Going in mid June, and have no earthly idea where to begin. I'm not a fly fisherman.

I'd start by searching around Pagosa Springs. That may alleviate some of your initial problems




But seriously, there are a few posters on here that can probably help you out...

Good luck!

That time of year can be a bit tricky because of run off, so locations may vary depending on conditions. A lot will depend on what happens weather wise as we get closer to summer. Good news is the big stones should be coming off around that time. I fish on the the other side of the mountains from Pagosa, so hopefully someone can give you more specifics.

ttha_aggie_09 said:

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I'd start by searching around Pagosa Springs. That may alleviate some of your initial problems




But seriously, there are a few posters on here that can probably help you out...

Good luck!

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Spell check strikes again. ALWAYS proofread

EriktheRed said:

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That time of year can be a bit tricky because of run off, so locations may vary depending on conditions. A lot will depend on what happens weather wise as we get closer to summer. Good news is the big stones should be coming off around that time. I fish on the the other side of the mountains from Pagosa, so hopefully someone can give you more specifics.

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"Big stones"?

B-1 83 said:

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EriktheRed said:

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That time of year can be a bit tricky because of run off, so locations may vary depending on conditions. A lot will depend on what happens weather wise as we get closer to summer. Good news is the big stones should be coming off around that time. I fish on the the other side of the mountains from Pagosa, so hopefully someone can give you more specifics.

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"Big stones"?

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sorry, my mind went to "fly fishing mode." Glad i typed that here and not on the GB.

Stone Fly hatch. Big bugs, and hungry, aggressive fish. Can make for excellent fishing if conditions allow.

Cupofjoe should reply to this thread soon. He's a local up in PS.

I took family up that way a few summers ago and he shared a bunch useful fishing information.

ETA: https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3117830

Go to Ski n Bow and ask where to go and what they are biting. There is Colorado Parks and Wildlife App that has stocking schedules. Tucker Ponds on the East side of Wolf Creek Pass has always been a good spot for us. using Panther Martin Trout colored spinners. Hope this helps

Howdy,

OB Pagosa resident here.

June can be a very difficult month for fishing. Runoff is usually in full swing, and rivers tend to be high and muddy. There can be some backcountry holes that are clearing off, but you will have to work for them. Running spinners in the river in town will likely not be your best bet.

If you are really wanting to fish June, I would suggest fishing at Echo Reservoir just south of town. State record large mouth came from there, and there are lots of stocker rainbows. The weeds won't have grown in yet, so the fish will be cruising.

You could also make the trek up to Williams Creek Res, it's worthwhile just for the views. You can drive right to the lake. I would throw some rooster tails, panther martins, or cast masters and work the dam. That will be your cleanest water in the res, but still might not yield much in mid-June. Totally depends on our snow fall.

You should also check out Lake Navajo (June can be awesome for small mouth there), or the quality waters below Navajo Dam. There are phenomenal trout there, but they are heavily pressured and super smart. You will do well to get a guide and do a float trip (fly fishing, but you don't really have to cast well at all). If they aren't releasing water, it can be great fishing. If they are releasing, it will be blown out too. There is a bait fishing area below the quality waters you can throw spinning gear in too. Read the regulations carefully if you go. These two options are in New Mexico, FYI.

Hit me up if you want to grab a bite while y'all are in town. Username at g m a i l. I would also be more than happy to take you all on a hike on the CDT. Super easy hike, 360 views, and the wildflowers are starting to pop in mid-June. Gorgeous way to spend a morning. Treasure Falls and Pagosa Falls should be roaring, and both are well worth a trip. Easy access to both. 4 mile falls are a much harder hike, but a fun reward none-the-less. The Ice Caves and Piedra River Overlook are a great spot in June as well.

Oh, and absolutely visit the Ski & Bow Rack. It's a sweet place to grab gear (or licenses), or look for cool apparel. Awesome shop.

Let me know if you need to pointers on food.

cupofjoe04 said:

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Howdy,

OB Pagosa resident here.

June can be a very difficult month for fishing. Runoff is usually in full swing, and rivers tend to be high and muddy. There can be some backcountry holes that are clearing off, but you will have to work for them. Running spinners in the river in town will likely not be your best bet.

If you are really wanting to fish June, I would suggest fishing at Echo Reservoir just south of town. State record large mouth came from there, and there are lots of stocker rainbows. The weeds won't have grown in yet, so the fish will be cruising.

You could also make the trek up to Williams Creek Res, it's worthwhile just for the views. You can drive right to the lake. I would throw some rooster tails, panther martins, or cast masters and work the dam. That will be your cleanest water in the res, but still might not yield much in mid-June. Totally depends on our snow fall.

