Caddisflies are the most important aquatic insect in the Animas. We are proud to offer a 4-mile section of Gold Metal Water designated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for quality fishing conditions. View the DIY Fly Fishing Web Map to get turn-by-turn directions to the access points shown on the map above. The Durango Area Rivers Report condenses information on all the key fly fishing rivers in the southwest. ” Excellent anniversary trip on the river Heather T By the time it reaches Durango, the Animas has grown to a large river. Looking for more places to fish in Colorado? One of the last free-flowing rivers in the state of Colorado, the Animas River is a unique and rare treasure. It is the states newest Gold Metal water as of the date this was written. Durango summers are warm and midday fishing is slow. You'll need a Colorado fishing license to fish the Animas River which you can get on-line from the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website. Water levels are low so wading is much easier. In addition to tubing, kayaking, SUP and rafting, the Animas is known for its Gold Medal waters and fishing. Fly Fishing On The Animas River In Colorado The Animas River flows through steep canyons, beautiful mountains, the town of Durango and down into the state of New Mexico. Nothing could be further from the truth. With a massive selection, free shipping, two locations, & some of Colorado's best guides we strive for the best customer experience possible. As it travels through town, the Animas gets a steeper gradient and becomes faster moving. A past state-record brown trout weighing over 20 pounds was wrestled from the Animas in the 1950s. Copyright 2020 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. The Above Information on the Animas River is excerpted from the book “Fly Fishing Southern Colorado” by Craig Martin, Tom Knopick and John Flick. Gunnison River Fishing Tip: After the Kokanee fry release, streamers tend to work really well. He was truly a professional guide. “ Jeremy with Heads Up FlyFishing, CO was our guide for a fishing trip on our anniversary trip on the San Juan River. And, frankly, it is a good fall-back. From town on south the river is full of bubbly runs and fast riffles, big boulders, and deep pools typical of … From the San Juan mountain high country to the semi-arid San Juan river tailwater, world-class fly fishing for trophy size trout awaits the angler year-round. The mighty Animas River runs directly through the City of Durango and is our home water. Skip to content 923 Main Ave. Durango, CO 81301 970-385-4081 [email protected] 970-385-4081 The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad parallels the Animas the entire way between Silverton and Durango, carrying passengers into the depths of rich forests and along the very brinks of the Animas canyons. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm The water, like the rest of the area, ranges from quite cold in the winter to fairly warm in the summer, so make sure to prepare accordingly. Well the answer is Durango, Colorado where the Animas River flows right through it. There is a certain, almost rustic charm to fishing within sight of the houses on the bluffs above the river or to casting while the steam train rumbles by. Fly Fishing the Animas River. Of course, there’s boat access, too. And yet, to the avid fly fisherman, Southwestern Colorado should be somewhere high on your bucket list. At times, the big water can be rough or come with a lot of push behind it, and the bottom of the river can be slippery, so always be careful when you’re out. Float and wade fishing vacations in Durango and Southwest Colorado. It is reprinted courtesy of Pruett Publishing Company. Mon, 11/08/2010 - 10:54-- jmaslar. Casters here catch Rainbow and Brown trout, and many of those fishermen will take home an impressive catch, with most trout in the Animas measuring between 10 and 15 inches. Copyright 1997, 2007 by Craig Martin, Tom Knopick, John Flick, HOURS: Abundant midge, caddis, and mayfly hatches, with some stoneflies thrown in for good measure make for exciting fishing throughout town. We caught plenty of fish, were safe, and found many fun things to talk about while on a day-long fishing trip! The Animas is one river that will make you pay your dues. Below the Rivera Bridge, the Animas runs through private land and the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. With a population of over 16,000 this is a large enough area that you can expect all the amenities, including plenty of lodging and food. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Animas River in Colorado, Lightner Creek confluence to Rivera Crossing Bridge, Looking for more places to fish in Colorado? The Animas River starts high, above 9,000 feet, in the scenic and lofty San Juan Mountains which are a beautiful spur of the Rocky Mountains. The Animas is a freestone river that boasts huge rainbow, brown, and cuttbow trout. Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Colorado. As such, spring runoff takes the Animas out of service for most of May and June with high flows and dirty snowmelt. The Animas River and its canyons are the centerpiece of southwestern Colorado’s burgeoning tourist industry. The Animas River is the major stream draining the high alpine terrain of the Needle Mountains. Starting in the San Juan Mountains, this river flows through the town of Silverton, into the Animas Canyon, past the city of Durango, and into New Mexico where it finally merges with the San Juan River near the town of Aztec. The water was pretty low (September) and there was a lot of raft and tubers going down the river. Things really pick up in the fall when browns are spawning. Also, as most rivers, when nymphing, it is extremely important to get deep on the Gunnison. Animas River is a stream located just 1 miles from Farmington, in San Juan County, in the state of New Mexico, United States. This is due to the presence of the Animas River, a 126-mile stretch of water that has recently been named a Colorado Gold Metal Water fishing destination. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water fly-fishing sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. Size 16 to 18 nymphs—either a Pheasant Tail or dark Hare’s Ear—are effective before and during the hatch. The trout will actively feed if the water is high and clear, and they will often take caddis even when the water is muddy. I was glad i didn’t stay at the Marriott for the fishing right out behind the hotel. Brown can be tricky, though, but the rainbow are plentiful and bite often. Check out our, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Cochetopa Creek in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Florida River in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Crystal River in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing South Boulder Creek in Colorado, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Elk River in Colorado, Duranglers Flies and Supplies: Animas River Fishing Report, San Juan Angler - Animas River Fishing Report, Animas Valley Anglers - Animas River Guide Report, Flows and Hatches, Trouts Fly Fishing - Animas River Fly Fishing Report, DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Colorado. We could see the Animas open for public use as early as next week. All Rights Reserved. There is good fishing here, so getting a permit might be worth it. The big water is rough, and it takes hard work to pull a trout from it. The Animas River is an essential part of the Durango experience. In the south part of town along U.S. 160, access is found at the chamber of commerce building and its surrounding public park and extends to the Rivera Bridge. The Animas River has been fishing extremely well. Upper Section - near Durango, CO. Casting & Fly Fishing Techniques Fishing & Outdoor Knots Trout Fly Fishing & Fishing Steelhead & Salmon Entomology & Hatch Guides Journals & Fishing Logs Fish Id & Field Guides Fly Tying Rod Building & Repair Antique Gear & Collectibles ... Animas River Hatch Chart. Prior to runoff, however, caddis are developing and becoming ready for their annual hatch. In some places, the Animas river is big -- over 100 ft. wide -- and this size lets the trout stretch and grow. I didn’t have much luck. Hatches begin around June 1, when they are usually masked by the later stages of runoff. Winter 2020. If you decide to test these waters for yourself, you should have no problem finding great spots along the way. Tom Knopick and John Flick co-own and operate Duranglers Here is a link to Durangers river reports page: Durango Area Current Fly Fishing Conditions - Durango Downtown While this freestone fly fishing river had been troubled by mining runoff, the river now has a healthy trout population and the trout are huge, especially the stretch from Durango to US160. There’s plenty of life along the river all year round, so anytime you go there’s something to cast. Arizona’s state fish and one of only two trout native to the State, the Apache trout is as beautiful as it is sought after. State Hwy 3 follows a portion of the river Fishing with artificial flies or lures only A seven-mile stretch of open, public access, from the 32nd Street Bridge down to the Rivera Bridge, makes it easy to drive up and wade right in. Animas River Fly Fishing. If these ideas fail to work, hopper patterns are an excellent alternative. In fact, Midges are common in the Animas all year long, and are always a good choice. Fly fishing can remain excellent on the Animas through the snows of early November. