Who is best suited to this destination? Anglers who enjoy un-pressured walk and wade fishing will love this destination. Groups who are looking for a private getaway will also be very well suited to this destination.
Where is the lodge? The lodge is located in the mountains about forty-five minutes southeast of Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
How do I get there? Guests may either fly into Durango, CO and rent a car to drive to the lodge (about an hour and a half drive), and those with private aircraft can fly into Pagosa Springs. The lodge can provide a shuttle with advance notice.
When should I go? Runoff has finished by the end of June most years. From then through October it’s a spectacular place. The warm temperatures can significantly affect fishing in August through early September, we recommend early to mid-July or late September to early October.
How will I fish? Guests will fish two anglers per guide, and all sections are walk and wade only. The access to the river is very easy and the river is very easy to wade.
Is there wade fishing? This venue provides wade fishing only.
Where will I fish? Anglers will fish on the Rio Blanco primarily but will also likely access the sister property, Weminuche (Weh-mih-nooch) Valley Ranch, to fish the Weminuche River. There are miles of private water access and the guests may fish a different section each day. Guests have access to seven miles of easy-to-wade water and 10 miles of private water between the two rivers. Some guests may also fish the Piedra River at Notch Ranch, a third smaller property.
Most fishing is done with a dry fly and one dropper although at certain times of year the nymph dropper may not be used.
How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds? Access to the Rio Blanco is only minutes away, the Weminuche River takes about an hour and a half to access.
What type(s) of fish will I catch? Anglers will catch rainbow and brown trout primarily.
How many fish will I catch? Anglers should plan on catching between 10 and 15 fish per day, although this will vary based on fishing method and conditions.
Will I see other anglers? The only other anglers you will see are other members of your party. All sections of the Rio Blanco and Weminuche River that you will fish run through private property.
What are the guides like? Guides are dedicated and very knowledgeable for this specific fishing program.
What are the physical demands? Guests should plan on walk and wade fishing all day, meaning they will be on their feet for much of the day. This is some of the most mellow wading, however, and the guides can drive guests right to the river so there is limited walking and no hiking required.
Are there any special skills required? There are no special skills required.
Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge can provide any equipment needed – guests should let the lodge know in advance if they need to rent boots or waders. Guides will provide rods, reels, terminal tackle and flies.
What is your favorite setup for the trip? A 9-foot 4-weight rod will get the job done on all rivers.
What are the top flies? Flies will vary throughout the season and anglers should inquire about what patterns will be best for their specific dates.
What are the options if water conditions become challenging? Anglers will fish in rain or snow, however in the event that there is low water and high temperatures, anglers will stop fishing around noon or whenever the water temperature reaches 65 degrees. Typically when this happens guests will get on the water earlier in the morning and will not have the opportunity to fish in the evening. This is for the safety of the fish, as they cannot survive being handled once water temperatures increase.
If guests arrive during runoff, they will fish the banks with nymphs or will have access to the pond on site.
What is a typical day like? Guests will have a warm breakfast served at 7:00 AM and will be picked up by the guides at 8:00 AM. Guests will fish until about 4:30 PM and will be taken back to the cabins at 5:00 PM. Appetizers will be served at 6:30 PM followed by dinner.
What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the lodge? The cabins are comfortable and spacious, and due to the private nature of this location, will have whatever vibe each group brings. The cabins are well outfitted with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, internet and various room configurations. Guests will feel as if they are in a home away from home.
Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the lodge? The Ranch Manager, Dave Leibson, is around the property during the day, and guests will be on their own in the evenings.
Where do we eat, and what are the meals like? Meals will be served in the larger of the two cabins for breakfast and dinner. Meals are thoughtfully prepared by a professional chef and dietary restrictions will be accommodated with advance notice.
What is the alcohol policy? Alcoholic beverages and mixers are not included in the package rate. On their way from the airport, guests will need to pick up all beverages they would like to have while onsite other than water, orange juice, milk and coffee.
Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like? Guests stay in a spacious, historic cabin that is in many ways like a fine rental home. It has a variety of different room configurations, specifically two bedrooms with Queen beds, one bedroom with a King bed and another with four twin beds. The cabins are completely modernized with full kitchens, washer and dryer, telephone and internet access.
Is there internet and/or cell service? The cell service in this area is not very good, but the cabins have reliable Wifi as well as a telephone.
Are there other activities? The ranch is located in a beautiful valley in the mountains, and guests will have the option to go horseback riding, hiking, visit the hot springs in Pagosa Springs or just spend time relaxing at the cabin.
Are there any other expenses? Guests should plan on gratuities, purchase of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for their stay, fishing licenses, and Durango airport shuttle fee or car rental.
Do I need a visa? A visa is not needed for this destination.
Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances? Weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable and guests should plan for cool evenings, hot days and rain. In June and October snow is a possibility and evening temperatures may drop below freezing in June, September and October.
Guests should also be aware that this destination sits at about 8,300 feet in elevation. An oxygen tank can be provided for guests who have difficulty breathing.
