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Dec 30th, 2023
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 Pagosa Springs - Durango help
#12374469
08/06/17 01:07 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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I am looking at hitting either the Piedra River or the Pine - realizing I will need to hike in. (We are staying at Lake Vallecito)
Fairly new to Fly Fishing and would appreciate any tips on areas you may recommend to fish and trails to get there. I am prepared to hike in so going in 5 miles is expected and have a pack and tent if it would be best to stay the night.
I found the Durangler fly shop and plan on stopping in early for some input but would love to hear yours!
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12374490
08/06/17 01:44 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,092
Turf Dawg
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,092 |
When are you going? We will be in Pagosa Springs the 17th-21st.
Turf Dawg Landscaping
Texas Licensed Irrigator
LI 0020041
Commercial Pesticide Applicator for Turf and Ornamental, Pasture & Rangelands and Right-of-Way
Texas Dept of Agriculture license #0525163
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12374657
08/06/17 04:37 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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We are headed up the 11th through the 18th
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12374688
08/06/17 05:31 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 225
YAKnIT
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 225 |
You could also try Vallecito creek. It flows into the northwest corner of that lake. Go to the campground and then hike up.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12374816
08/06/17 07:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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I am definitely eyeballing that as well...have you fished this area?
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12375158
08/07/17 12:23 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,249
texasflycaster
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,249 |
Here's a couple of stories over the last ten years - http://bit.ly/2uxe5s1 (pimped link to a google search of stories on Texas Fly Caster (FYI)).
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12377850
08/08/17 09:20 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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Thank you TexasFlyCaster....great info!
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12378744
08/09/17 01:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,249
texasflycaster
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,249 |
Quite welcome. I used to go to Pagosa after the summer rush, and my experiences were that the fish were pretty worn out and hard to come by. But the water was not crowded, and you can still find fish if you are willing to go further, and get more remote than the other Texans.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12379058
08/09/17 04:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93
dbltea
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
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The Piedra has been fishing great this year. I have caught some nice fish in the lower sections above First Fork but the problem with the lower Piedra is it gets muddy in hurry and we have had a lot of rain this summer. The Upper Piedra has been really good too but you need to go 3+ miles downriver to find some privacy but carry your rain jacket and be prepared to get a little wet.
You can't go wrong with the Pine and the further you are willing to walk past the private ranch the better.
The San Juan in town has been good and they stocked some nice fish this year ...the tube hatch should be slowing down so it's a little more enjoyable.
Little bit of a drive but the Rio Grande drainage has been really good too this summer.
Ah hell ...this is paradise ...get a map ...find a blue line or blue dot and cast away ...you can't go wrong!
Williams creek is the only area that probably is not worth it ...it's my home water and it fishes great till mid July but then it gets skinny and hammered so I let it be till late fall.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12379530
08/09/17 10:36 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 225
YAKnIT
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 225 |
I am definitely eyeballing that as well...have you fished this area?
I wasstaying at Vallecito about 5 years ago and fished Vallecito Creek one night. I had moderate success but wasn't on the water all that long. It was more pocket water in some areas whereas the Pine was mostly wide open runs/riffles.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: dbltea]
#12380942
08/10/17 09:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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The Piedra has been fishing great this year. I have caught some nice fish in the lower sections above First Fork but the problem with the lower Piedra is it gets muddy in hurry and we have had a lot of rain this summer. The Upper Piedra has been really good too but you need to go 3+ miles downriver to find some privacy but carry your rain jacket and be prepared to get a little wet.
You can't go wrong with the Pine and the further you are willing to walk past the private ranch the better.
The San Juan in town has been good and they stocked some nice fish this year ...the tube hatch should be slowing down so it's a little more enjoyable.
Little bit of a drive but the Rio Grande drainage has been really good too this summer.
Ah hell ...this is paradise ...get a map ...find a blue line or blue dot and cast away ...you can't go wrong!
Williams creek is the only area that probably is not worth it ...it's my home water and it fishes great till mid July but then it gets skinny and hammered so I let it be till late fall. Thank you very much! I hope to make this area my home for the summertime very soon! We will be looking at land around Pagosa Springs while we are there. Vallecito is finally starting to recover from the fire in 2001 - we were there just a month before it burnt.
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12381942
08/11/17 04:00 PM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 17,845
kodys'papa
TFF Guru
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Good luck on your trip and hope you find a spot. Conditions just getting right for me on the conejos. I can wade without fear of drowning in the big river. You should do well over there and Summer around here does not suck...