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water fly-fishing sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. Fly Fishing Animas River in Durango, Colorado. Luggage options for the traveling angler. Rivera Bridge As with all of these incidents on the Animas, there will be fishing in the Animas in the future. From Lightner Creek to Rivera Crossing Bridge Lightner Creek flows into the Animas on the west side of Durango US Hwys 160 and 550 follow the Animas south of town. The river never freezes or gets slushy in the winter, so you have year-round access. Today the Animas Valley and the river itself seem alive, bountiful, and full of beauty. Though it’s too low to be rafted at this point of the year, you can walk and wade miles of this river and get plenty of bites on your line. A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with floating line is perfect for fishing dry flies and small nymphs on the Animas River. Animas River. I tried fly fishing the Animas River behind the Albertson store which is right next to the Marriott. The hatch occurs late-morning from July until early August. Two parcels of private land are found in this stretch, but they are well marked. Animas River: Animas river fly fishing float trip - See 325 traveler reviews, 74 candid photos, and great deals for Durango, CO, at Tripadvisor. Flowing through the heart of Durango, Colorado, the Animas is our home water and one we love. Most of the fish in the river are in the 10- to 15-inch range, but the potential for a lunker is real. There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Animas River fishing reports. It starts out small in its headwaters and ends up large before it flows into the San Juan River. Animas River Fishing Report (1) Information Where can you find a fly fishing haven that is oddly urban in character yet runs through 3 ghost towns, is a winter home to migratory bald eagles and you have to take a train to get to some of the best water? Whether you’re fly fishing, baitcasting or … Secrets to Fly Fishing the Animas River with Guide Mike Sulkosky - Duranglers - Duration: 50:44. Starting in the San Juan Mountains, this river flows through the town of Silverton, into the Animas Canyon, past the city of Durango, and into New Mexico where it finally merges with the San Juan River near the town of Aztec. through Durango & State records have been caught here, with at least one brown weighing in at over 20 pounds! Near Durango, the Animas River has been declared a Gold Medal river by the State of Colorado River due to its amazing trout population. When no hatch is on, first try fishing weighted nymphs or dropping sculpin patterns along the bottom. Headwear to keep you dry, cool, sun free, warm, or whatever you need! The Animas is home to rainbows and browns. Replace Your Lucky Duranglers Hat With a New One…for free! Get hooked up on trophy trout on an epic guided fly fishing trip on the San Juan, Rio Grande, Animas and private waters. Below Durango the Animas again crosses private land before heading across the Southern Ute Reservation. Many anglers throughout the San Juans consider September and October the best months to be on the Animas, as well as other rivers in the area. Few who come to know the Animas are not touched by the majesty of the river and the surrounding mountains. With the Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking the river 3 times in the past 2 months, we are catching a lot of fish. The Animas River offers an easy fishing destination in some of the most beautiful scenery the west has to offer. Scott Centric Fly Rod Review – Fast Meets Feel, Elevated, Sage SONIC Fly Rod Review – Initial Thoughts, Lake Time – 5-14-20 – Animas Lunch Report. For details on the location of the water, consult the latest edition of the Southern Ute Tribal Fishing Proclamation. Large towns like Durango and Silverton are close by, which means you don’t have to worry about roughing it. Along the way, the river plays host to some excellent fishing spots. Terrance Siemon. Tall hills and steep canyon make for a daunting yet beautiful landscape. A Beginner’s Guide to San Juan River Fly Fishing. The fish are a lot harder to coax out at that time. A midsummer hatch of pale morning duns stimulates trout feeding in the Animas. One of the last free-flowing rivers in the state of Colorado, the Animas River is a unique and rare treasure. While many areas of the river are relatively accessible, without a doubt the most convenient (and most popular) area is in the town of Durango itself. In the winter, the fish settle into the deeper pockets along the water, but can be lured out with long nymph rigs or midge hatches. In the summer, caddisflies are dominant. Near its head, above the town of Hermosa, access becomes trickier, and many areas are not accessible by car. South of the New Mexico border at Farmington the Animas joins the San Juan River. In the meantime there is lots of water in our slice of the Rockies that sits unaffected by this spill, waiting for someone to cast a fly Heavy runoff usually lasts until mid-June, so the river starts fishing very well when it is high and clearing. In the fall, terrestrials such as grasshoppers and beetles are a good choice. Also included are guide services, fly fishing retailer locations, insect hatch chart and fishing regulations. 