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    America's Ultimate 5-Star Family Dude Ranch
  • Fishing Rod

    No Need for Tall Fish Tales Here

    The fishing at Rainbow Trout Ranch speaks for itself. You’ll never have to stretch the truth again! With more than a mile and a half of private fishing right here on our property – on the exceptional Conejos River, flowing directly through our ranch – you’ll be certain to leave with tall tales alright, but only the ones that create timeless legend. Catch magnificent rainbow and brown trout in one of our many idyllic fishing holes or off the rustic bridge. Use a fly-rod or a spin-rod—we have both available. Our fly-fishing guides will deliver you to the best sites on our stretch of river and instruct you in all the colorful nuances of the sport.

    Fly-Fishing Heaven Right Here On Earth

    The truth be told, Rainbow Trout Ranch actually started out as one of Colorado’s premier fishing destinations. By the early 1900’s the ranch had already become a noted fisherman’s paradise, with even a private fishing club established on our property for a select group of sportsmen. Throughout the years, as we grew to become one of America’s favorite family dude ranch destinations, our status as a premier fly-fishing ranch also flourished, with many thanks and kudos to our best-in-class guides and the care and attention of our seasoned ranch hands.

    With no need to worry about stories of big whoppers for your friends back home, you can enjoy the ultimate in fly-fishing surrounded by the glorious scenery of the San Juan Mountains. We’re sure you’ll be hooked in no time!

    Fly-fishing in the creek
    Showing off the catchTop 5 Fly-fishing Resorts
    “This was easily the best vacation of my life. It has always been my dream to visit a ranch, and it went beyond anything I could have imagined. Our horses were terrific and well suited to all of us. Your staff is outstanding – what a talented group! Thank you for your hospitality and thank you again for all the incredible riding, great food, beautiful scenery, wonderful fishing and very happy children. Julia does not want to leave – neither do I.” M. Sonis and the whole family
    Chapel Hill, North Carolina

    You will find the fishing fantastic here on the ranch, but for those more adventurous fishermen there is the option of spending a day with a local professional fly-fishing guide who can take you into the wilderness country for some very challenging fishing. Indeed, you can go to a different spot each day, each even more incredible than the day before. Should you be interested, please call us for further details.

    Since this is a less traveled part of Colorado, the fly-fishing remains exceptional and many creeks and streams are within easy reach of the ranch. Nearby Elk Creek is easily reached and you can fish upstream to First Meadows and beyond.

    We stock basic supplies for use at the ranch Trading Post. In most of the waters around the ranch you may use flies, spin cast or bait. In order to preserve our superb fishing we encourage catch and release. However, should you wish, our ranch cooks will prepare your fish at any meal. Or you may prefer to have that trophy trout mounted. It is a great way to remember glorious hours spent on the river.

    We are proud to say that according to one of our local professional fly-fisherman, Randy Keys, our stretch of river is the best fishing on the Conejos River. Come and share it with us…

    We invite you to join us at the Rainbow Trout Ranch for your next vacation.

    “Three-fourths of the earth’s surface is water and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear the Good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.”~ Chuck Clark
    Fly-fishing Lures
    Boy showing off his catch
    Man showing off a fish he caught while fly-fishing

    Fly-fishing Knots

    The picture on the right shows one typical system for fly fishing. It shows examples of knots that can be used at each junction. The purpose of the tippet is to prolong the life of the leader by replacing it when enough has been lost through breakage, re-tying flies, or damage on snags.

    Diagram of fly-fishing knots

    Diagram of individual fly-fishing knots
    Fly-fishing in the Conejos River

    Come Fish the Magic of the Conejos River with Us

    Book Now

     
    Trip Advisor Dude Ranch Certificate of Excellence 2017
    Trip Advisor Dude Ranch Certificate of Excellence 2016
    Trip Advisor Dude Ranch Certificate of Excellence 2015
    Trip Advisor Dude Ranch Certificate of Excellence 2014
    Dude Ranch.com Signature Ranch
    American Quarter Horse Association
    Conejos River Anglers
    Colorado Dude Ranch and Guest Association
    Dude Ranch.com
    Dude Ranchers Association
    Dude Ranchers' Educational Trust and Western Museum
    Dude Ranchers' Educational Trust and Western Museum
    Basic Horse Colors

    Often, when we talk about our horses we refer to them by the color of their coat. We want you to be in on the conversation. In this blog, you can learn more colors of horses you might see in the herd.

    Cattle Kingdom

    Reading is one of my resolutions for the 2021 year. However, this year, it has a focus on the cowboy life and history!

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