Weminuche Valley Ranch

Hidden within Southern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains is a valley so beautiful that you will marvel at its perfection. Framed by the peaks of the San Juan Mountains and surrounded by untouched wilderness, the Weminuche Valley Ranch is host to bald eagles, elk, brown trout and other wildlife.

Ideally suited to private parties or families of four or more, the Weminuche Valley Ranch smacks of understated quality, utter privacy, and indescribable beauty. The Weminuche Creek, however, is the ranch’s pièce de résistance. Over five miles of this pristine body of water flow through the valley. And with the help of local biologists, the ranch owners have worked diligently to improve the quality of the native fisheries, all to the benefit of visiting fly fishermen. Anglers have exclusive walk and wade access to seven miles of the meandering Weminuche. With easy wading, great dry fly fishing, and plenty of trout pushing 20 inches, this undiscovered gem is one of the finest and most fairly priced private water venues in the West.

While each of the ranch’s two cabins can take at least six guests, the ranch does not mix groups ensuring each group’s privacy. Non-anglers can enjoy guided rides on the property as well as well as a host of interesting activities in the surrounding area.

Weminuche Valley Ranch’s fishing program is based around fly fishing two distinct private systems: Rio Blanco and the Weminuche. All rivers are walk and wade systems that have benefitted from extensive stream restoration work. Typically anglers are picked up between 8:00AM and 9:00AM and return to the cabins between 5:00PM and 6:00PM. When fishing the home river, anglers will return to the cabins for lunch. Due to the exclusive private party nature of Weminuche Valley Ranch, the schedule can easily be adjusted to meet the needs of each party.

Weminuche Creek - The Weminuche is a handsome, fully restored, meandering meadow system with a full seven miles of private water. It is the home water and the centerpiece of the Weminuche Valley Ranch. The river boasts good populations of both brown trout and rainbow trout in the 16-21 inch class. The Weminuche has exceptional hopper/dry fly structure and has some very large browns.

Rio Blanco - The Rio Blanco is approximately 80 minutes by car from the Weminuche Valley Ranch. The 3 miles of water is fully restored with numerous deep pools and easy wading. The river is easily crossed in most tailouts and it is dominated by rainbow trout. Many of these fish are in the 16-21 inch class with larger fish present.

Stillwaters - All of the above properties have between one and three private ponds that are home to large trout in excess of 20 inches.

Weminuche Valley Ranch has two homes on-site. For larger groups, both homes may used. For smaller groups one home will suffice. Guests are responsible for bringing their own alcohol. Meals, prepared by a private chef, are served in the Lodge.

The Lodge - The Lodge sleeps up to 14 comfortably and offers modern amenities like a full kitchen, working fireplace and washer and dryer. Larger groups will rest easy in the Lodge after a rewarding day of fly fishing.

The Ludwig Cabin - Named after former ranch owners, the Ludwig family, this four-bedroom and three- bath cabin welcomes more intimate groups (5-7 people) with its rustic charm and the western attitude of the ranch itself.

The ranch has horses on-site. Riding is included in the package price. The surrounding region also has a wealth of places to explore just a short drive away. To the south in New Mexico, is the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad that embarks from Chama; the charming town of Taos with the still-inhabited, thousand-year-old Taos Pueblo; and Santa Fe, with its long Spanish heritage, its famed adobe architecture, and incredible array of art galleries. To the north is Pagosa Springs, gateway to the alpine splendors of the San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness, and home to the famous hot springs and spa. To the west is Durango, a truly authentic Western town, with the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, galleries and museums, and stellar restaurants. Durango also provides access to Mesa Verde National Park, one of the world's great cultural treasures, and the San Juan Skyway, a 235-mile scenic loop through mining towns, ski resorts, and staggering mountain splendor.

Day 1: Arrive Weminuche Valley Ranch after 4:00 PM. Get settled in and tour the property.

Days 2-5: Five full days of guided fishing on the two Lindner properties.

Day 6: Check out by 11:00 AM and depart for home or points beyond.

2025 Rates: Per person based on double occupancy

• 7 night/6 day package: $6,663
• 6 night/5 day package: $5,705
• 5 night/4 day package: $4,747
• 4 night/3 day package: $3,909
• 3 night/2 day package: $2,879

Included: Accommodations, meals, guided fishing, flies and terminal tackle, and riding

Not Included: Airfare, transportation to the lodge, alcohol, fishing licenses, and gratuities

Species: Rainbow, brown and brook trout

Season: June 20 to October 1

Capacity: 16 (10 anglers). Exclusive use is available for parties of six or more.