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Hop In to the Conejos River
by
Karen Christopherson
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Click
Here to read
more "Fish
Tails" |
Tucked down in southern Colorado,
in the eastern portion of the San Juan Mountains, is a a
flyfisher's dream - a beautiful river with lots of access. The Conejos
River has fishing access and easements along more than 60 miles
of its course. Portions on
the Conejos are in the San Juan National Forest, or in the South
San Juan Wilderness Area. Other easements have been provided on
private land, in this portion of the state favored for summer
cabins. Conejos means
'rabbit' in Spanish - good question why anyone would ever name a
river after these little hopping creatures. Regardless, it's a
great area for fishing and enjoying scenery at the same time.
You can angle for almost every type of trout in this river and
see some gorgeous country at the same time.
Access-
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Headwaters
The Conejos starts above Platoro Reservoir. Take USFS Rd.
250 north from Hwy 17 to the old town of Platoro and the
reservoir (about 25 miles). There is some road access
above the reservoir, but to get to the headwater creeks,
you will need to hike into the South San Juan Wilderness. |
| Lake
Fork
The Lake Fork of the Conejos is Wild Trout water from its
headwaters through and including Big Lake and Rock Lake.
The Lake Fork is access by trails off of USFS Rd. 250.
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| Saddle
Creek to South Fork Flyfishing only; includes
some the Pinnacles area in the canyon.
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| South
Fork to Menkhaven Ranch Some access on USForest
property; respect private property
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Conejos River SWA (fishing easement) From the Aspen Glade campground
upstream to Menkhaven Ranch (about 4 miles) and some
portions odwnstream from Aspen Glade. This easement is for
fishing ONLY. No camping. |
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Even dogs enjoy the Conejos. Maybe
she is looking for the rabbits?
Photo by
Al Marlowe |
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Looking upstream from junction of Hwy
17 and FR250 |
Rules for
the Conejos:
Menkhaven
Ranch downstream, to Aspen Glade Campground -Rules also apply to
Bear Creek subdivision, HEBO Corp. and Douglas properties:
| Artificial flies only |
| Bag and possession is two
trout, 16" or longer |
From lower bridge at Platoro downstream to
confluence with South Fork of the
Conejos:
| Artificial flies and lures
only
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Bag and possession is two trout, 16" or longer
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Lake Fork - from headwaters downstream thru and including Rock
Lake and tailwater
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Artificial flies and lures only
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All cutthroats must be returned
to the water immediately |
How to get there:
Take Hwy 17 going west from
Antonito, or east from Chama NM. Forest Rd 250 runs north from
where Hwy 17 meets the Conejos. There are numerous forest roads
north of the areas where you can access other rivers or lakes.
Resources/Other Info:
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Click
here
