Conejos River Anglers Current News: Fall is Here?!? Conejos Report 9/12/12

I can honestly say that this morning was the first morning convincing me that fall is starting to make it's appearance. Yes leaves have been changing colors further upstream, but for some reason waking up after hours of a drizzle last night, to fully overcast skies and temps around 50, I believe it is here. Around here all of us have been waiting to say the word 'fall' as if it would curse us just like if you whisper the four-letter 'W' word (wind) on a peaceful day. Thankfully, looking ahead to the next 10 day weather forecast, it will be welcomed by the fish and fisherman alike. Highs merely reaching 70, but more like mid-60's will be perfect for fishing throughout the river in the weeks to come. Nighttime lows are now dipping into the 30's and 40's around the lower river and dipping below freezing up high. Here is Thursdays's forecast for Platoro from NOAA (note the first mention of snow):

A chance of rain and snow showers before 8am, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. East northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Thursday NightA chance of rain showers, mixing with snow after 9pm, then gradually ending. Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Flows are definitely lower, creating both advantages and disadvantages for anglers. Some benefits are that you have a good idea where the fish will be sitting/holding throughout the river, as well as have the opportunity to make mental notes about the structure of the river for when you return during higher flows. Some disadvantages include the fish becoming more aware of their surroundings, thus more spooky. This time of year, anglers cannot afford to make sloppy casts, line fish or have their flies dragging. Thankfully, most of the pocket water is easily accessible right now, and you can slowly work your way up the main river high-sticking with little to no line on the water. Sight fishing is at its best right now too, which always makes the blood pressure increase as well.

Tributaries are still fishable, but they are losing some of the volume as well. The same rules apply to perfect casts and/or finer and longer leaders if necessary.

Jon and Troy have both been out fishing for Pike and Carp with some success lately. If you are into trying something new, definitely give it a shot just East of Antonito. Stop in and we will get you set up for some hook-ups.

Overall bugs are much smaller so make sure you stop in to match your selection with the section of river you will be fishing. In general, BWO's, beatis and midges make up the majority of the action. Fishing small dries, #18-22 and emergers/nymphs will pay off. You can still get them to come up to larger dries in the afternoons so having hoppers and stimmys is a must.

We hope to see you soon, enjoy the pics!

-Joe