El Rancho Pinoso, nestled within the breathtaking Blanco Basin of southern Colorado, offers a serene escape amidst 863 acres of stunning countryside. Framed by majestic 12,000-foot granite peaks, the ranch embodies the timeless spirit of the West. The open basin area, bathed in abundant sunshine, provides a haven for stately ponderosa pines, fresh air, and hummingbirds. Our two cabins, the Cowboy House and Log Cabin, are situated on a manicured lawn adjacent to rustic barns and corrals, ensuring guests enjoy a private and tranquil experience.
The meandering Rio Blanco, a tributary of the San Juan River, winds through the heart of El Rancho Pinoso for three miles, serving as a focal point. Its waters boast healthy populations of large and vibrant Brown, Brook, and Rainbow trout, and are teeming with deep pools and shallow riffles, creating an angler’s paradise.
If this fly-fishing destination isn’t already on your radar, it should be. The Lindner Ranches offer 10.5 miles of expertly restored private river, teeming with an abundance of quality trout. The fishing program centers around three distinct walk-and-wade private systems: the Rio Blanco River, the East Fork of the Piedra, and the Weminuche Creek.
Reservations & Rates
Log Cabin: Accommodates a party of 6 to 7
(4 bedroom & 3 full baths.)
Cowboy Cabin: Accommodates a party of 8 to 10
(4 bedroom & 2 full baths.)
• 3 night / 2 day - $2,854
• 4 night / 3 day - $3,874
• 5 night / 4 day - $4,704
• 6 night / 5 day - $5,653
• 7 night / 6 day - $6,602
Per Person Rate based on double occupancy. Taxes included.
Inclusions
Included in your stay at El Rancho Pinoso are accommodations, 3 meals a day, guided fishing, flies, terminal tackle, and guided horseback riding.
Non-Inclusions
Not included in your stay at El Rancho Pinoso are airfare, transportation to the lodge, alcohol, fishing licenses, and gratuities. Please note, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home.
Travel Insurance
The Fly Shop® is not in the insurance business, but we recommend Travel Guard (AIG) and Global Rescue (IMG) coverage as a service with a desire to see your best interests protected. It is impossible to know when an unfortunate situation (loss of luggage, fly rods, illness in the family, or an accident) may occur. However, such things can and do happen, and this insurance can provide a means of recourse against non-refundable financial losses.
• Travel Insurance Information
Seasons at El Rancho Pinoso
The Colorado Summer is short. The best time to be at El Ranch Pinoso is from June to October.
June:
During the month of June, as soon as the runoff from the winters snow subsides, you can expect wonderful hatches of caddis to get the fish looking up. You can always pull fish with a dropper rig or going euro style with a selection of frenchies if the water is still high during your stay.
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July:
By July the stoneflies will start to show up and big sofa pillows and the likes are the dry of choice. Caddis will continue throughout the summer making for that magic hour at the end of the day.
August:
The month of August brings the PMD's and subtle rise forms in the slower water up and down the rivers. It’s a time of year that encourages wet wading and carrying a rain jacket for that afternoon shower that you can set your watch by. By the evening those subtle rises will turn to slashing takes as the caddis continue their nightly appearance.
September & October:
As summer turns to fall the weather brings cooler nights and slows the hatches of aquatic insects. The terrestrials, however, are in full swing and you can walk the river and take fish on hoppers, beetles and ants.
Getting to El Rancho Pinoso
El Rancho Pinoso is just under 20 miles south east of Pagosa Springs, CO.
Flying:
Flying directly to Pagosa Springs is possible by charter and private aircraft. If you desire, Archuleta County Airport at Stevens Field has modern Fixed Base Operations facilities.
Commercial flights require a fly and drive approach. Durango-La Plata County Airport is just 60 miles west of Pagosa. Durango-La County Airport is served by American Airlines, United Airlines, and seasonally by Delta Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
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Choose from daily non-stop American routes from Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix, and United from Denver. Delta offers seasonal daily routes from Salt Lake City Int'l (SLC), and seasonal flights to Los Angeles (LAX).
Driving to Pagosa Springs:
For those who love to drive, and would like to spend more time in the car than in a terminal waiting on a connection, the Rocky Mountain countryside is breathtaking. Pagosa Springs is located just 4 hours north of Albuquerque, NM, 5 hours south of Denver, CO.
Lodging at El Rancho Pinoso
The Cowboy House:
The Cowboy House, the second original cabin on El Rancho Pinoso, is ready to welcome visitors. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with its authentic wood paneling and a charming river rock fireplace, embodying the relaxed character it has maintained for 70 years. The recently renovated kitchen provides modern convenience while preserving the cabin's rustic charm.
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Guests will be able to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can relax on the front porch rockers, perfect for enjoying a quiet moment, or engage in a friendly game of horseshoes on the lawn. The Cowboy House is quite spacious and can comfortably accommodate up to 10 people, making it ideal for families or larger groups.
The Log Cabin:
The Log Cabin is the original cabin on the ranch. It has been beautifully renovated to comfortably accommodate up to seven guests. This four-bedroom bungalow has three bathrooms and invites guests to enjoy the updated rustic charm it offers those that choose to call it home for their stay. One of its best features is the front porch, which faces down the valley and provides stunning mountain views along with a relaxing seating area. Inside, there's a full eat-in kitchen, a dining room with breathtaking views, and a cozy living room that has a working fireplace.
Fishing at El Rancho Pinoso
The Rio Blanco:
The Rio Blanco, the centerpiece of El Rancho Pinoso, features two miles of fully restored water with numerous deep pools and easy wading. The river is easily crossed in most tailouts and is dominated by rainbow trout, many of which are in the 16 to 21-inch class, with even larger fish present.
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The Weminuche:
The Weminuche is a picturesque, fully restored meadow system with seven miles of private water. Meandering through the Weminuche Valley Ranch, it offers exceptional hopper/dry fly structure and supports healthy populations of both brown and rainbow trout in the 16 to 21-inch class.
East Fork of the Piedra:
The East Fork of the Piedra, flowing through the Notch Ranch, provides over two miles of private water. This fully restored freestone river, with its large boulders and 12-16 inch Brown trout, is a guest favorite set in an awe-inspiring landscape that never disappoints.
What Makes This Destination Special and Unique?
Perfect trout water - 3 miles of trophy water, 2 additional rivers, plus several lakes and ponds all set in some of the most beautiful valleys in Southwest Colorado. From plunge pools, riffles, oxbows with cut banks and lakes that seem to boil in the evening you’ll find what you’re looking for at El Rancho Pinoso.
Private Water Fisheries – A nice aspect of fishing with El Rancho Pinoso is the access to private waters. Miles of private water that guests have to themselves with no outside competition and excellent angling opportunities. The waters are regularly rested and managed to assure a world class fly fishing experience.
Small Water Fishing – So many of The Rocky Mountain’s most famous trout waters are float fisheries, but sometimes it’s nice to put on your wading boots, grab your rod and go for a walk and wade trip. El Rancho Pinoso is a walk and wade trout fishing program for anglers that enjoy an up close and personal trout fishing experience – on foot.
Rustic Charm - The original log cabins have been meticulously renovated for guests' use holding the true feel of western pioneering while supplying all of the comforts of modern society.
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