El Rancho Pinoso 

Rockies

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 fly fishing flowing through it all, it is a place that will inspire all who visit to 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 two remarkable properties including the home waters of El Rancho Pinoso’s Rio Blanco and seven miles of the meandering Weminuche. With easy wading, great dry fly fishing, and plenty of trout 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 Location:
El Rancho Pinoso is located in southwestern Colorado, approximately 20 miles from Pagosa Springs.

El Rancho Pinoso Fishing Program:
El Rancho Pinoso’s fishing program is based around fly fishing two distinct private systems: Rio Blanco and the Weminuche. All rivers are walk and wade systems that have benefitted from extensive stream restoration work. The standard five day package includes four days guided fly 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 fly fishing guides assist head guide and manager Damon Scott, we ask that guides be tipped directly at the end of each day. 

When fly fishing the off premise properties (the Weminuche), anglers have the option of stopping for dinner at Kipps, 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 brown trout and rainbow trout in the 16-21 inch class. The Weminuche has exceptional hopper/dry fly structure and has some very large browns.

Stillwaters: All of the above properties have between one and three private ponds that are home to large trout in excess of 20 inches.

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.

This quite possibly is the finest fly fishing destination I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. It was a week of pure bliss. I'd like to add that our guides, under the leadership of Damon Scott, were superlative. Damon, in my opinion, is the finest guide I've had in over 25 years of fishing.  -B.L., FL

El Rancho Pinoso Accommodations and Meals:
El Rancho Pinoso has two fully renovated historic log homes on-site. For larger groups, both homes may used (Note that this will change the package pricing). For smaller groups one home will suffice. A fair number of guests that 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 4:00PM. 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.


Complete Trip Details