lot of time and effort into figuring out the puzzle that the Conejos presents. The Conejos fishes reasonably well in April, until the spring runoff begins. Then in early to mid-June, the river can be good to excellent fishing as the stream flows subside. The green and grey drake hatches can be legendary, with just about every fish eating their fill from the water's surface. Usually in the third or fourth week of June, the giant stoneflies come out. These flying meals can be almost as large as a hummingbird. This wild hatch typically lasts for about a week. Then the river sees golden stoneflies, mahogany dun, and Spruce moths. Late summer into early fall the terrestrials begin to feed the fish well. 

ZiaFly has access to some lovely private stretches on the Conejos, whose fish can be massive. We do not guide the National Forest (only one permit exists, and it’s not us), but we are happy to provide guidance and tips for being successful on the public waters when you fish on your own.