Los Pinos River
Fly fishing in Colorado · Intermediate · Best seasons: Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Below Vallecito Reservoir in the San Juans. Wild brown and rainbow trout in scenic mountain setting.
Fishing Recommendations
The Los Pinos River, commonly known as the Pine River, is one of Southwest Colorado’s most scenic and productive gems. Flowing from the high peaks of the Weminuche Wilderness into Vallecito Reservoir and eventually down through the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, it offers a diverse range of water. For the fly angler, it represents a classic freestone experience: crystal clear water, hard-fighting fish, and breathtaking scenery.
🎣 Location Overview
The Pine River is defined by its two distinct sections: the Upper Pine (above Vallecito Reservoir) and the Lower Pine (below the dam).
- The Upper Pine: This is a wilderness-lover's dream. It flows through the Weminuche Wilderness and is accessible only by foot or horseback. It is characterized by pocket water, plunges, and high-mountain meadows.
- The Lower Pine: Below Vallecito Reservoir, the river becomes more of a tailwater-freestone hybrid. The water stays cooler in the summer, and the trout grow larger here due to the consistent biomass flowing from the dam.
Anglers love the Pine because it feels "wilder" than the nearby Animas or San Juan rivers. It requires effort to fish well, rewarding those who are willing to hike and practice stealthy approaches.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
- Brown Trout: The dominant species, especially in the lower stretches. They are aggressive and territorial. They love to hold in the "shadows"—undercut banks, under overhanging willows, and at the tail-outs of deep pools during the evening.
- Rainbow Trout: Found throughout the system, particularly in the swifter riffles and oxygenated runs. The Lower Pine holds some "escapees" from the reservoir that can reach impressive sizes.
- Behavior: These fish are generally less pressured than those on the San Juan, but they are wary. In the Upper Pine, they are opportunistic feeders due to the short growing season. In the Lower Pine, they can be more selective, focusing on specific midge and mayfly hatches.
📅 Best Times to Fish
Optimal Seasons
- Summer (July – August): This is prime time. Runoff usually subsides by late June. This is the window for terrestrial fishing and high-mountain exploration in the wilderness.
- Fall (September – October): My personal favorite. The Brown trout begin their pre-spawn movement and become highly aggressive. The fall colors in the Pine River valley are spectacular, and the water levels are stable and clear.
Best Times of Day
- Summer: Early morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and the "Magic Hour" before sunset.
- Fall: Late morning through mid-afternoon as the sun warms the water and triggers insect activity.
Prime Conditions
Look for "bluebird" days for dry fly action in the wilderness, or slightly overcast days for streamer fishing on the Lower Pine.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies:
- Upper River: Royal Wulff (#12-16), Stimulators (Orange/Yellow #10-14), Amy’s Ant (#10-12).
- Lower River: Parachute Adams (#16-20), Elk Hair Caddis (#14-18), PMDs (#16-18).
- Nymphs:
- Prince Nymph (#12-16), Pheasant Tail (#14-18), Copper John (Red or Blue #14-18), and Zebra Midges (#18-22) for the tailwater section.
- Streamers:
- Wooly Buggers (Black or Olive), Autumn Splendor, and Gold-Ribbed Hare’s Ear streamers.
Effective Techniques
- Dry-Dropper: This is the "bread and butter" on the Pine. Use a high-visibility hopper or stimulator as your indicator and hang a Bead-head Pheasant Tail 18–24 inches below it.
- Pocket Water Nymphing: In the wilderness sections, short-line nymphing (European style or high-sticking) through the plunges is incredibly effective.
- Streamer Stripping: On the Lower Pine, casting a streamer tight to the undercut banks and stripping it back aggressively will trigger strikes from the larger, predatory Browns.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The Stealth Factor: The Pine is incredibly clear. If you can see the fish, they have likely already seen you. Wear earthy tones (olive/tan), stay low, and cast from downstream to upstream whenever possible.
- The "Weminuche Hike": If you want the best fishing, hike at least 3 miles past the trailhead at the north end of Vallecito. The further you get from the parking lot, the more eager the fish become.
- The Willow Trap: The Lower Pine is lined with thick willows. Precise roll-casting is a mandatory skill here. If you can't roll cast 20–30 feet accurately, you'll spend more time "fishing" the trees than the water.
⚠️ Important Information
Access Information
- Upper Pine: Access via the Pine River Trailhead at the north end of Vallecito Reservoir.
- Lower Pine: Much of the land below the dam is private property or part of the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. You must stay within public access points or obtain a Southern Ute Fishing Permit if fishing on tribal lands.
Regulations & Permits
- Colorado State License: Required for all public sections.
- Southern Ute Permit: If you enter the reservation (south of Ignatius), a standard CO license is not enough; you must purchase a specific tribal permit.
- Catch and Release: While regulations vary by specific stretch, practicing catch and release is highly encouraged to maintain the quality of this fragile fishery.
Special Considerations
- Wildlife: This is heavy Black Bear and Mountain Lion country. Carry bear spray and be "bear aware" with your lunch and trash.
- Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are a daily occurrence in the summer. Get off the high ridges and away from the water if you see lightning.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | January, February, March, December | Late Morning/Early Afternoon | #18-24 | Zebra Midge #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #20-22, Top Secret Midge #20-24 |
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Midday | #18-22 | RS2 #20-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, JujuBaetis #18-22 |
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella excrucians | mayfly | July, August | Morning/Early Afternoon | #16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Pheasant Tail #16-18, Barr's PMD Emerger #16-18 |
| Brachycentrus Caddis Brachycentrus | caddis | May | Afternoon | #14-16 | Peeping Caddis #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis (Olive/Black) #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-16 |
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica | stonefly | June, July | Morning/Evening | #8-12 | Pat's Rubber Legs #8-12, Chubby Chernobyl #8-12, Iron Lotus #12-14 |
| Yellow Sally Isoperla | stonefly | June, July | Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Yellow Stimulator #14-16, Sallie Girl #16, Micro Mayfly (Yellow) #14-16 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #20-24, Sunken Trico Spinner #20-22, WD-40 #20-22 |
| Grasshoppers Orthoptera | terrestrial | August, September | Late Morning/Afternoon | #8-12 | Amy's Ant #10-12, Dave's Hopper #8-12, Morrish Hopper #10-12 |