River Valley Fishing
River Valley Estates is known for its pristine and private location, with gorgeous views of the La Plata and San Juan mountains all the way to Wolf Creek.
However, River Valley Estates is more than just privacy and great views. In the heart of the community, a private piece of the Florida River runs through the valley, providing the residents of River Valley Estates with out-of-this-world fishing.
The Florida River is a tributary to the Animas River, and stretches 61,7 miles from Lillie Lake in the Weminuche Wilderness, all the way to the Southern Ute Reservation, where it finally meets the Animas.
Resident Fish:
Brown Trout
Catching a 20” plus Brown Trout isn’t unusual in the rich waters of the Florida. Once they’re hooked, they go deep and won’t give up easily. They like everything from dry flies to streamers.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout are the most common fish in the river. They get just as big as the Brown Trouts do, and will make your rod bend hard when hooked. Rainbow Trouts can be caught on and under the surface.
Brook Trout
Brook Trout aren’t the largest fish in the river, but are highly sought after due to their vibrant and beautiful colors. They are quite aggressive and take everything you throw at them.
Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat Trout are native to Colorado, and are quite rare. Although they don’t get very large, the Cutthroat Trout is a very prestigious fish to catch. They too can be caught on dry flies or streamers.
Common Flies
Here are the three most common types of flies the fish like to feast on:
Caddisflies
Caddisflies are very common. They have a distinct shape to them, and like to scuttle on the water, making a very visible v-shape on the surface. Caddisflies can normally be seen hatching from March to August.
Caddisfly imitations:
– Elk-hair Caddis
– Goddards Caddis
– Caddis Pupa
Mayflies
Mayflies are one of the most abundant flies on the water. They range in size depending on the species of Mayfly. Most Mayfly species hatch from June to September.
Mayfly imitations:
– BWO (Blue Winged Olive)
– Adams Dry Fly
– March Brown Fly
– Pheasant-tail Nymph
– Prince Nymph
Stoneflies
Stoneflies are typically larger than Mayflies. These flies aren’t as abundant as Mayflies and Caddisflies, and most species hatch from June to August.
Stonefly imitations:
– Stimulator
– Prince Nymph
– Copper John Nymph
Note
The part of the Florida River that runs through River Valley Estates is private, and is only accessible by River Valley Estates residents. The river is open for both fly fishing and spin fishing.