Similar to what we’ve seen the past two weeks, the river remains low, clear and in fantastic shape! We’ve also been experiencing a return to some classic January weather: warm, dry, bright sun and high winds.
Stable river levels and consistent weather patterns present the perfect conditions for fish to run and take flies. And that has been happening through the entire week.
We’ve seen small but continuous runs of fish entering from the sea. They move fast, even under bright sunshine, so finding them can be an exercise in patience. And once they’ve been found, they’re soon on the move again.
Fishing wise, the best flies for clear and low conditions on the Rio Grande include the usual suspects. Small nymph and rubber-leg patterns, as well as dry flies (!) have been key to seducing these skittish silvery creatures. Fishing light sink-tips and long leaders also helps. Personally, I’ve been dropping the diameter of the tippets and, on several occasions, I’ve gone as light as 8-pound test.
So far everything is looking promising for the week ahead. We expect to see more fresh fish moving into the system, making the fishing better and better every day.
Largest fish of the week: 19 lbs.
Alejandro Martello
Villa Maria Lodge Fishing Manager
