 | | Fishing on the Rio Grande River can bring in rainbow trout, native cutthroat and brown trout in all sizes up to 18 pounds. There are fishing easements at State Bridge and Granger Bridge. There is no state stocking downstream from the Highway 149 bridge at South Fork. Along Highway 149, between Collier Bridge and Masonic Park, bait fishing is prohibited.The Rio Grande is a popular rafting area. Because of shallow water and many boulders, the river is better suited for rafting than canoeing and kayaking, although it is used by all three types of boaters. Raft races are held each spring during the peak runoff and provide entertaining contests for floaters from all over the state.In general, the river is more difficult the further upstream you begin. Floatable sections include from Thirty Mile Campground, just below Rio Grande Reservoir, to State Bridge about 8 miles west of Del Norte.The Rio Grande River from Thirty Mile Campground to South Fork, Colorado is used for various forms of boating. The distance between these two points via the river is approximately 54 miles. River rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing take place to one extent or another over portions of this section of the river.Most of the river from the Rio Grande/Box Canyon Summer Home Group to South Fork flows over private land - only about five miles flows over Forest Service System Lands. Several barbed-wire fences cross the river at various locations, which pose a safety hazard to those who are running the river. While the private landowners do not own the water flowing across their land, the Courts have ruled they do own the land over which the river flows. Therefore, guests should never get out of their raft onto private property without first obtaining the landowners permission. While most do not mind guests floating across their private property, they do object to those who fish while floating through their property or get out of their rafts onto private property.The river from the Rio Grande Campground/Fisherman Site, west of Marshall Park Campground, to South Fork seems to be the most popular and utilized stretch of river for such activities as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Rio Grande Campground, Marshall Park Campground, and Palisade Campground serve as good put-in points for the general public.The best water occurs from mid-May to the third week in June. This is very dependent on spring runoff conditions. In low snow years, the river can remain relatively low, which makes navigation difficult due to the lack of bottom clearance and exposed rocks. In normal years, the early season provides adequate and swift water, and enough white water to thoroughly test the skills of the inexperienced and even provide a moderate challenge to the relatively experienced. In heavy snow years, the river can successfully be run even through most of the month of July. Water temperatures are always cold and hypothermia from exposure is a constant threat.White water skill, however, is the most important ingredient in regards to safety. Many accidents are caused when rafters, canoeists, kayakers, etc. overestimate their own skills and tackle more river than they can handle. Knowing limitations and staying within these limitations is the first step towards a safe river-running experience.If this section of the Rio Grande River is to remain beautiful and unspoiled, it is necessary for everyone to pack out all garbage, refrain from dumping litter in the river, and respect and stay off private property along riverbanks. In this way, we can assure that the fun and excitement we experience today can be shared with the future generations of tomorrow. |
| |  | | | Facilities: There are four different campgrounds each providing campsites and other facilities along Rio Grande River. Restrooms, picnic tables, and fire grills can be found on site. Other facilities can be found in nearby Creede. Reservations: Reservations for Rio Grande River use are not accepted. Best Time To Visit: Rio Grande River is typically open year round - weather depending. Fees: Unknown Accessibility: Unknown Rules: While the private landowners do not own the water flowing of Rio Grande River across their land, the Courts have ruled they do own the land over which the river flows. Therefore, guests should never get out of your raft onto private property without first obtaining the landowners permission. While most do not mind you floating across their private property, they do object to those who fish while floating through their property or get out of their rafts onto private property. Directions: Rio Grande Campground, Marshall Park Campground, and Palisade Campground serve as good put-in points for the general public. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Rio Grande National Forest-Divide Ranger Station | | 13308 West US Highway 160 | | P.O. Box 40 | | Del Norte, Colorado 81132 |
| | | Phone | | General: (719) 657-3321 | | TTY: (719) 657-6038 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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