Accessible Fishing Guide to the Uncompahgre River at PA-CO-CHU-PUK
fish scenic southern Colorado at one of the best fishing spots for wheelchair users
The author with a rainbow trout at Pa-CO-CHU-PUK at the Uncompahgre River.
Fishing the Uncompahgre River at PA-CO-CHU-PUK affectionately known as Paco offers a year-round opportunity to catch large trout in the scenic gateway to the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado and one of the most accessible fishing spots for wheelchair users.
Closest Towns: Near Ridgway [8mi to the south] and Montrose [18mi to the north]
Regulations: Catch and Release only and artificial lures only
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
GPS Location: 38.24372, -107.76383
Location: Ridgway State Park (approx 9 miles from Ridgway, CO)
Public Water Access: Approximately 1 mile starting just below the Ridgway Reservoir dam and stretching to the end of the park property
Parking: Paved parking in designated spots with 3 designated disabled parking spots
Fees/Permits: A $10 day-use fee is required to access the park. Camping is available for an additional fee. A Colorado fishing license is required.
Restroom facilities: Restrooms with handicapped stalls and running water are adjacent to the parking area.
Best Time of Year: This part of the Uncompahgre River is a true tailwater (a tailwater refers to the initial stretch of water coming out of a dam where flows are controlled) so the fishing is year-round. Flows are controlled by the dam and water is released in a consistent way. This means that water temperatures and water clarity are predictable and food sources for trout are available year-round. That said, due to the potential for inclement weather it is typically best from March-October.
Species Available: Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout
Rules/Regulations: Catch and release only. Artificial flies and lures only.
Disabled Access: There is designated disabled parking and all spots have room for lifts adjacent to the spot. There is one section of paved trail adjacent to the river with two potential disabled access spots. The trail then becomes packed dirt that is fairly wheelchair friendly leading to an additional three access spots for fishing.
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Entrance to Ridgway State Park PA-CO-CHU-PUK
Background
The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk camping and recreation area on the Uncompahgre River tailwaters below Ridgway Reservoir Dam offer an awesome opportunity to catch quality trout year-round. It's a true tailwater (an initial stretch of water coming out of a dam where flows are controlled-in contrast, the other kind of river is called a freestone which means there are no dams anywhere along the river). The release of water into the Uncompahgre River is predictably controlled by the dam and creates a consistent water temperature and flow of nutrient-rich water that is perfect for trout and for their food supply to flourish. The fishing is within Ridgway State Park managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This fishery is on Ute territory and retains the name given to it by the Ute Indians. All Uncompahgre river fishing in this area is on the ancestral land of the Ute.
The Uncompahgre River at Paco in the winter
Highs and Lows
Highs
Awesome facilities and accessibility for wheelchair users
The size and quality of the fish
Year-round access
Beginner and family-friendly
Immersed in nature
Lows
Heavily pressured so fishing can be difficult
Can be crowded especially on the weekends
Can be cost-prohibitive at $10 per trip unless you buy an annual pass
Due to elevation, there can be a lot of snow during the winter months, which limits access
Best Season
This is a year-round fishing site. Winter, spring, and fall may be the best times as it sees less pressure from anglers then.
Flies by Season
Egg and squirmy worms work year-round, as do midges of all shapes, sizes, and colors. In the spring and summer caddis patterns both dry and emerging work really well. Come August through October terrestrials are the way to go. Hoppers, Chubby Chernobyl, and beetle patterns also work great here.
A human-made structure of rocks placed in the river creates a great feeding area for trout (and that means a great fishing area).
Skills and Experience Level
Paco offers something for every skill level.
For beginners, there are sections of the river that are wide open with very little vegetation and trees behind the angler, offering a great opportunity for beginners who are still working on their casts.
In addition, Paco is a stocked tailwater by the state of Colorado so there are consistent numbers of trout living in the river giving beginners ample opportunity to catch them.
Paco also features two heavily stocked fishing ponds adjacent to the river and camping areas. So anglers that prefer stillwater fishing or for families and people just learning to fly fish, these two ponds are perfect. Note though the ponds do freeze over during the winter months and are not accessible as the park does not allow ice fishing on the ponds.
For the more experienced and advanced anglers, Paco offers some challenging sections of water to fish that are incredibly rewarding. This tailwater has been built out and manipulated by humans specifically for fishing.
Almost every feature you could hope to find in a river can be found here. There are deep pools behind large boulders where fish congregate. There are slower moving river bends. There are grassy high banked areas perfect for summer hopper fishing. There are daily hatches due to the consistency of the water temperatures.