Hooking a fish is like playing string with a cat. The exact size, shape, color of string matters less than how you wiggle it- and little cats are easier to fool than big ones. John Gierach
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12395044
08/21/17 07:46 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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Well...I was blown away by the upper Pine River! We hiked up about 5 miles and tent camped...fish everywhere! Caught a few rainbows and trees! LOL I am totally hooked on this type of fishing and can not wait to get back. Next trip we will make it a four day adventure and hike up to Emerald Lake. Everyone we talked to could not stop raving about what an amazing place it is...pictures of Emerald Lake looked insane! I will be losing at least 25 pounds before I do that again! At 8,000 ft carrying a 50# pack I was a dead sucker when we found our place to set up - the hike back was not as bad, I think because of the beer in the back of my truck that was on ice!
I did go check out the Piedra as well as the Animas...decided the hike up the Pine would be best and it did not disappoint. What a phenomenal area!
Hiked up Vallecito Creek as well - it was so pretty we bought a house! Not kidding! Many more trips to come!
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12395793
08/22/17 03:53 AM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,146
Robert Hunter
TFF Team Angler
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Posts: 4,146 |
I'll second the pieadra and pine as well as the hiking on both!!!! Amazing fisheries especially when you get further away from being able to fall out of the car into the river:)
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12395874
08/22/17 11:10 AM
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 676
Hawkpuppy 1
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 676 |
The Piedra is one I'm going to hit in a month or so when I'm up there. Looking forward to seeing some new water...
Strip, strip....set
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: Robert Hunter]
#12397085
08/23/17 02:40 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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Joined: Feb 2008
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I'll second the pieadra and pine as well as the hiking on both!!!! Amazing fisheries especially when you get further away from being able to fall out of the car into the river:) No question...the further you walk the better it got on the Pine. We will be up there much more often in the future and I can not wait to learn the many rivers and streams - such an awesome place.
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12397088
08/23/17 02:41 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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Really got nice information from the guys at Duranger's in Durango...surprised me how helpful those guys are. I am sure other shops in the area are equally helpful...we were very thankful.
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: dbltea]
#12397865
08/23/17 06:03 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,092
Turf Dawg
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,092 |
The Piedra has been fishing great this year. I have caught some nice fish in the lower sections above First Fork but the problem with the lower Piedra is it gets muddy in hurry and we have had a lot of rain this summer. The Upper Piedra has been really good too but you need to go 3+ miles downriver to find some privacy but carry your rain jacket and be prepared to get a little wet.
You can't go wrong with the Pine and the further you are willing to walk past the private ranch the better.
The San Juan in town has been good and they stocked some nice fish this year ...the tube hatch should be slowing down so it's a little more enjoyable.
Little bit of a drive but the Rio Grande drainage has been really good too this summer.
Ah hell ...this is paradise ...get a map ...find a blue line or blue dot and cast away ...you can't go wrong!
Williams creek is the only area that probably is not worth it ...it's my home water and it fishes great till mid July but then it gets skinny and hammered so I let it be till late fall. Just returned and had a great time. Guide Scott Taylor took us on a Turkey Creek trip. We stayed in the San Juan River Village right on the water and had some great fishing right there. Was great catching some beautiful Browns right outside your door.
Turf Dawg Landscaping
Texas Licensed Irrigator
LI 0020041
Commercial Pesticide Applicator for Turf and Ornamental, Pasture & Rangelands and Right-of-Way
Texas Dept of Agriculture license #0525163
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12398600
08/24/17 01:52 AM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,146
Robert Hunter
TFF Team Angler
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TFF Team Angler
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,146 |
I'll second the pieadra and pine as well as the hiking on both!!!! Amazing fisheries especially when you get further away from being able to fall out of the car into the river:) No question...the further you walk the better it got on the Pine. We will be up there much more often in the future and I can not wait to learn the many rivers and streams - such an awesome place. piedra you will find similar results but the pine seams to be drastically better as you make it away from parking areas. Other than run off it is a relatively small river but it supports a very high number of quality fish! I will have to say you definitely need to mark out where you are going on the pine to stay off private water.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12399055
08/24/17 01:27 PM
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 676
Hawkpuppy 1
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 676 |
Do you know of where to look online or otherwise to find out what sections of rivers there are public/private? I have an old book for the Lake City area that lists stuff like that but it's probably 20 years old now and may be not current anymore. I know a lot of areas are marked with signs too....
