Conejos River
river in Colorado
The Conejos River offers a classic high-elevation freestone experience with excellent dry fly fishing opportunities and stunning scenery in a less-pressured environment.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Water temperatures are cool
- 01Water temperatures are cool, stimulating trout feeding activity.
- 02BWO and Midge hatches are consistent, especially on overcast afternoons.
- 03Larger October Caddis are active, providing good dry fly opportunities.
- 04Streamers and heavy nymphs are effective for targeting aggressive fish in deeper runs.
- 05Egg patterns are becoming increasingly important as fish stage for fall spawning.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Blood Dot Egg
With trout staging for spawning, egg patterns are becoming a critical food source in fall and will draw strikes from opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
This heavy stonefly nymph is excellent for getting down deep into faster runs and targeting larger trout seeking a substantial meal in the colder fall waters.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
This large caddis imitation is crucial for matching the significant October Caddis hatch, bringing aggressive fish to the surface during fall.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun (BWO)
An essential pattern for matching the low-profile BWO adults and emergers, particularly effective for selective trout keying on these prevalent mayflies during fall hatches.
Zebra Midge
This subsurface midge pattern is a year-round workhorse, consistently effective in colder water as a primary food source for trout, especially in fall.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, excellent for enticing aggressive strikes from larger brown trout holding in deeper pools as they prepare for winter.
Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph
A reliable general searching nymph, mimicking various aquatic insects active subsurface throughout the river and a good producer in fall.
PMD (Pale Morning Duns)
For opportunistic feeders, this dry fly can be highly effective when PMD hatches are active in fall, especially in the brighter parts of the day.
Where to fish and who to ask
Below Platoro Reservoir
Tailwater-influenced sections directly below Platoro Dam, offering consistent flows and good fishing.
Conejos Canyon
Scenic canyon sections downstream, providing diverse water types and good wade access.
Get Conejos River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Colorado season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where
Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Fly Fishing Rocky Mountain National Park – Alpine Lakes & Streams
Master fly fishing Rocky Mountain National Park's pristine alpine lakes and streams with expert techniques, gear selection, and regulations.
Top 10 Tailwater Fisheries in the USA – Consistent Year-Round Action
Discover America's premier tailwater fisheries offering consistent year-round fishing, from Montana's Bighorn to Colorado's South Platte.
Quick answers
Common questions about Conejos River.
What flies work best on Conejos River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Conejos River right now are Iced Out Midge Pupa (80% confidence), Zebra Midge (80% confidence), Jujubaetis (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Conejos River?
Conejos River holds Whitefish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Conejos River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Conejos River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Conejos River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Conejos River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.