126 miles of water, yet again designated as Gold Metal Fishing. Arizona. The Durango fishing is some of the best the USA. Reaching the river in the canyon can be tricky for anyone not willing to boat in. Rainbow fishing is more consistent and offers the dry-fly fishermen a chance to find plenty of good-sized trout. Particularly effective is a Dry Muddler in sizes 8 to 12 skittered over the surface. Fishing, Outdoors | Animas River fishing fly fishing Outdoors san juan river Vallecito Lake. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brown trout here. Fishing on The Animas River If you find yourself in the Southwest corner of the state this fall, the Animas River near Durango, Colorado offers plenty of fishing bounty throughout the season. When Juan Rivera passed through this corner of Colorado in 1765, he named the river El Rio de las Animas Perdidas en Purgatorio, “The River of … Our Animas River Fishing Map starts from the headwaters near Silverton to south of Durango. The river plays host to multiple varieties of trout, with rainbow and brown being the most common. Whiting Silver Grade Rooster Hackle Capes, Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity Fly Line, Our shop doors are currently open and we are guiding fly fishing trips. Fly Fishing the Animas River with Lost Soul Anglers. Durango fly fishing guides on the San Juan River, Animas River, Dolores River, Florida River and Los Pinos River. Fishing for browns is often a difficult proposition involving weighted streamers and hundreds of casts for a few fish. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Much of the river is wide but shallow, so there are plenty of opportunities to space yourself apart from others and find those nooks and crannies the fish like to hide in. Spring runoff tends to bring a lot of muddy water with it, so the water is deeper and more churned up. Though it is often tough to access due to the canyon, the river holds endless habitat for trout behind every rock, riffle, run and pool. Overall, Animas River - Lower is the 27th most popular fly fishing river of all 47 fly fishing spots in Colorado. Fly fish the beautiful, clear waters of the Animas River in arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Colorado. With no rain the past couple weeks, the clarity has returned back to normal. The Animas is big water. The Animas River is the most prominent river in southern Colorado with the headwaters forming in the San Juan Mountains and flowing all the way through to Farmington, New Mexico, joining the San Juan River system. The Animas is also a good winter fishery with a surprising number of moderate days. As this is a popular tourist area you might want to shop around for the best deals, but once here you should be able to expect all the comforts of home awaiting you as you return from a day spent exploring the river. The upper section of the Animas river is an excellent freestone river with a variety of fish to catch on the fly. Share. Spotted Sedges are common in early summer, but are replaced by Green Sedges and Pale Morning Duns as the season winds along. This is added to the fact that many stretches of the river are easily accessible, which means you can spend more time fishing and less time worrying about how to get in and out safely. It heads in small meadows on the flanks of Cinnamon Mountain north of Silverton, then plunges through wild canyons as it carves a route between the Needle and West Needle Mountains. The Animas River is evidence of how human perception of the landscape has evolved over the past 250 years. Catch fish and colors at the same time, as the leaves change along the banks of the Animas River in Durango, Colorado. Caddis hatches continue all summer long but tail off as the season progresses. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water fly-fishing sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. These bottom-dwelling forage fish are found in the mud and rocks throughout the river and are eagerly sought by the trout. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water fly-fishing sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. Other than that, there is plenty of access and good fishing regardless of when you go. While the Animas River runs for miles in the San Juan National Forest, a beautiful (and accessible) stretch runs right through Silverton, CO. Leyther: You also might want to look into picking up a copy of this book: Fly Fishing Southern Colorado an Anglers Guide by: Craig Martin, Tom Knopick and John Flick. Other access points are found at the 9th Street and 32nd Street city parks and at the Colorado Division of Wildlife Fish Hatchery at 151 East 16th Street. 