Strip, strip....set
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12399514
08/24/17 06:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93
dbltea
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93 |
Hawkpuppy ...the private land goes for 3 miles from the Pine River Campground up the river and then enters the Weminuche Wilderness ...there is a sign there. Tuff Dawg ...glad you had a good time. Never met Scott Taylor but hear good things ...his wife was our mortgage broker when we moved here and I hear she is quite the fly fisher woman! Turkey Creek ??? Never heard of it  I've been working part time and actually doing a little guiding at Williams Creek Anglers here in Pagosa. Owner David Pehle is a great guy and very knowledgeable. He is the go to guy if you want to learn how to Euro Nymph. Stop by the shop for stuff and information.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12399581
08/24/17 07:39 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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dbltea - forgive me if I missed it, are you a guide and or associated with a fly shop in the area?
You are obviously spot on with the Pine River hike up three miles...we went in 5 miles and had the water to our self, really a nice area. If I knew how to fish and what to throw I would have nailed them ...did catch fish but would have caught a lot more as they were popping the top of the water everywhere as the sun started to go down.
Such a beautiful area.
I will soon be up there part time as we just finalized our deal on Vallecito Creek....can not wait!
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12399796
08/24/17 09:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93
dbltea
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93 |
I work part time for Williams Creek Anglers ...a new fly shop here in Pagosa that just opened up back in February. I do guide occasionally through Williams Creek Anglers when the owner needs an extra hand.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12400723
08/25/17 02:17 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,150
krawlin 47
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I will look you guys up next time I am up...will be in October when we close. Would look forward to meeting you!
Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12400818
08/25/17 03:57 PM
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 676
Hawkpuppy 1
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 676 |
You going to be around up there in late September Dbltea? I'll be coming through on my trip and I usually get my license in Pagosa...
Strip, strip....set
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: Hawkpuppy 1]
#12400985
08/25/17 05:56 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93
dbltea
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93 |
Hawkpuppy ...I live here full time so yes I will be here! I never know when I will be in the fly shop ...I just fill in when needed. Unfortunately we don't sell fishing licenses ...it's not worth the .15 cents per license to mess with it. There is a gun shop right next door that sells licenses ..it's above the CPA office (where I also work part time) ...jack of all trades! Most everyone buys licenses online now.
Last edited by dbltea; 08/25/17 05:59 PM.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: krawlin 47]
#12400986
08/25/17 05:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93
dbltea
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93 |
Krawlin47 ...October should be great fishing!
Last edited by dbltea; 08/25/17 05:59 PM.
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: dbltea]
#12401284
08/25/17 09:43 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,092
Turf Dawg
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,092 |
Hawkpuppy ...the private land goes for 3 miles from the Pine River Campground up the river and then enters the Weminuche Wilderness ...there is a sign there. Tuff Dawg ...glad you had a good time. Never met Scott Taylor but hear good things ...his wife was our mortgage broker when we moved here and I hear she is quite the fly fisher woman! Turkey Creek ??? Never heard of it I've been working part time and actually doing a little guiding at Williams Creek Anglers here in Pagosa. Owner David Pehle is a great guy and very knowledgeable. He is the go to guy if you want to learn how to Euro Nymph. Stop by the shop for stuff and information. We had to take Jackson mountain rd to the trail head then took 4 wheelers and hiked the rest of the way. Turkey Creek runs into the San Juan. Where is Williams Creek Anglers location? We went into a couple of fly shops. I was using my Sage ESN but had a bobber on the end most of the time. Would have loved a Euro Nymphing trip. Well maybe next time. I will say most of my tungsten euro type flies did the best. Turkey Creek
Turf Dawg Landscaping
Texas Licensed Irrigator
LI 0020041
Commercial Pesticide Applicator for Turf and Ornamental, Pasture & Rangelands and Right-of-Way
Texas Dept of Agriculture license #0525163
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Re: Pagosa Springs - Durango help
[Re: Turf Dawg]
#12404464
08/28/17 02:19 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93
dbltea
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 93 |
Turf Dawg ...I was kidding about not knowing about Turkey Creek. It's one of those areas that does not get a lot of pressure and it's nice to keep it kinda on the down low. The effort to get there keeps many of away.
Williams Creek Anglers is located in the shopping center just to the east of City Market and across from McDonalds ...right next to Ramon's Mexican Food restaurant. David has a big selection of the euro nymphs as he carries a big selection of Soldarini gear. Tungsten is definately the key to getting your fly down quickly and is a must in the spring during fast water.
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