Fly Fishing
Los Pinos - The Pine River
in Silverton, Colorado
The Los Piños River, commonly referred to as the Pine River, is a breathtaking freestone stream tucked deep into the San Juan Mountains northeast of Bayfield, Colorado. Though much of the lower river is private, the upper stretches above Vallecito Reservoir offer one of the most scenic and rewarding backcountry fly fishing experiences in the state — with wild brown trout, rainbows, and big meadow stretches ideal for dry fly action.
Whether you’re looking to bushwhack into canyon water or backpack into a remote alpine basin, the upper Pine offers solitude, strong hatches, and the kind of fish that’ll make you forget cell service even exists.
Pine River - Overview & Access
The Pine River is impounded by Vallecito Reservoir, and nearly all riverfront access below the lake is private — this section flows through large ranches and private parcels, and permission is required to fish it. Because of this, we’ll focus on the Upper Pine, which begins where the river exits Vallecito Reservoir and flows northeast into the Weminuche Wilderness.
To access the upper river:
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Park at the Pine River Trailhead, located at the end of Forest Road 602, north of Vallecito Lake.
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From here, it’s a 3-mile hike through Granite Peaks Ranch, a private property with a legal public easementallowing non-motorized access into the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness.
After three miles, the river enters public land, where anglers are rewarded with miles of canyon water, a fork to Emerald Creek, and eventually open meadow stretches full of deep runs and eager trout.
The river continues well past 10–15 miles upstream, with its headwaters originating along the Continental Divide. The farther you hike, the more isolated and pristine the fishing becomes.
Pine River - Fishing Tips
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Ideal Season: Late June to early October
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Rod & Rig: 5-6 weight rod, floating line, 4X–5X tippet
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Best Time: Mid-morning to evening; hopper action picks up in the heat of the day
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Fish Species: Wild browns, rainbows, and cutthroat as you move way upstream
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Approach: Dry-dropper rigs work all season; streamer pockets hold larger fish
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Trip Tip: Backpacking and camping allows you to reach remote water — most anglers make it a weekend
Conservation Note
The Upper Pine flows through one of the most intact wilderness drainages in the San Juans. The initial 3-mile public easement through Granite Peaks Ranch is a rare and important access corridor — please respect all posted rules, stay on trail, and avoid wandering off the easement until you reach national forest boundaries.
The river corridor was once home to one of Colorado’s earliest fish hatcheries at Emerald Creek, where early rainbow trout stockings began. Today, the river supports wild, self-sustaining populations of trout that thrive in part due to the wilderness protections in place.
Pack out everything, minimize camp impact, and help protect this exceptional fishery for future generations.
Los Pinos Fly Selection
& Hatches
The Upper Pine fishes best from late June through early October, with the prime window being mid-July through mid-September. It's a classic dry fly river, but deeper sections and runs call for some nymphing and streamer work.
Expect:
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Stoneflies, Yellow Sallies, Caddis, PMDs, and small mayflies
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Hoppers and beetles in mid to late summer — you’ll hear them clicking on the banks
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Productive flies include:
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Stimulators, Parachute Adams, X-Caddis, Chubbies, Hoppers
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Droppers: Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, Soft Hackles, Copper Johns
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Streamers: Small buggers and leeches in deeper holding water
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The water stays cold and clear through much of the summer due to its high elevation and wilderness setting.
Fishing Regulations for
The Pine River
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The Pine River is regulated by Colorado Parks & Wildlife with standard statewide regulations once inside the Weminuche Wilderness.
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Below Vallecito Reservoir, access is nearly all private, and trespassing laws are strictly enforced.
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Above the reservoir and within public lands, catch and release is encouraged, and artificial flies and barbless hooks are recommended.
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Campfires may be restricted — always check current USFS regulations before your trip.
Fishing Access: Exploring the Pine River
There is one primary public access point to the Upper Pine River, but it leads to miles of exceptional water deep in the San Juan backcountry.
1. Pine River Trailhead (Granite Peaks Easement)
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Located at the end of Forest Road 602, north of Vallecito Reservoir.
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The trail begins at the Pine River Trailhead, where anglers hike through the Granite Peaks Ranch easement — a privately owned stretch of land with a legal non-motorized public access easement.
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Important restrictions: No dogs, bikes, or horses are allowed through the easement. Foot traffic only.
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The first 0.5 miles of trail is day-use only (no camping).
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After that, camping and dispersed use are permitted.
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The National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness boundary is located approximately three miles from the trailhead.
2. Wilderness Fly Fishing
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Beyond the private easement, the river flows through public land and designated wilderness, offering miles of accessible water, stunning scenery, and alpine solitude.
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Expect everything from tight canyon pockets to wide meadow stretches, with plenty of water to explore for a full weekend of hiking and fishing.
Access Tip: This entire trail corridor is a privilege made possible through cooperation with private landowners — please tread lightly, pack out all trash, and stay on the trail through the easement area.
For those willing to put in the hike, the Upper Pine is one of the most rewarding wild trout experiences in Southwest Colorado. With stunning scenery, cold water, and fish that love a well-presented dry fly, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you. Whether you're going in for a day trip or loading up the pack for a few nights, Los Piños is the real deal — and still feels like one of the last best places to explore on foot.