Any style of fly fishing can work here and all within the same day. You can fish nymphs sub-surface, strip streamers through holding areas, or attempt to match the hatch with dry flies.
The author with a Rainbow trout from Paco.
Fishing Spot Description
This is one of the most unique fishing spots in all of Colorado. Paco is situated at the gateway to the San Juan mountain range in southwestern Colorado, which many compare to the Swiss Alps due to the jagged peaks that retain snow year-round. The views as you drive south toward the park are absolutely breathtaking. The park marks the spot where the high desert meets the mountains and you can watch as the desert bushes and trees, like the juniper and pinion, morph into the aspen and pine trees the Rocky Mountains are known for.
The Uncompahgre River emerges from the Ridgway Dam and begins to snake its way north toward Montrose. As described in the fishing section, due to the controlled release of water from the dam, the river is incredibly clear and beautiful. It rarely becomes muddy or murky due to the fact that there is very little runoff into the river itself within the park and no other streams or waterways that feed into it that might otherwise carry debris and runoff from higher elevations.
Paco in the winter.
One of the things I enjoy the most about Paco is that while you’re on the river fishing you feel very immersed in nature and it’s easy to forget that you’re very close to civilization. I would attribute that feeling to the dam and surrounding foothills which do an excellent job of blocking out most of the sounds other than the river itself. You won’t hear cars driving on the highway even though you’re less than half a mile away. Even the camping areas with hookups for RVs and campers are on the hill above the river and you won’t typically hear noises associated with them. Only the primitive tent camping spots are down close to the river and the sounds of rushing water drown them out as well.
The author with a Snake River Cutthroat trout caught at Paco.
What to Do Nearby
There are several very cool towns and attractions worth visiting near the state park. If you’re coming from the north, the town of Montrose is an excellent place to stop for both gear and for any camping supplies you might need. There are two full-service fly shops in town that will have everything you might need for fishing including knowledgeable staff who can help you pick the correct flies for the current conditions you’ll be facing. There are grocery stores and a Target for any supplies you might need, as well as an array of local restaurants for lunch and dinner. There are several hotels in town for those not interested in camping.
As I mentioned before, you will be recreating the unceded ancestral lands of the Ute. There is an incredible Ute Indian Museum just as you are leaving Montrose heading south toward the park. As the museum says, it “Connects the past with contemporary Ute life and culture.” I cannot recommend stopping here more. It is an excellent way to both educate yourself on whose land you are recreating on, as well as financially support them.
In addition to Montrose, there are several towns to the south worth visiting or if you are coming from the south. The nearest town to the state park itself is the town of Ridgway. Although the town is small, they do have a very nice fly shop with all the gear you could need, expert advice, and they also offer guided trips at Paco (see more below).
The author’s father with a Rainbow trout from Paco.
Guided Trips
Prices for guided trips average around $450 plus gratuity for the guide, which can be cost-prohibitive for many anglers. But booking a guided trip with pros that fish Paco day-in-and-day-out does set you up for a high probability of success.
Ridgway also offers some lodging options as well as a grocery store for supplies. Just 10 minutes up the road is the lovely town of Ouray. It is about as close to a Swiss villa as you will find in the US and the town is nicknamed the “Switzerland of America.” Once in town, you are truly in the heart of the San Juan mountains and you’ll get to experience what a true Colorado mountain town is all about. There are a plethora of shops and restaurants on the main street and a ton of lodging options.
What truly sets Ouray apart is the natural hot springs there. There is a public pool that is warmed by the hot springs and is open to the public year-round, as well as a resort offering its own private hot springs.
If you travel 45 minutes south of the state park you’ll come to one of the most famous ski towns in Colorado, Telluride. Needless to say, if you come during the late fall through early spring there are definitely possibilities of doing a ski and fishing combo trip, or in the warmer months, a fishing/mountain biking trip. Telluride also has its famous Telluride Bluegrass Festival annually that attracts some amazing acts the likes of which include Tyler Childers, Greensky Bluegrass, Turnpike Troubadours, and many more. In 2022 that event is taking place June 16th-19th. Whether the music festival is something you’re interested in seeing or not, it is worth being mindful of since lodging in Telluride will be extremely scarce during that time.
Posted fishing regulations at Paco.
FISHING License and REGULATIONS
Regulations
On this section of the Uncompahgre stretching the length of the state park, it is catch-and-release only and artificial flies and lures only. Fly fishing and spin fishing are permitted. Once you leave the park the normal fishing regulations for Colorado apply, allowing the use of non-artificial gear and allowing for the harvesting of fish.
Fishing License
A valid fishing license issued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is required to fish at the state park, and in any other public fishing area in the state. Licenses can be purchased in person.
The author’s van in an accessible parking spot at Paco.
Wheelchair ACCESSIBILITY RATING
ACCESSIBILITY RATING DESCRIPTION
This area features sections with ratings from 1-4.
1: Fully paved sidewalk with low-angle ramps and wide enough for a chair to turn with ease
2: Well-maintained packed dirt and light gravel.
3: Less maintained trail that may be narrow for a wheelchair or bumpy and more difficult to navigate, but still generally flat or with very mild inclines/declines.
4: Steep trail that will most likely require assistance.
Fishing Spots Rated for Accessibility
There are two designated fishing spots along a fully paved sidewalk immediately adjacent to the parking lot. This section would have a rating of 1.
The transition area where the paved sidewalk ends and the trail begins.
There are an additional four spots after the sidewalk ends. The first two spots along the trail are nicely packed and fairly easy to navigate. This section would have a rating of 2.
The trail then becomes a bit more difficult. While there are no rocks to contend with, it does narrow quite a bit and is bumpy and in general more difficult to navigate. This section would have a rating of 3.
The author enjoying one of the accessible spots for those able to navigate the unpaved trail.
Friends of the author enjoying the stocked fishing ponds at Paco.
There are stocked fishing ponds adjacent to the river. The trail from the parking lot down to the stocked ponds is very wide and fairly well-maintained. Unfortunately, it is very steep. Most wheelchair users or others with difficulty walking on inclines and declines will almost certainly need assistance from someone else. This area would have to have a rating of 4.
PARKING
All parking is paved and marked with handicapped-accessible spots.
Accessible restroom facilities at Paco.
RESTROOM FACILITIES
The park has several restroom facilities with full flushing toilets and running water to sinks as well as handicapped-accessible restrooms. All restrooms have handicapped stalls.
One of the many pools where fish often congregate at Paco.
RIVERBANK CONDITION
The terrain varies, but on the most accessible side of the river, the angler will typically be 2-3 feet above the water. A longer net will be required to land fish safely for the fish and/or assistance from another person. On the opposite side of the river, the angler will typically be at water level, but this area is more difficult to access.
One of two handicapped accessible spots that are paved.
CASTING CONDITIONS
On the more easily accessible side of the river, there are trees, bushes, and general vegetation that will require the use of a rollcast (a rollcast is a type of cast that requires no backcast at all) often. On the opposite side of the river, the spots vary, but there are many with no impediments that allow for a full backcast.
BOAT RAMP/DOCK ACCESS
There is one small boat/kayak launch area that is accessible for fishing from.
Getting There
Ridgway State Park is in southwest Colorado near Ridgway, Colorado [8mi south to the south of the park] and Montrose, Colorado [18mi to the north of the park]
By Plane
If you’re coming from afar, fly into Grand Junction, CO (or Denver, where the airfare’s cheaper). You’ll need to rent a car to get to Ridgway State Park.
By Car
If you prefer to drive, here are common drive times and mileages
Denver - 286 miles, 5 -6 hours
Albuquerque - 300 miles, 5.5-6 hours
Salt Lake City - 360 miles, 5.5 - 7 hours
Boise - 697 miles, 10-12 hours
Las Vegas 583 miles, 8.5 - 10 hours
Caring for the Land
Take care of the fish. Keep the fish wet as much of the time as possible and release the fish as soon as possible after landing them. For more info on fish handling techniques visit keepfishwet.org
Dogs are allowed but must be on leashes and you must clean up after them.
Your fishing license must be carried on you at all times and your park pass must be displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle while in the park.
Practice Leave No Trace ethics. Pack out all the trash you create. There are many areas within the park with wildlife-proof dumpsters where you can properly dispose of trash.
Local Fly Shop or Place for Gear Rentals
You may be able to get the current fishing report for the area from:
Grand Junction, CO
Western Anglers http://westernanglers.com/
Montrose, CO
Ed’s Fly Shop https://www.edsflyshop.com/
Montrose Anglers https://montroseanglers.com/
Ridgway, CO
RIGS Fly Shop https://fishrigs.com/
Cade’s rod and reel setup used on Paco. See the “Personal Gear List” section for item specifics.
Gear List
Please note that below is a list of the fishing gear I use on Paco regularly. The specific items are certainly not required gear to fish and have a great time on the water there. However, you will want to make sure you bring some type of item for each category. For example, you don't need to bring the Simms rain jacket that I use, but you will want a rain jacket.
Fly Rod
Any fly rod in 3-6 weights will work well- I recommend a typical 5wt rod as it is plenty big enough to handle the size of fish you will find here, as well as all the different techniques you might want to use from nymphing to streamers, or dry flies. I bring a Scott Centric 9’0” 5wt and Orvis Helios 2 8’6” 4wt, although you certainly don't need this level of gear to have a great time on the water at Paco. For more recommendations, see our Best Beginner Fly Fishing Combos.
Reels
I use a Ross Evolution LTX 5|6 and Ross Animas 4|5.
Lines
I use an Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Universal Taper and Rio Gold Trout Series 4wt.
Waders
While it is often warm enough to wet wade during the summer months, the water temps can be quite cold, and having waders is highly recommended if you intend to get in the river at any point or cross it to the other side.
A nice selection of flies
The flies I typically use are listed earlier in this piece, but the listed fly shops are the best place to go and find out what has been working from the staff that has the most up-to-date knowledge on the current river conditions.
Sunscreen/Insect Repellent
Colorado as a whole typically receives 300 plus days of sun a year and Paco is no different. Expect to be in the sun A LOT. It is intensified by the light reflecting off of the water. While insects aren’t usually too terrible at Paco, I would still have insect repellent available.
Water
See above regarding the sun and how often you will be in it. Potable water is readily available and you can take water from the river if you have proper filtration equipment.
Sunglasses and Hat or Headcover
Preferably polarized sunglasses. As I’ve said you’ll likely be spending some time in the sun while on the river. In addition, sunglasses are highly recommended as a piece of safety equipment whether the sun is out or not. You’ll be swinging metal hooks around and so will other folks around you and the glasses protect your eyes. When you google eye injuries (and don't have a weak stomach) you’ll see that the vast majority of them are caused by fishing hooks.
Lastly, the reason I recommend polarized sunglasses is that the polarization greatly reduces glare and allows you to see easily into the water to see where the fish are sitting or underwater hazards you might need to avoid while wading in the river. Also, consider sun protection. See our Best Sunshirts guide for some recommendations.
Camping Equipment
Paco doesn’t require any specialized camping gear. Even the primitive tent sites are a very short walk away from the well-equipped and maintained restroom facilities that also have potable water available. The low temperature at night can be vastly different from the highs in the middle of the day, so an appropriate cold level-rated sleeping bag is recommended.
A Range of Clothing for a Variety of Temps
Being that Paco is located where the high desert and high alpine mountains meet, the temperatures can vary widely on any given day. You might start your day on the water with temps in the high 40s or 50s warming up to the 80s and then dropping to the low 40s or high 30s at night. Just like with most hiking and backpacking trips, layering is your friend. Since Paco is a destination that requires some driving for virtually anyone to visit, it’s always better to pack warmer and cooler than you might think you need since you can always leave things in your vehicle which will be close by during your trip. See our Best Synthetic Jacket or Best Down Jacket guide for recommendations.
For summer clothing, I wear the Howler Brothers Loggerhead Hoodie.
For Winter clothing, I wear the SimmsThermal Quarter Midlayer Zip and Simms Rogue Vest.
For rain gear, I wear the Simms Waypoints Rain Jacket. See our Best Lightweight Rain jackets guide for recommendations.
Other Resources
The author, Cade Kloberdanz, at the Outcast fishing event in Montana. Photo by Julie Ellison.
Why you Should Trust Us
The author Cade Kloberdanz is a lifelong fly fishing angler with a passion for conservation and disabled access to the outdoors for all. He was a panelist on How to Get Started Fly Fishing and is an active member of Confluence Collective focusing on disabled access projects and social initiatives.
As a paraplegic himself, Cade is intimately familiar with the difficulties faced by individuals with physical disabilities in accessing the outdoors in general, and specifically when it comes to access for fishing.
In his own personal experience, he has found that true access for disabled people to the water is often inadequate or nonexistent, especially when it comes to rivers and streams.
Since becoming paralyzed in 2018, he has dedicated himself to championing causes that provide access to the water for individuals like himself. He has worked extensively with groups like Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing teaching other disabled veterans how to fly fish, tie flies, and build rods.
He's the new President of the Grand Valley Anglers Chapter of Trouts Unlimited and on the Equity Working Group for Colorado Trouts Unlimited. You can follow him on Instagram at @how_now_brown_trout.
