Stone Fly Hatch Makes for Great Fly Fishing & the Conejos is Where It's Happening

Some of the best  fly fishing in New Mexico is just across the state line in southern Colorado where the Conejos River is crawling with stone flies right now.

A longtime favorite destination for New Mexican anglers the Conejos River hatch has arrived early this year due to lower stream flows and warmer weather brought on by the drought.

During a recent trip to the big river near the tiny town of Antonito we found the air abuzz with fat lumbering stone flies and trout rising to the surface to engulf them.

The best bet for imitating these floating feasts for fish might be the "Foamulator" found at the local Fox Creek Fly Shop nearest to the miles of prime fishing found on this river.

The fly utilizes a traditional stimulator design stacked atop a piece of high floating foam with some rubber legs to give it plenty of movement.

And boy does this sucker work on the Conejos River's resident population of big, bad, brown trout.

Newcomers to this river will find mile after mile of prime water open to fishing with some areas restricted to catch and release fly fishing only.

Those seeking solitude, great mountain scenery and plenty of angling opportunities  need only venture down to the river from any number of obvious access points.

Some tips to keep in mind when venturing out to the Conejos River include carrying a rain poncho as it clouds up and threatens to rain just about every afternoon.

Be careful when wading this river as it is deep, wide and slippery with the nearest professional medical care some 30 miles away at a clinic near of La Jara as our host, Thom Cole, discovered after dislocating a finger during a slip and  fall.

Be respectful of private property owners who generously provide much of the public access to anglers on this river.

Bring plenty of water or carry a purifier as many inviting stretches require a good hike. 

And wear a wide brimmed hat, a proper shirt and perhaps some sunblock to ward off effects of the high elevation sun.

When fishing the Conejos River with imitation stone flies make sure to work the banks as this is where many of the naturals can also be found.

Our best catch of the trip was found lurking in the quiet water at the edge of a deep, turbulent run under an overhanging tree surrounded by willows festooned with the big bugs.