Hidden within Southern Colorado’s San Juan Mountains is a valley so beautiful that you will marvel at its perfection. With 970 acres, two fully restored historic cabins, a herd of elk and three miles of fabulous fishing flowing through it all, it is a place that will inspire all who visit, want to return again. Ideally suited to private parties or families of four or more, El Rancho Pinoso smacks of understated quality, utter privacy, and indescribable beauty. Anglers have exclusive walk and wade access to three remarkable properties including the home waters of El Rancho Pinoso’s Rio Blanco, seven miles of the meandering Weminuche, and the small yet stunning freestone flows of the upper Piedra. With easy wading, great dry fly fishing, and plenty of fish pushing 20 inches, this undiscovered gem is one of the finest and most fairly priced private water venues in the West. While each of the ranch’s two cabins can take at least six guests, the ranch does not mix groups, ensuring each group’s privacy. Non-anglers can enjoy guided rides on the property as well as well as a host of interesting activities in the surrounding area. For parties who enjoy preparing their own meals, self-catered packages are available upon request.
El Rancho Pinoso Quick Facts:
Species: Rainbow, brown and brook trout
Season: June 20 - October 1
Capacity: 12-18 guests with exclusive use for parties of four or more.
2010 Rates:
Full Service Package
6N/5D (4 guide days) $3600 per person
5N/4D (3 guide days) $2925 per person
4N/3D (2 guide days) $2250 per person
Self Catered Package:
6N/5D (4 guide days) $2400 per person
5N/4D (3 guide days) $1925 per person
4N/3D (2 guide days) $1450 per person
NOTE: Prices are based on a minimum group size of 4. Discounts apply to groups of 6 anglers occupying one house and to larger family groups with non anglers. Please call for details.
El Rancho Pinoso Time Zone: Rocky Mountain time zone.
El Rancho Pinoso Fishing Program:
El Rancho Pinoso’s fishing program is based around fishing three distinct private systems: Rio Blanca, the Weminuche, and the Piedra. All rivers are walk and wade systems that have benefitted from extensive stream restoration work. The standard five day package includes four days guided fishing with the last day being spent unguided on the home waters of the Rio Blanco. Typically anglers are picked up between 8:00AM and 9:00AM and return to the cabins between 5:00PM and 6:00PM. When fishing the home river, anglers will return to the cabins for lunch. Due to the exclusive private party nature of El Rancho Pinoso, the schedule can easily be adjusted to meet the needs of each party. Since a number of experienced local freelance guides assist head guide and manager, Damon Scott, we ask that guides be tipped directly at the end of each day. When fishing the off premise properties (the Weminuche and Piedra), anglers have the option of stopping for dinner at Kipp’s, a casual Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating (not included).
El Rancho Pinoso Fisheries:
Rio Blanco: The Rio Blanco is the home water and the centerpiece of El Rancho Pinoso. The 3 miles of water is fully restored with numerous deep pools and easy wading. The river is easily crossed in most tailouts and it is dominated by rainbow trout. Many of these fish are in the 16-21 inch class with larger fish present.
Weminuche River: The Weminuche is a handsome, fully restored, meandering meadow system with a full seven miles of private water. The river is located approximately 80 minutes from El Rancho Pinoso and boasts good populations of both browns and rainbows in the 16-21 inch class. The Weminuche has exceptional hopper/dry fly structure and has some very large browns.
The Piedra: Located near the Weminuche on the Notch Ranch properties, the Piedra is a small forested freestone with a high pool count. A purely wild fishery, the Piedra has rainbows, browns, and brook trout as well as a few native Colorado cutthroats. These fish range from 10-20 inches. The Piedra is fabulously scenic and considered by many the crown jewel of the Lindner Ranches.
Stillwaters: All of the above properties have between one and three private ponds that are home to large trout in excess of 20 inches.
El Rancho Pinoso Accommodations and Meals:
El Rancho Pinoso has two fully renovated historic log homes on-site. For larger groups, both homes may be used (Note that this will change the package pricing). For smaller groups one home will suffice. A fair number of guests who visit the ranch elect to “self-cater” and come prepared to make their own meals on-site. Fully catered packages include three meals per day and include turn down service. Guests are responsible for bringing their own alcohol.
Anglers who elect to prepare their own meals should do their shopping at the new City Market on the west side of Pagosa Springs (also known as Pagosa Lakes). There is a liquor and wine store immediately west of the City Market. The cabins are very well stocked with basics including spices, oil, flour and sugar.
The Log Cabin: The historic two-story Log Cabin has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and sleeps seven. The cabin offers the convenience of a full kitchen, living room with fireplace, washer & dryer, and telephone & internet access (if getting away from it all requires the occasional check-in).
The Cowboy House: Also recently updated, the Cowboy House offers similar features as the Log Cabin (full kitchen, working fireplace in living room, washer & dryer, and telephone & internet access), two baths, four bedrooms that can sleep a total of eight. And trust us, you'll sleep very well. It is the larger of the two cabins.
Note: Ranch staff members sleep off-site or at homes on the other side of the property.
