8200 Mountain Sports

05/09/2025

The 8200 Fly Shop is 99% stocked with all the gear & supplies for your next outing.

We are just about done putting up this years fly orders. (1,400 dozen/ 16,800 flies).
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05/05/2025

Here is what happens when you carry a pocket full of dog treats on your route.
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05/01/2025

Not sure why all the season rentals havent been returned.

04/23/2025

Some cool weather Trout from recent trips.
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04/22/2025

This is a follow up to my previous post informing everyone about a river project that has taken place approx. 1.3 miles below CR 18. For years we (floaters & boaters) have had to navigate a very poorly designed head gate diversion at this location. This type of structure helps push water into an irrigation ditch. The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project (RGHRP) has taken on the task of rebuilding and improving the structure so both irrigation and recreational water users will benefit. *The same crew built the Del Norte Play wave.
The project got underway this Spring, taking advantage of low flows. However, the weather had different plans and warmed up too quickly. This caused increased flows and eventually forced the team and the heavy equipment off the river before the project could be fully completed.
Because of this, the diversion has become a topic of conversation. THE STRUCTURE IS 100% PASSABLE FOR RAFTS & DRIFTBOATS! As with any river structure, caution is a must. As with any river, experience is vital. Unfortunately, there was a raft that flipped and a driftboat that was swamped. The raft may have hit the structure sideways and went over. The driftboat may have gone over the structure at a location that was too aggressive, and it filled up the boat with water. No injuries in either instance.
Here is how I/we have navigated the diversion. We line up 10’- 12’ off the left (north) bank. You can clearly identify the Eddyline and Tongue of the wave. We line our boat(s) up and hit it with the Bow pointing directly into the tongue/wave. We took on a few gallons of water. Other than that, no worries.
If you are familiar with the Rio and its features, this is very similar in size and aggressiveness to any of the structures you have gone over on Wason Ranch in Creede. Again, experience, common sense and some decent rowing skills will go a long way.
We have been in touch with the Director at RGHRP, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Trout Unlimited, local Outfitters and several other entities to ensure all are aware of the temporary issues. It is anticipated that the work will resume later this year, when flows drop again allowing work to be completed. Part of the final plan will be to create safe boat passage. I have worked with all the entities involved and I have the utmost confidence that everything will be remedied. Until then, please be careful. If you are not experienced with headgates, perhaps it would be wise to float a different section.

If you have any questions or would like a bit more info, please call me 719-873-1977.
Thanks, Joel

04/09/2025

UPDATE- It’s that time of year when the anglers are getting ready to hit the Rio. Tons of calls inquiring about snowpack conditions and how that may impact river flows this summer.
The chart shows our current snowpack (black line) at 76%. It was 63% until that last storm.
The purple line is from 2013. As of right now 2013 is the closest to our snowpack levels.

The second chart show river flows, in cubic feet per second (CFS) at Wagon Wheel Gap from May 1, 2013, to June 30, 2013. That year the river showed a “Double Peak” on May 18 and again on May 24 with flows only hitting 2,310 CFS. A “normal” water year might peak around June 10 with flows hitting closer to 2,700- 3,200 CFS. You can also see how the flows drop very quickly as warm, windy weather depleted the snowpack.

What does this mean? We need more snow and we need a strong rainy season that typically starts around July 1.
If you are planning a fishing trip to South Fork, give us a call and we can talk water & fishing to help you chose your dates.
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03/31/2025

Spring fishing is underway!
Give us a call to book your guided float or wade trips.
719-873-1977
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03/31/2025

03/27/2025

Fishing season is here. A friendly reminder to renew your license and get your Tetanus shot.
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03/25/2025

Planning your next fishing trip? Unsure what to wear? Here’s a little inspiration.

These ladies dressed to impress when they hit the water back in the day at Wagon Wheel Gap in southwest Colorado. At the turn of the century, formal wear was common fashion for day to day activities, and fishing was no exception.

We don’t know what the report was for the day, but it’s probably safe to say a good time was had by all — because it’s hard to have a bad time when you’re fishing with your friends (and dressed to the nines).

If you’re planning a fishing trip of your own this spring, check out our website to learn more and purchase a 2025 license 🎣 https://cpw.info/4iBhPBN

03/21/2025

Boaters, BEWARE!!!!!

There is a major river construction project underway downstream of the CR18 bridge. Heavy equipment is in the river working to remedy long overdue issues with the Independent and Ehrowitz irrigation ditches. Project completion is slated for April 15.
Until then, I highly suggest you do not float that section. I am not positive you could get by due to all the equipment, dirt, rocks/boulders & new concrete being manipulated.
Once repaired this will not only serve the ditch owners more efficiently, but it will also allow for much safer passage for all boats. If you previously floated that section, you are aware of the hazard.
Currently (March 20) the flows are too low to legally float, but with the warm weather we will see a bump in cfs.
If you have questions about this, or any river conditions please call the shop. 719-873-1977
Thanks, Joel
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