That incredible smell in the air that is spring has just
about taken over my nice winter work habits and has sent me to the
river more then a man should. Just wanted to update you on what is
happening here on the Conejos. We have had several weeks of good
fishing and feel like we have our own 50 mile private trout club!
Spring fishing on the Conejos has proved to be something new to most of
us and we have realized that these fish are very catchable and
active. We will continue to see what type of spring hatches and fishing
opportunities are here now that we are "on" the river more
consistently. Snowpack has come up dramatically in the last 2 months
to reach 73%! Should make for a great month of June and July for the
Pteronarcys Stonefly and the Green Drakes. The First Annual Conejos
Superfly is full and then some and we look forward to a fun weekend.
The Conejos Superfly Trophy is now completed and you all will get to
see it in the shop this year with this years winner. If all goes well
we will probobly have a 2 day event next year open to around 60 teams
in early May. You all are welcome to the awards dinner and party at
Conejos Ranch starting at 4:30.

After several days of tea colored
water the river is clearing and the fishing should get a little easier
after a tough couple of days. Most of the fish have been fat and
healthy and we have only caught a few fish this year under 14"! We have
also been seeing more Rainbows then we have seen in years as well as
some larger Cutthroats. The tailwater section of the Conejos below the
dam will give us some good fishing during this years short runoff and
the La Jara and Los Pinos will also help fill that void while the
Conejos is "up".





The shop has added St. Croix and some other smaller
lines to add to what we sold last year. We will begin 7 day a week
hours in May and look forward to seeing you all again this summer.
Thousands of flies will be here soon and after a year to concentrate on
the fishes diet last year we will be able to do a better job of knowing
what bugs are in the stomachs of these frequently picky Browns. There
were many times in years past when we thought that the Browns had gone
to lay down but in fact were eating something other then what we were
offering. This year we will be doing even more stomach samples and
seining to be on top of what is happening here. The fishing reports
will be frequent and detailed.





For those of you wanting to escape the crowds of the
Arkansas, San Juan and other popular spring rivers the Conejos will
offer some great fishing in late April and early May. And will also
offer you the opportunity to catch some of the rivers biggest fish in a
relaxed unpressured environment. Amazingly there is almost no one that
fishes the La Jara, Los Pinos, or the Conejos in the spring. For
those that know vacation dates in advance soon would would be a
great time to reserve your rooms or guides here. Alot of days are
already full for the cabins and guide days.