El Rancho Pinoso Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive El Rancho Pinoso after 3:00PM. Get settled in and tour the property.
Days 2-5: Four full days of guided fishing on the three Lindner properties.
Day 6: Unguided fishing on the Rio Blanco or elected activities:
Day 7: Check out is at 11:00AM.
Travel:
To get to El Rancho Pinoso by air, most travelers will fly into Durango and rent a car. Alternatively, guests can fly into Albuquerque and do the same.
Driving Directions to El Rancho Pinoso (from Durango):
Turn right onto Hwy. 84 at intersection with Hwy. 160 and drive for approximately 8 miles.
Turn left onto Blanco Basin Road (CR 326) and drive approximately 9.5 miles to bridge.
Turn right over bridge at Castle Creek Road (CR 660) and drive .25 miles to cattle guard.
Turn left past cattle guard and drive 1 mile to ranch.
Approximate Driving Times:
Durango =1.5 hours
Albuquerque = 4 hours
Denver = 6 hours
Hotel Recommendations (listed descending order of cost):
Many anglers may elect to spend time before or after their stay in Durango. It is a fun town with lots of activities including a famous small gauge steam train ride to Silverton, rafting and access to Mesa Verde.
Strater Hotel: www.strater.com; 970.247.4431
Best Western Rio Grande Inn: www.bwriograndeinn.com; 970.385.4980
Durango Lodge: www.durangolodge.com; 970.247.0955
Documentation Requirements:
Guests will be required to sign a waiver as there are risks associated with activities such as fishing and riding
Travel Regulations:
Before your departure we encourage you to review the current government and regulations for Air Travel. Current government rules can be found on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) web site: www.tsa.gov/
Baggage:
We encourage you to visit the web site of your air carrier(s) to confirm their current rules for carry-on and checked baggage. The rules and regulations are changing on a regular basis so please check these sites prior to your departure date.
Travel and Health Considerations:
This is very safe destination with no poisonous snakes. There are some biting insects so come prepared. The ranch is located at 8,300 ft. so the sun is strong and staying well hydrated is essential.
Non-Angling Activities:
The ranch has six horses and one wrangler on-site. Riding is included in the package price. The surrounding region also has a wealth of places to explore just a short drive away.
To the south in New Mexico, is the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad that embarks from Chama; the charming town of Taos with the still-inhabited, thousand-year-old Taos Pueblo; and Santa Fe, with its long Spanish heritage, its famed adobe architecture, and incredible array of art galleries.
To the north is Pagosa Springs, gateway to the alpine splendors of the San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness, and home to the famous hot springs and spa.
To the west is Durango, a truly authentic Western town, with the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, galleries and museums, and stellar restaurants. Durango also provides access to Mesa Verde National Park, one of the world's great cultural treasures, and the San Juan Skyway, a 235-mile scenic loop through mining towns, ski resorts, and staggering mountain splendor.
Climate:
Daytime temperatures typically range from 60-85 degrees. Due to the high elevation mountainous nature of the region, the weather changes very quickly. Afternoon thundershowers are very common and the sun is very strong.
Travel Cash:
We request that you pay all gratuities in cash. $500-$600 per person should more than cover you needs.
Fishing Licenses:
Anglers are responsible for getting their licenses before reaching the ranch. We recommend stopping at one of the two City Markets in Pagosa Springs. They are open until 10:00PM.
Climate:
Daytime temperatures typically range from 60-85 degrees. Due to the high elevation mountainous nature of the region, the weather changes very quickly. Afternoon thundershowers are very common and the sun is very strong.
Medical Facilities:
Mercy Regional Medical Center (970-247-4311) is located 1.5 hours away in Durango.
Ambulance Dispatch: Dial 911 first, then 970.247.3232
Power and Communications:
El Rancho Pinoso has 24 hour electricity with a propane backup generator. The lodge has a landline phone, a computer and complimentary Wi-Fi. Cell phones do not work on the property.
Water:
Water straight from the tap is fine for drinking.
Laundry:
Washers, dryers and detergent are on-site for guests to use free of charge.
Beverages/Alcohol:
All parties are responsible for bringing their own alcohol. State run liquor stores are now open seven days a week. Beer can be purchased in grocery stores but be forewarned…it is 3.2 beer! Real beer is available at all of the liquor stores in Pagosa Springs.
Full service parties will have all the coffee they need. Typically the cabins have lots of coffee on hand for self-catered groups but feel free to bring your own blend if you like.
Gratuities:
We request that guides be tipped directly in cash at the end of each fishing day. The standard in the region is $60-80 per day for one or two anglers. For full service packages we recommend a tip of $20 per person per day. For self-catered packages, we recommend a tip of $10 per person per day.The lodge manager will collect these housekeeping tips at the end of the week and distribute them to the entire staff appropriately.
Included:
Flies and terminal tackle for all guided days, riding. All meals served on-site for fully catered parties.
Not Included:
8.8% tax, flies and tackle for un-guided days, alcohol, meals and food for self-catered parties, fishing licenses and gratuities.
Rockies