Lake and Stream Reports - Headwater Fly Shop

Stream Fishing

Rio Grande River

Gold Medal Trout Fly Fishing abounds on the Rio Grande River west of South Fork, CO. Although there are many areas of public access, please make sure you know where public access is since there is also a lot of private property in the area. Below are some access points:

Coller State Wildlife Area Access

Location: From the lower boundary of River Hill Campground downstream to the west fence of Masonic Park. View SWA Interactive Map >

Elevation: 8,264 feet

Ease of Access: Medium, Fishing Pressure: Medium

Fishing Regulations:

Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only.
The bag and possession limit and maximum size for brown trout is two fish, 12 inches in length.
All rainbow trout must be returned to the water immediately upon catch.

Fishing Species:

Palisade Campground Access

Location: Palisade Campground, from South Fork take Hwy 149 West 7.3 miles to campground sign, turn left into campground.

Elevation: 8,350 feet

Ease of Access: Easy, Fishing Pressure: Medium

Fishing Information:

Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only.
Fishing Method: Bank

Fishing Species:

Colorado Fishing Atlas

The Colorado Fishing Atlas website is an useful resource for anglers. Filled with fishing locations, stocked fishing areas, boat ramps, stream gauges and gold medal water information, this is the the best guide for any Colorado Fisherman. View the Colorado Fishing Atlas >

Pass Creek

Pass Creek Stream Access

Location: Pass Creek runs alongside the highway on the east side of Wolf Creek Pass. It runs into the South Fork of the Rio Grande just below the first tunnel at FSR 410. There is access along the highway just above the tunnel and also off of FSR 390. Brown, Cutthroat, Rainbow and Brook trout may be caught in the lower part of the creek with Brooks being the predominant species farther up. Special regulations apply.

Elevation: 9,400 feet

Ease of Access: Medium

Fishing Regulations:

Fishing is by artificial flies and lures only.
All cutthroat trout must be returned to the water immediately upon catch.

Fishing Species:

Trout: Rainbow
Brook Trout
Cutthroat Trout

Fishing Pressure: Medium

Park Creek

Location: Park Creek begins in the mountains south of Hwy 160 and empties into the South Fork of the Rio Grande just west of South Fork. Access is gained to Park Creek by FSR 380. Brook and Brown trout do well in this creek. There are numerous spots along the creek that allow for easy access to the creek in addition to Corral, Coal Mine, Kelly and Trail parks. Fishing the canyons between the parks can be very rewarding for the more adventurous angler.

Elevation: Estimated 8500-10,000 feet

Ease of Access: Easy to Difficult

Fishing Regulations: Statewide Regulations

Fishing Species: Predominately Brown Trout with Brook Trout in higher elevations

Fishing Pressure: Moderate

Alder Creek

Location: The creek that runs just east of the Rio Grande Club Golf Course next to FSR 610 is Alder. The creek winds through willows at the lower end giving anglers a real challenge. The canyon begins above the Guard Station making it a real challenge for fishermen to get into the water. Difficult Creek runs into Alder several miles up the road. The canyon opens up and offers fishing to those who don’t mind a small hike. Brook trout are found in Alder Creek.

Elevation: 8,500- 10,000 feet

Ease of Access: lower reaches easy creek access with lots of willows, upper reaches require some hiking

Fishing Regulations: Statewide Regulations

Fishing Species: Brook Trout

Fishing Pressure: light to moderate

Embargo Creek

Location: Take CR RD 15 east of Hwy 149 to CR 65 north and then to FSR 640 for Embargo Creek. The creek is fishable to Cathedral Campground and above. The creek runs through several blocks of private property on its journey out of the mountains so fishermen should always be aware of their location.

Elevation: 9000-9500 feet

Ease of Access: Easy

Fishing Regulations: Statewide regulations

Fishing Species: Brook Trout

Fishing Pressure: Moderate

Beaver Creek

Location: This creek is responsible for Beaver Creek Reservoir. Directly above the lake is private property. Brook trout can be found approximately 6 miles above the lake as the creek wanders lazily through a valley offering easy access. This area can see some heavy fishing pressure due to location. Fishing below the dam can be very good at times especially late in the season when Brown trout are coming up from the South Fork.

Elevation: 8500-10,000 feet

Ease of Access: Easy

Fishing Regulations: Statewide regulations

Fishing Species: Brown Trout – lower. Brook Trout – upper

Fishing Pressure: Moderate to heavy

Archuleta Creek

Location: Archuleta Creek comes off of the divide to fill Big Meadows Reservoir. It’s approximately a 30 minute hike from the parking area on the north side of the lake to the mouth of the creek. This is a medium sized creek which contains Brookies and the occasional Brown trout.

Elevation: 9200 – 10,000 feet

Ease of Access: Moderate to difficult

Fishing Regulations: Statewide Regulations

Fishing Species: Brook Trout and Brown Trout

Fishing Pressure: Light