You should also check out Lake Navajo (June can be awesome for small mouth there), or the quality waters below Navajo Dam. There are phenomenal trout there, but they are heavily pressured and super smart. You will do well to get a guide and do a float trip (fly fishing, but you don't really have to cast well at all). If they aren't releasing water, it can be great fishing. If they are releasing, it will be blown out too. There is a bait fishing area below the quality waters you can throw spinning gear in too. Read the regulations carefully if you go. These two options are in New Mexico, FYI.

Hit me up if you want to grab a bite while y'all are in town. Username at g m a i l. I would also be more than happy to take you all on a hike on the CDT. Super easy hike, 360 views, and the wildflowers are starting to pop in mid-June. Gorgeous way to spend a morning. Treasure Falls and Pagosa Falls should be roaring, and both are well worth a trip. Easy access to both. 4 mile falls are a much harder hike, but a fun reward none-the-less. The Ice Caves and Piedra River Overlook are a great spot in June as well.

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THIS is a grade A fishing report!!! Nice job COJ!!!

Great info! I would just add that I have had some decent luck below the dam at williams creek in June too. You just have to find the pockets and give your lure time to display…but the fish always seem real hungry. And if you drive out to williams creek, maybe budget a some time to hike down the first mile of the piedra river trail. Also, there's a pull out on the cliff side overlooking the gorge where the river is…worth the 100 yard walk for the views over the edge…just be careful with kids…it would be a no bounce fall.

cupofjoe04 said:

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Howdy,

OB Pagosa resident here.

June can be a very difficult month for fishing. Runoff is usually in full swing, and rivers tend to be high and muddy. There can be some backcountry holes that are clearing off, but you will have to work for them. Running spinners in the river in town will likely not be your best bet.

If you are really wanting to fish June, I would suggest fishing at Echo Reservoir just south of town. State record large mouth came from there, and there are lots of stocker rainbows. The weeds won't have grown in yet, so the fish will be cruising.

You could also make the trek up to Williams Creek Res, it's worthwhile just for the views. You can drive right to the lake. I would throw some rooster tails, panther martins, or cast masters and work the dam. That will be your cleanest water in the res, but still might not yield much in mid-June. Totally depends on our snow fall.

You should also check out Lake Navajo (June can be awesome for small mouth there), or the quality waters below Navajo Dam. There are phenomenal trout there, but they are heavily pressured and super smart. You will do well to get a guide and do a float trip (fly fishing, but you don't really have to cast well at all). If they aren't releasing water, it can be great fishing. If they are releasing, it will be blown out too. There is a bait fishing area below the quality waters you can throw spinning gear in too. Read the regulations carefully if you go. These two options are in New Mexico, FYI.

Hit me up if you want to grab a bite while y'all are in town. Username at g m a i l. I would also be more than happy to take you all on a hike on the CDT. Super easy hike, 360 views, and the wildflowers are starting to pop in mid-June. Gorgeous way to spend a morning. Treasure Falls and Pagosa Falls should be roaring, and both are well worth a trip. Easy access to both. 4 mile falls are a much harder hike, but a fun reward none-the-less. The Ice Caves and Piedra River Overlook are a great spot in June as well.

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Ttt
Starting to plan a little more.

What equipment do you recommend? My wife booked a place right on some lake. I have my typical saltwater spinning tackle, but is suspect I need to change out the 30# braid…….. Will bass lures work? Bubbles with some sort of fish bites? I'm not likely to get very serious, just want a couple of hours to say I did it.

If you guys are in town, and booked a house on a lake, it will be a PLPOA lake. Those are private, and not public water. Check with your rental agreement to see whether you can fish the lake or not (even PLPOA residents need a paid fishing pass to fish those lakes). Don't expect to walk the banks as it is all private property. Lots of stocked rainbows. Some bass and yellow perch.

For fishing stocked ponds- yes, your saltwater rod w/ 30# braid will be way overkill. Get a light action spinning rod, and spool it with some 8# mono and call it a day. Bass lures will catch the bass in there, but I wouldn't spend a great deal of time targeting them. If you want to catch trout, a small 8-12 hook (like a mustad trout, ocotopus, or snelled hook) fished about 20" below a bobber will work. You can also fish it about 12-18" above a slip sinker. Put some power bait on the hook, but remember powerbait floats. That works to your advantage if fishing the bottom, but you will need some weight under a bobber- and keep the bobber moving slightly so that the bait doesn't just float back up on the line. You can also use live nightcrawlers as well. That is your best bet for stocked trout.

