From the River to You

I just want to update everyone on what the guide trips lately have been like so that you all have an idea of what is happening on the water. Jon was in the meadows below Platoro with two young men (about 14 years old) yesterday. One of them had never held a fly rod before and the other had fly fished very little. The days end result was amazing to say the least... they netted 55 fish!! The meadows are on fire right now. Jon is out the water again today so we will see what he has to say when he gets back this afternoon.

I also wanted to let everyone out there know that during the weekend of the 4th that we have still have 2 cabins open and a bunch of open days for guided fishing. I am a little surprised that that weekend has not filled up yet. So if you want to fish the Conejos it looks like there will be plenty of water open to you.

If your plans for the 4th are still open you should consider a trip this way.

Conejos River Anglers Guide Staff

Jon Harp

Devan Ence

Troy Smith

Jasmine Ence

Josh Curtis

Rob Scott

Just wanted to put up a post so that everyone could put a face with the name. We are currently working on putting together a "Meet the Guides" page for the CRA website. It will have a photo and bio of each of our guides so that you can get to know them better.

New Summer Hours

Just letting everyone know that we have switched to our summer hours.

7:30am to 6:00pm

Monday- Saturday

7:30am to 2:00pm

Sunday

Make sure to stop by on your way to the river.

Nymphing the Conejos River

Jasmine, Troy and Jon heading down to the Water

Jon Harp landing a beautiful Conejos River Brown

Jon Harp working on catching that next fish

Troy Smith choosing his next offering

Jasmine Ence landing a healthy Conejos River Brown

Troy Smith working a run during high water

Jasmine Ence throwing a double nymph rig with a 3/0 Split Shot

Over the years we have worked on developing a technique for nymphing that has proven successful all over the US as well as in all of the foreign destinations we has hosted trips to. It has really become an important component of day to day success on the Conejos River. Now don't get me wrong the dry fly fishing can be amazing here, but catching fish on nymphs is a lot more consistant. If you really want to dial in your nymphing spend a day on the water with one of the guides. It will be something you won't regret, I promise.

The Hatch is Happening NOW!!!!

Salmonfly Adult

Salmonfly Hanging out on a Pair of G4 Waders

Well it is happening... The Salmonflies have started to pop on the Conejos River. Troy smith came by the shop yesterday and had three of these amazing bugs crawling on him when he walked thru the front door. It is one of the hatches that we all have been waiting for. If you haven't fished this hatch on the Conejos before, you need to get here and give it a try.

*Troy Just rolled into the shop a little bit ago to tell me how the fishing on the lower river was this morning... "It is crazy out there right now... I fished for about 25 minutes this morning and landed 15 fish. I only took a break to come in and let you know what was going on and now I am heading back to the water." Then he was gone. Well there you have it straight from the river.

Let The Production Tying Begin

Prepped Material for Session

25 Dozen Pink G-String Worms

(Tuesday Tying Session)

51 Dozen G-String Worms

(Yesterday and Tuesdays Tying Session Together)

I have set a goal for the month of June to tie more flies in one month then I ever have before. In the past two days I have been able to put 51 dozen (612 flies) thru the vise and sense June 1st I have totaled 105 dozen (1,260 flies). This is to build a stock pile of the flies we use all season long. I will keep you updated on the total as the month goes on, with the final tally on June 30th. I really appreciate the support that everyone has given for the flies that we tie here at CRA.

Early June

CRA Guides Jon Harp, Troy Smith and Jasmine Ence

talking with there clients about the plan of attack for the day.

Big Stonefly Dries

(GETTING EXCITED YET!!)

Got Jimmy's?

This morning we had our first real brush with summer. It is a beautiful blue bird day with no wind and a shop full of clients anticipating a great day on the water with the CRA Guides. The water level is up but the fishing has been great. These Conejos fish get extremley wormy this time of year. Yes, that means fish puking up worms in the net "I just couldn't help myself" says Mr. Brown Trout "It just looked to good to pass up" says Mrs. Brown Trout. Any way it is time to start really thinking about Southern Colorado.

I know that we are all looking forward to what is coming in the next couple of weeks.... SALMONFLIES!!!!! We are all ready to see those B-52's flying over the water and I know that you all are looking forward to making some casts to some hungry trout waiting to ambush a struggling stone. With the snow pack being what it was this year we are looking forward to some fantastic dry fly fishing this season.