SOUTH FORK— The Rio Grande is on the rise and with it comes excellent fishing conditions. As June begins to slide by, anglers are flocking to the area to spend the summer on the upper Rio Grande and explore the wonders of local reservoirs. With snow pack higher this year, the rivers and reservoirs will be in top form, leaving the local fish in excellent condition as well. Local anglers who are familiar with the area around South Fork are expecting insect populations to be on the rise, which may make for bothersome camping, but will leave fishermen and women very pleased.
According to this year’s fishing forecast for the Rio Grande Basin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is expecting higher than normal water levels in both the Rio Grande as well as the area’s reservoirs. Earlier in the year officials from RWEACT, CPW and FEMA met in Monte Vista to discuss the potential for flooding in the area and where the water would be reverted to, in case of flooding conditions. CPW-owned reservoirs such as Big Meadows and Beaver Creek were two of several options when considering the additional runoff.
With the reservoirs in the area at full capacity, CPW was able to stock several types of fish. Beaver Creek Reservoir is finally open after three years of being closed and is now home to more than 100,000 fish of all sizes. In this year’s forecast it states, “This popular fishing destination is located eight miles southwest of South Fork. Dam repairs were completed in 2016 and the reservoir has been refilled. Rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon will be stocked in the reservoir in 2017. The water levels in the lake will allow for boating access through most of the summer. Historically, traditional trout fishing techniques such as bait fishing with worms or power bait and spin fishing with Kastmasters, Panther Martins or Rapalas have worked well.”
Big Meadows Reservoir is another popular destination for anglers, and this year’s forecast is looking prime. The report states, “This popular fishing destination is located at the headwaters of the South Fork Rio Grande, 13 miles west of South Fork. Mountain scenery is outstanding at this high-country reservoir. Water level should be relatively normal throughout the summer.”
The report continues, “Stocking level will be similar to past years with 25,000 catchable (10-inch) rainbow trout scheduled to be stocked from May through September. Although the majority of fish caught will likely be recently stocked rainbow trout, a 2015 survey of the reservoir showed that a good number of rainbow trout survive the winter in the reservoir which provides anglers an opportunity to catch these larger, over-wintered fish.”
CPW staff stated in the report that, “When available from our hatcheries, Big Meadows is typically stocked with a small number of ‘broodfish’ rainbow trout (16-20 inch) to give anglers an opportunity to catch large fish. Fishing is expected to be good to excellent throughout the summer for rainbow trout (10-14 inch) and brook trout (10-12 inch). Traditional trout fishing techniques usually work well, including power bait, worms and lures (Kastmasters, Panther Martins and Rapalas). Fly fishing in the evening should produce good results for brook trout as well as rainbow trout.”
No matter what is being used to fish the local waters, it is sure to be a wonderful year for fishermen near South Fork. For more information or to read the full forecast for the San Luis Valley, visit cpw.state.co.us and search 2017 fishing forecast.