You can also be successfully targeting the trout with inline spinners- panther martins, foxx, rooster tails, etc. Small slim line crank baits can be effective too.

That same setup will catch you plenty of brookies, cutbows, and rainbows if you head up to Williams Creek Reservoir or Big Meadows Reservoir- which I highly suggest. Either place is well worth the trip, even if you don't fish.

The Skie & Bow Rack in downtown Pagosa will have everything you need tackle-wise. They are also very helpful with good advice. Talk to Kevin if he is in. They sell rods too, but you can pick up a super cheap spinning rod at Academy if you aren't getting too serious. Your saltwater rod will work just fine, but it might be a little stiff reeling in 1-3 pound fish.

We are packing up now and getting ready for pagosa. Will be there till October. Cup- I tried your email. Try my email mark at jmarkmiller dot com.

Sounds like COJ has you covered for Pagosa! If anybody needs to book a trip on the San Juan River (below Navajo Damn) give me a shout, I have TA discounts!

jmm said:

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We are packing up now and getting ready for pagosa. Will be there till October. Cup- I tried your email. Try my email mark at jmarkmiller dot com.

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Hey brother- sorry I missed your previous email. Don't know how I did, but I just found it searching. Will respond now.

We planned a last minute trip up to Pagosa for next week, so this is a well timed thread. I've only been up there during the winter so really looking forward to exploring the area over the summer. Any specific must eat restaurants?

Alley House is legit, with lots of wild game on the menu.

Riff Raff. There are two of them and the menus are slightly different. Highly recommend the big lambowski burger, but can't remember which location has it. I think maybe the one that's not on the river.

It was a couple if years ago but we had a couple of great meals at Pagosa Brewing and another one at Riff Raff Rio during the week but the best spot for fun and adventure was Neon Mallard for drinks - it was about 2 weeks before Halloween and we had a blast that evening - it may have been the supply run stop by the group at the dispensary before hand that enhanced the cocktails

Pagosa Brewing is good for all around bar food. Lots of craft beers.

Riff Raff has good burgers, but Riff Raff on the Rio is better. Sitting out by the river is cool.

Honestly, Alley House has gone down a bit over the last few years. For what it costs, it's good but not great. For a high end meal, head to Ole Miners for steak.

A friend of mine just opened a brand new restaurant, called Meander. It is FANTASTIC. Very diverse menu, all locally sourced. It's not cheap, but a great atmosphere and great food.

Sage BBQ is a solid lunch spot, but can be long lines. The chicken sandwiches are legit.

City Hall Cafe is also great for lunch.

The nachos at Kipps are also really good, and they have a solid menu.

Pagosa Thai is actually REALLY great Thai food, but is only carry out right now.

Lone Spur is good southern and southwest country food.

For Pizza, uptown Rosie's is really good, and has been remodeled. Downtown, Mountain Pizza is good and has lots of beer on tap.

Skip all Mexican restaurants if you are coming from Texas. If you have to, give Los Dos Charros a try. Chavolos is decent too, and has better 'Rita's.

LRHF said:

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Sounds like COJ has you covered for Pagosa! If anybody needs to book a trip on the San Juan River (below Navajo Damn) give me a shout, I have TA discounts!

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I need to come see you this summer. I have a brand new landing net that needs to get some San Juan slime on it!!!

I have a pack trip next week, and then some camp set up work in the high country. I'll give you a shout after that and see if we can get my oldest boy out there to fish.

Thanks, folks! Notes taken…..

Want to do the Durango train. I'm prodding The Wife to do reservations NOW.

B-1 83 said:

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Thanks, folks! Notes taken…..

Want to do the Durango train. I'm prodding The Wife to do reservations NOW.

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Yep, you need to get on the reservations for the train for sure. They can book up quickly. Eating at SteamWorks in Durango is also a great time after the train.

There is another train in Chama, NM that is more affordable. A little less glorious, but still a cool train. If DRO books up, you might check there.

Buckaroos Horse Drawn Carriage Rides in Pagosa are also a great time. Really good friends of ours, and they run a quality outfit. In the summer, they will have a little area set up by the river with games, smores, a singing cowboy, and other cool things.

cupofjoe04 said:

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LRHF said:

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Sounds like COJ has you covered for Pagosa! If anybody needs to book a trip on the San Juan River (below Navajo Damn) give me a shout, I have TA discounts!

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I need to come see you this summer. I have a brand new landing net that needs to get some San Juan slime on it!!!

I have a pack trip next week, and then some camp set up work in the high country. I'll give you a shout after that and see if we can get my oldest boy out there to fish.

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Let's make this happen soon! Buying stuff for my upcoming backcountry trip to the 4th meadow of an unnamed creek you brought to my attention a few years ago!

