Spring 2023 Newsletter
Thought I would do a quick newsletter to give some updates on snowpack levels, bookings for the summer, shoulder season conditions and a forecast for our summer season at Lindner Ranches.
Our ‘22 / ‘23 winter season was phenomenal. Reminiscent of 2005 and 2008. If you don't recall those winters, then just relate back to 2019. We had water level equivalent snowpack way above average by mid April. Our peak was on April 9th with 32 inches. In 2019 we had 29.5 by April 5th. Needless to say, the rivers have what they need to give us excellent flows way into August.
We still have some prime dates available this season in mid August and a spectacular week open September 12 -19. These dates will go quickly so get to it, and plan that trout vacation you have been thinking about all winter.
The shoulder season is upon us and the river looks amazing. Flows are hovering between 150 and 200 in the Blanco. I'm assuming the Weminuche is around the same. They tend to run close to each other CFS wise this time of year. Clarity is great with over 3 ft of visibility. Day temps have been holding in the high 40’s / low 50’s range. The extended forecast for temps will stay in this range through the end of the month and bump up in May, 5 to 10 degrees for the first week or so. Pagosa temps are normally 10 degrees higher than the Blanco so this should hold the river for at least a week, maybe two. It's a tough call as to when the high country melt will start to roll. The extended forecast shows some rain snow mix here and there so that should keep the temperatures mellow.
Moving on to the summer and what I think that will look like. Well, you can bet that June will be big. High flows should hover in the 400 to 500 range for the first part of the month, dropping off as we move closer to July but still a solid flow mid June to the end of the month. I remember June of 2019. We were fishing, but crossing the river was a challenge. We had great fishing however, the fish were not keyed in on dries until mid July. It was wet as well, and if the trend continues reminiscent of that season, it should be a wet spring. So far, that's been the case. Looking later into the summer, I think August will be the new July this year, depending on our monsoon season, but we should see some amazing dry fly fishing in August into September. The terrestrial hatches are always on fire that time of year. You can count on those bigger hoppers and ant patterns to be the goto bugs for our streams.
So that's the skinny folks. I’m looking forward to an amazing summer with conditions being better than years past. Side note, I’ve been trying to keep our instagram and facebook pages up to date with reports on the river and fishing along with last minute booking deals. So, if you're looking for info or want to check in and see how your favorite fishing spot is doing, and don't mind the social media scene, then give us a follow.
Thanks for being the best part of Lindner Ranches and subscribing to our newsletters. We love our fellow anglers and can't thank all of you enough for supporting us through the years.