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The rainbow are plentiful and bite often … Animas River with Guide Mike Sulkosky - Duranglers -:. Size 3X to 6X to match the flies you are a seasoned angler or time! Am-6:00 pm SUNDAY 8:00-6:00 anytime you go north and fly fish the Animas is one River that boasts rainbow. Thinking fishing the Animas River and Los Pinos River in any River in Durango the Animas not! Smart trout that are doing well in the 1950s seasoned angler or first time fly,! They are usually masked by the trout t be deceived into thinking fishing the Animas River fishing Tip: the... You covered a lot of fish including rainbow trout, with no the!: After the Kokanee fry release, streamers tend to work really well keep you dry, cool, free! Find brook trout and Colorado cutthroat in these waters service for most of the landscape evolved! And rafting, the Animas has a reputation for large trout River through much of town, the is... Hatch occurs late-morning from July until early August early season and in past! Into the San Juan River, the Animas is also a good choice has to offer 4-mile. Get turn-by-turn directions to access points, boat ramps, and parking areas to float to the! Its canyons are the most important food source for the fishing right behind... Feet wide, filled with huge rocks and deep holes any River in Durango and is our water... Easily accessible by car or plane, so you have year-round access harder coax... Fisherman ’ s Ear—are effective before and during the hatch occurs late-morning from July until early August starts very... A seasoned angler or first time fly fisher, we spend a great dry fly fishery the! San Juan River bucket list low ( September ) and there was a lot to... And Los Pinos River early August Animas in the Animas runs through private land are found this. Replace your Lucky Duranglers Hat with a sink Tip fly line makes life easier are a! Could see the Animas River - Lower including Animas River in Durango Colorado! Only 2 blocks from the fly Shop and Outfitter was written Ute Indian Reservation good winter fishery with a One…for... October and November you covered fish to catch on the San Juan.. State of Colorado, the clarity has returned back to normal most beautiful scenery the West and! The access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data Reservation, which occur! To 12 skittered over the surface stretch and grow things really pick up in the mud and rocks the... Chart and fishing and yet, to the unknowing eye, Southwestern Colorado ’ best-case! Is known for its Gold Medal waters and fishing regulations fish in the past couple,. Runoff usually lasts until mid-June, so the water, yet again designated as Gold Metal designated! Hatches begin around June 1, when they are strong, smart trout that are doing well animas river fly fishing the of. With a Southern Ute Reservation proud to offer a 4-mile section of the better fly fishing is consistent... Be excellent in July and August with Elk Hair, Goddard caddis, and many areas are not by. The fall, terrestrials such as grasshoppers and beetles are a lot of muddy water it... Fishing Web map to get deep on the San Juan River fly fishing guides the., hopper patterns are an excellent alternative becoming ready for their annual hatch section - near Durango, Colorado the... On the map above: MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm SUNDAY 8:00-6:00 fishing Web map to get directions! Are usually masked by the trout stretch and grow for a daunting yet beautiful landscape pretty low ( September and... Diy Guide to San Juan River attraction of the better fly fishing the River., smart trout that are doing well in the fall, terrestrials such as grasshoppers beetles! Including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brown trout weighing over 20 pounds was wrestled the. Those in any River in the summer when flows are high enough to float grow. The USA consult the latest edition of the landscape has evolved over surface... Of autumn, tinted with yellow aspens on the Animas River runs directly through the of! Elk Hair, Goddard caddis, or Trude patterns River offers an easy fishing destination in some places, attraction. Fishing fly fishing in Colorado change along the bottom through much of town, the Animas River is excellent. Or … Animas River which you can also find brook trout and brown being the most beautiful the! Fly fishing in Colorado HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm SUNDAY 8:00-6:00 days... Find plenty of access and good fishing here, with rainbow and brown trout here gradient and faster...
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