Heck yeah!!! 4th meadow brookies till your arm falls off!!!! I always bring too many flies, and end up catching them all on an olive elk hair caddis up there.

But don't ignore that hopper bite a little lower. If you catch it right (July), you can tangle with some awesome browns and hybrids

Last minute reply to restaurants in Pagosa.

Alley House is on the weekly rotation. They carry our preferred wine off menu which is appreciated. We usually share an appetizer, entree/pizza and a dessert. Very good.

Meander is also on the weekly dinner list. Very good food and atmosphere.

City Hall is on the list also. They have some very good seafood and pasta dishes, along with key lime pie and sometimes peanutbutter/chocolate pie.

Chavolos and Gustoso are good spots to fill in. My wife likes the enchiladas at Chavolos and I like the pizza at Gustoso.

Kips, Pagosa Brewing and I hear Sage are great burger/taco/comfort food spots.

Will be there next week to start enjoying the summer.

cupofjoe04 said:

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If you guys are in town, and booked a house on a lake, it will be a PLPOA lake. Those are private, and not public water. Check with your rental agreement to see whether you can fish the lake or not (even PLPOA residents need a paid fishing pass to fish those lakes). Don't expect to walk the banks as it is all private property. Lots of stocked rainbows. Some bass and yellow perch.

For fishing stocked ponds- yes, your saltwater rod w/ 30# braid will be way overkill. Get a light action spinning rod, and spool it with some 8# mono and call it a day. Bass lures will catch the bass in there, but I wouldn't spend a great deal of time targeting them. If you want to catch trout, a small 8-12 hook (like a mustad trout, ocotopus, or snelled hook) fished about 20" below a bobber will work. You can also fish it about 12-18" above a slip sinker. Put some power bait on the hook, but remember powerbait floats. That works to your advantage if fishing the bottom, but you will need some weight under a bobber- and keep the bobber moving slightly so that the bait doesn't just float back up on the line. You can also use live nightcrawlers as well. That is your best bet for stocked trout.

You can also be successfully targeting the trout with inline spinners- panther martins, foxx, rooster tails, etc. Small slim line crank baits can be effective too.

That same setup will catch you plenty of brookies, cutbows, and rainbows if you head up to Williams Creek Reservoir or Big Meadows Reservoir- which I highly suggest. Either place is well worth the trip, even if you don't fish.

The Skie & Bow Rack in downtown Pagosa will have everything you need tackle-wise. They are also very helpful with good advice. Talk to Kevin if he is in. They sell rods too, but you can pick up a super cheap spinning rod at Academy if you aren't getting too serious. Your saltwater rod will work just fine, but it might be a little stiff reeling in 1-3 pound fish.

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On Lake Hatcher

Last minute question, so no problem if you don't get this in time. My buddy and son and I are going to hike Pagosa Peak tomorrow (June 8) if we can reach the trailhead. My buddy and I did it a couple years ago but can't find much about the roads. He researched the forest department and didn't see anything for sure closed. If you know anything current please let me know. Thanks!

How was the hike? Road OK?

Hatcher is a PLPOA lake. There are some really good fish in there, but a PLPOA pass is required. Check your rental agreement or call their office for clarification. They do patrol.

atmdds03 said:

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Last minute question, so no problem if you don't get this in time. My buddy and son and I are going to hike Pagosa Peak tomorrow (June 8) if we can reach the trailhead. My buddy and I did it a couple years ago but can't find much about the roads. He researched the forest department and didn't see anything for sure closed. If you know anything current please let me know. Thanks!

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Not sure if you will get this in time. The final road to the Pagosa Peak trailhead is ROUGH. They had done quite a bit of work on the first mile the last time I was there a few years ago, but lacking 4x4, high clearance, and a paint job you don't care about- you will have to park farther down the road and walk extra.

We did get to the top! Last time we said never again unless we had 4WD to go directly to the trailhead. Well, we didn't this time but my oldest wanted to go so what can you say but yes?

We were able to go about 3/4 mile up the road in a SUV but didn't want to go further due to rocks. My 4Runner or other 4WD could have made it all the way. Driving cuts off about 7-8 miles ( couple hours) of hiking by the time you go up and back. Another group had a side by side atv that they were able to drive to the trailhead. I think they might have rented it in town because we didn't see their trailer when we left.

As far as the hike, the weather was great. Unfortunately there was a lot more deadfall crossing the trail than two years ago. The views were excellent. He learned that he's capable of more than he thinks and much of what holds us back is mental, not physical.

Tl;dr: Great view, drive as far as you can in 4WD