The Rio Grande River begins as a small stream in the San Juan Mountain Range at Rio Grande Reservoir about 27 miles west of Creede. It then flows east following Hwy 149 through South Fork. The Rio Grande is a natural cathedral of tackle, insects, and trout with each moment offering more delight than just the opportunity to catch a fish. This pure water is some of the best fly-fishing in the country. The angler can experience a different type of fishing each day of the week from small steams, wide flats, and cautious ripples, wading or floating. Access can be a hike in to driving right up next to the breathtaking waters. The almost perfect habitat and abundant food base makes this river a consistent producer of large trout.
The Rio Grande near South Fork is considered catch and release. From the lower boundary of River Hill Campground, near Rio Grande Reservoir, downstream to the west fence of Masonic Park is fishable by artificial flies and lures only. Bag and possession and maximum size for brown trout is 2 fish, 12 inches long with all rainbow trout returned to the water immediately. From the Highway 149 Bridge at South Fork downstream to the Rio Grande Canal diversion the bag and possession limit and minimum size for brown trout is 2 fish, 16 inches long and all rainbow trout must be returned to the water immediately. The water from South Fork to Del Norte is considered Gold Metal water offering the greatest potential for trophy trout.
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