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Fishing Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How crowded are the waters around Lake Fork Ranch?

A: With very few exceptions, they aren't! Don't be surprised if you go the entire day without encountering another fisherman on the Conejos. If you fish the tributaries and high alpine lakes, the rare exception is to have to share the waters.

Q: What kind of variety do you have in the fishing in the area?

A: There is small river fishing on the Conejos, small stream fishing on the tributaries, high alpine lakes scattered throughout the area (which produce 30"+ browns), and Platoro reservoir, which is over 6 miles long.

Q: What are the fishing regulations on the river?

A: That depends on where you are. Please have a look at the fishing map to see some of the special regulations.

Q: Where do I buy a fishing license?

A: You can buy a license at the Division of Wildlife website, or call us, and we'll tell where else you can buy a license.

Q: What is the rehabilitation project occurring on the Lake Fork?

A: Starting in 2004, the Colorado Division of Wildlife began a project to reintroduce the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout to the waters of the Lake Fork. When finished, the Lake Fork will be Cutthroat Only from the headwaters into Lake Fork Ranch. In 2004, the DOW, electro shocked from the headwaters to Rock Lake, removing as many browns, brookies, and cutthroats as possible, and relocated them to below Rock Lake. The DOW then poisoned the waters to kill off the remaining fish. After allowing the bug life to thrive for more than a year, the waters were restocked with fingerling Rio Grande Cutthroats from the DOW hatchery. As the plan is now, once the fingerlings restocked in 2005 grow to "catchable" size (2 to 3 years), the DOW will use the same method to kill from just above Rock Lake down into Lake Fork Ranch. After the kill, a 10 foot high damn will be constructed on Lake Fork Ranch that will create an approximately 6 acre lake. About a year later, the DOW will restock the waters and the Lake Fork will be cutthroat only waters from the ranch to the headwaters (over 3 miles).

Q: What kind of clothing should I bring?

A: Besides your fishing gear, you should have a raincoat, windbreaker, sweatshirts/sweaters, long sleeve shirts, a medium density jacket for the chilly nights, and a hat. Although it isn't clothing, don't forget the sunscreen and bug repellent!

Q: What other activities are available?

A: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and canoeing can all be done. We have mountain bikes for guests' use as well as canoes up at Big Lake. If you are looking for something off of the ranch, the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad offers train rides between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. If you are a golfer, Cattails Golf Club is in Alamosa. In addition, the world famous town of Taos, NM and the Great Sand Dunes National Park are both within 2 hours of the ranch!

Q: What is the weather like at Lake Fork?

A: See the chart below for some average temperatures during the summer and early fall. Be prepared for an afternoon rain shower on any day, typically in the afternoon.