SLV Outdoor Report | Week of June 11, 2025

Ark Anglers: ​​Rising flows have slowed some with cooler weather this week, temporarily offering fishable clarity in the middle basin despite the elevated flows. However, the release down Lake Creek from Twin Lakes is increasing today so turbidity is expected to increase again with the rise in flows. As flows increase, the river will scour more and more dirt from the banks and water temperature will decrease as more snowmelt enters the system. Expect trout to vacate faster areas of current and move to velocity shelters along the banks and amid submerged midstream structure. You’ll definitely work harder to find fish willing to feed during this season. Fish that drop into the depths are hard to reach but the fish along the banks are prime targets for a shallow nymph or dry dropper rig. Anglers might prefer darker flies with body colors that contrast the brown water of the runoff period, particularly those imitative of golden stonefly nymphs and larger mayfly nymphs. Streamers can also be good medicine in the off-colored water with higher flows being advantageous to the predation methods of more mature trout. Juvenile trout are vulnerable and the older fish take notice. Anglers should also consider beefing up on leader material, as the need for stealth is long past and heavier material will come in handy working fish out of rising current. Wade anglers are advised to fish from shore whenever possible and to avoid wading in water where you can’t see the river bottom.

Conejos River Anglers: Lower River:~1300. There’s still high runoff and the flows should slowly start to taper off over the next couple weeks. We are still nymphing mainly with stoneflys and baetis. Worms are working a little. The good news is we saw a few Salmonfly adults this morning down here by the shop so we should start to see a few fish looking up.

Below Platoro: ~550cfs. The flow has been up and down and 550 is going to be a little tough. I expect to see this lowered some again over the next week. Mostly midges, baetis and worm patterns. We have seen a few fish looking up late in the day.

The Friends of the San Luis Valley Wildlife Refuges is holding its next wildlife safari on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. The safaris are free and appropriate for the novice as well as experienced adventurer. All ages are welcome, and no reservations are required. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Bring binoculars, a camera, water, hat, sunscreen and your curiosity.

Ty Benally, the Baca Refuge director, will lead this trip that focuses on birding and ecology trek along the Baca Refuge’s Nature and Heritage Trail. Meet at the Crestone Kiosk. 

Jocelyn Russell and the GFWC Colorado Women’s Citizenship Club are holding a ceremony officially unveiling Jocelyn’s sculpture Into Thin Air: Cranes in Flight on Saturday, June 28, from 3-5 p.m. The event will be held at the sculpture’s new home on the corner of State Avenue and Sixth Street, at the Alamosa Welcome Center. The event is free to the public. The two bronze sandhill cranes will stand tall with their wings spread in one of Alamosa’s busiest corridors. It’s a story we’ve been covering at Alamosa Citizen since we first started four years ago. 

Last Monday, Gov. Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-168, a new law that gives Colorado Parks and Wildlife expanded authority to combat wildlife trafficking. The bill strengthens penalties for traffickers, supports law enforcement capacity, and improves data collection on illegal activity threatening Colorado’s native wildlife.

SB25-168 was a priority bill for CPW and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources during the 2025 legislative session. It targets illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife parts – an issue that often crosses state and international borders. The law also addresses gaps in CPW’s ability to enforce trafficking violations involving lower-profile species, such as reptiles and fish.

The legislation expands CPW’s ability to investigate and prosecute trafficking-specific activity, not just illegal possession or sale. It also equips officers to respond to trafficking of both native and non-native species being moved through or into Colorado.

“Because of this legislation – and the hard work of our staff, partners, and bill sponsors – CPW can now better disrupt the growing black market for wildlife,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis.