Animas River - Durango - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Animas River – Durango - Water Flow Chart
Animas River – Durango - Weather report & radar
Animas River – Durango - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Mid-Day | 16-24 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midge | Mid-Day | 16-24 | Mercury Midge, Miracle Nymph |
| March | Midge, Blue Winged Olive | Mid-Day | 16-22 | Rs2, Juju Baetis |
| April | Midge, Blue Winged Olive | Mid-Day | 16-22 | Rs2, Juju Baetis |
| May | Pale Morning Dun, Caddis | Afternoon | 14-20 | Two Bit Hooker, Elk Hair Caddis |
| June | Stonefly, Caddis | Morning & Evening | 6-16 | Pats Rubber Legs, Goddard Caddis |
| July | Yellow Sally, Caddis | Morning & Evening | 14-18 | Copper John, Elk Hair Caddis |
| August | Hopper, Trico | Morning & Afternoon | 6-24 | Parachute Adams, Chubby Chernobyl |
| September | Hopper, Trico | Morning & Afternoon | 6-24 | Chubby Chernobyl, Parachute Adams |
| October | Blue Winged Olive, Midge | Mid-Day | 18-24 | Rs2, Zebra Midge |
| November | Midge | Mid-Day | 20-24 | Black Beauty, Mercury Midge |
| December | Midge | Mid-Day | 20-24 | Zebra Midge, Miracle Nymph |
Animas River – Durango Access Points
Fly fishing on the Animas River in Durango provides a unique fishing experience with some key access points that fishers should consider.
- North of Durango: This stretch of the river between Durango and Silverton is a high alpine gem with clear and small streams.
- Durango City Limits: Excellent fly fishing spot accessible from many points within city limits. Consider the access at 29th street or Santa Rita Park.
- Durango to New Mexico: Below Durango, the river opens up and provides plenty of room to cast. The High Bridge and State Line areas are particularly good.
- San Juan Quality Waters: Downstream of Navajo Dam, it offers some of the best fishing anywhere.
Regardless of the access point, always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before fly fishing.
Animas River – Durango Fishing Spots
The Animas River in Durango is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts, boasting an array of fish species and natural features. The following spots are considered the best for a fly fishing experience:
- North of Durango: This part of the river is prevalent with rainbows and cutthroat trout. The water here is slower, which makes it ideal for novices.
- Town Section: Stretching for about 9 miles, this spot in town is very accessible and offers opportunities to catch healthy-sized rainbow trout.
- South of Durango: Experienced fly fishers will delight in the challenge of the complex currents and brown trout this spot presents.
- Gold Medal Waters: Here, the Animas River offers a trophy trout section where fish exceed 14 inches, presenting a great challenge for advanced fly fishers.
Regardless of skill level, fishing on the Animas River speaks to the heart of every angler’s passion for the sport.
Animas River – Durango Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: One of the most popular and widely distributed species targeted by fly fishermen due to their aggressive behavior and beautiful coloration.
- Brown Trout: Famous for their elusiveness and size potential. They’re recognized by their brownish coloring and large, black spotted body and fins.
- Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout: Known for their bright red or orange marking beneath their jaws. These fish are extremely wary and provide a great challenge.
- Colorado River Cutthroat Trout: Recognized by their crimson colored gills and larger spots along their backs. They put up a strong fight when hooked.
- Brook Trout: The only trout species native to the eastern United States. Fishermen love them for their beautiful colors and tasty meat.
- Mountain Whitefish: They are usually found in the deepest parts of the river and require a lot of skill to catch.
- Grayling: They are small, but put up a good fight. The grayling are easy to identify thanks to their large, sail-like dorsal fins.
- Pike: A predatory fish that can reach impressive sizes and are known for their aggresive strikes and vigorous fights after being hooked.
About the Animas River – Durango
At the heart of Durango, Colorado flows the beautiful Animas River, a 126-mile waterway whose name means ‘River of Lost Souls’. This moniker is traced back to early Spanish explorers who erroneously thought their companions had perished in its waters. The river starts in the San Juan Mountains and flows through the heart of Durango.
The Animas River has a rich history despite its dark name. It fueled the region’s mining boom in the late 1800s while simultaneously providing a livelihood for local farmers.
Now, venture seekers from around the world visit to test its whitewater rapids, go fishing, and even pan for gold. The river is home to:
- Trout fishing
- Kayaking Adventure
- Scenic riverside trails
Community Contributions
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