by Van Beacham

After an exceptionally wet September, we’re having an
absolutely beautiful
fall in the Southern Rockies.

Get out and get some!

Culebra Creek – Browns are Running Now!!

After difficult fishing conditions most of the summer due to low water storage in Sanchez Reservoir resulting in turbid outflows and warm temperatures, the Culebra’s flows have dropped to winter flow levels, about 5 to 20 cfs depending on which section you’re on. The fishing has been more consistent with the steady flows and some “big” fish are being hooked and some of them landed. The fish are spooky in the low clear water but they are feeding daily on baetis (blue-winged olive) size 16 to 20, midge larva and pupa size 18 to 22 and they will also take crane fly larva, micro eggs and big browns can be seduced into hitting a large streamer.

Because fishing conditions were tough, the angling pressure was light and the fish gorged all year long. The bows and wild browns are averaging as large as ever this year. This could be the best year for big browns in a long time!! Give us a call today or Contact Us to book a trip on this blue ribbon trout stream and you’ll see why it has become, by far, our most popular fishery.

Spawning buck brown caught this fall on Solitary Angler waters of Culebra Creek

Call (575-758-5653 or 1-866-502-1700) or visit (204 B Paseo del Pueblo Norte) Jack or Stephanie at The Tailwater Gallery & Fly Shop for latest flows and conditions.

Cimarron River

Cimarron River- The river is at optimal flows (about 34 cfs) for this time of the year. Fall baetis are hatching and will continue for the next few weeks. Look for sippers in the beaver ponds and slow pools. Expect evening midge hatches as well, especially in the beaver ponds. Pre-spawning browns are actively eating now and their brilliant color matches the beautiful fall foliage in Cimarron canyon.

Brown Trout Season on the Holy Water!

The Holy Water on the Cimarron River continues to improve and dry fly fishing this year has been spectacular. Right now the big browns are sipping on mayflies and midges, fattening up before beginning their annual fall mating ritual! Bows and browns are regularly reaching 16 to 18 inches and fishing should be great until they turn the water down for the winter, usually about early November. Give us a call today at 1-866-502-1700 to book this exclusive and private fishery!

Rio Grande Gorge – Autumn Gold

The Rio Grande Gorge is still our most famous location for the pursuit of the “wild” Autumn browns that inhabit its waters. While most anglers talk about going there, few ever actually pull it together to do what it takes to challenge the elusive creatures in this remote, rugged canyon. The best fishing is in the most difficult-to-get-to locations but the effort is always rewarded by the beauty the “Wild River” holds and sometimes, by the cooperation of the trout. Blue-winged olives hatch heavily in the Gorge from now through late November and hoppers work well at least through October. Streamers are always a good bet in the fall, especially in November when the browns are running.

“Uncle Dick” with a Rio Grande Fall Brown

Lower Red River

The Lower Red River is always great in the fall and this year is no exception! The browns are getting bigger and more plentiful since the great flood of 2007. Various nymphs and flies work well especially blue winged olives. Try a parachute BWO (baetis) size 16 to 18 and a bead head olive hares ear or Van’s Rag Fly size 14 to 18. Hoppers work well at times through October. Streamers and micro eggs work well through November for the resident and migratory (from the Rio Grande) spawning browns.

Jack with a Fall Brown on the Lower Red

Call The Solitary Angler and Tailwater Gallery & Fly Shop in Taos at 575-758-5653 or 1-866-502-1700 for current conditions or to book a guided trip on local public water or on The Solitary Angler’s eleven private miles of Culebra Creek or the Cimarron Holy Water.

We are located at 204 B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, one block north of Taos Inn and the Plaza (right across from Kit Carson Park) in Taos, New Mexico.  Please drop in next time you’re in town.  Open 9 to 5 seven days, sometimes six.