Since the Forest Service opened the Hermosa Park Road on May 1, we now have access to the East Fork of Hermosa Creek.  With the early snow melt the East Fork in the Catch and Release, Native Cutthroat section is beautifully clear and running nice and full.  As a result the dry fly fishing in this stretch is quite good.  Over the course of 2 1/2 hours the other afternoon I managed to hook maybe 20 or more and spooked at least 4 or 5 times that many.  The wind in the afternoon makes fishing this small meandering stream a real challenge, but well worth the time to see these beautiful natives.

Anglers in the upper portion of the C&R section have been spotted carrying creel bags and fishing with spinners.  Fishing with spinners is allowed IF barbs are flattened but keeping Native Cutts is NOT.  Please release all fish caught upstream of Sig Creek Campground so that we may preserve these wild and precious fish.

Tight Lines,

Buck

Almost 30 years ago when I first fished the Animas, there were a few caddis, a few sculpin and a few large brown trout. Since then, due to many factors, water quality and bug life has improved dramatically; so much so that in 1996 A stretch of the Animas was designated as Gold Medal.

So, why can’t you catch more fish?

-There are not as many fish in the Animas as there could be, so don’t expect numbers when you go out.

-It’s The ‘Animal’! These are wild fish in a freestone river and they just don’t feed everyday.

-Because there are fewer fish, the one you are targeting has probably seen that ‘B’ rated movie a couple of times  and isn’t going back.

-The few rainbows and browns that due try to spawn, have their best success right here in town. However, because of the ease of access and viewing points, these spawners are very visible and people hammer them and their  reproductive success goes way down.

So, how do you improve your catch rate on the Animas?

-Look for the feeding fish first, then make a good approach and try to catch just that one fish you see.

-Keep fishing her! If you pay your dues, the Animas will reward you some day.

- In the summer, don’t be afraid to throw a big dry fly, even when your nymphs and streamers haven’t worked.

- The Animas has some of the best natural fish habitat on any river in the state, especially right through town. It is very hard to cover it all, but you have to try to fish  around every rock you see.

What else can you do?

-Help get catch and release on the entire Animas River.  Even though it is considered Gold Medal, you can still keep fish(big ones), and people do.

-Leave the spawners alone to do their thing.

John Flick

Spring’s here and it’s a great time to fish for Pike and Smallmouth.

DURANGLERS is your resource for guided Pike and Smallmouth trips.

Check out Spencer’s Pike caught while fishing with Duranglers guide Captain Mark Engler.

Lately the Animas has been fishing decent from about 10 to 3.  Sculpin patterns (streamers) seem to be the ticket although we have seen midges are coming off and, as the weather continues to moderate, we should see more fish looking up.  Look for days with moderating temps and get out there before the low elevation snow dirties up the Animas.  If no serious bug activity, nymph with small buggers or big Prince nymphs or rubber legs and a midge or caddis pupa.  And, don’t forget the streamers, especially if the water colors up a bit.

For now the San Juan is fishing well.  SJ worms, analids and midge patterns have been the ticket as well as buggers and Baetis patterns.

As always, we are available at the shop for up to the minute fishing reports, license needs, flies, leaders, tippet, and equipment.  And, don’t forget, we continue to have various hard and soft goods on sale.

Two, not to be missed, events should be on every fisher persons dance card.  The upcoming “Fly Fishing Film Tour 2012”, Saturday, April 7, will be an action and big fish packed evening of entertainment.  Tickets for the film tour are available at Duranglers for $12.00, at the door for $15.00, or online for $14.00.  In addition, Duranglers is again hosting a 2 day Fly Fishing Festival, Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7.  Reps will be on hand to discuss the latest equipment and techniques and Charlie Craven (Charlie’s Fly Box) will be doing a fly tying clinic.  Check at the Shop for schedule of events.

Fishing Report Courtesy Of Duranglers Guide Spencer Schreiber       

Conditions on the Animas River are more favorable for fishing than they normally are through the cold month of January.  It is definitely winter in the Durango area, but we are not seeing the really cold nights that can turn the river into something more like a frozen margarita.  That’s right, no spoon needed, water temps have been a balmy thirty-seven to thirty-eight degrees.  The midge hatch has been impressive, flows are solid and the water clarity has been just right.  Like leading a duck, not too far ahead and not too far behind, but just right.

I have been streamer fishing and it’s been pretty productive.  And when I say streamer fishing I don’t mean fishing a sinking line and slowly raking the bottom for a lazy grab.  When I say streamer fishing, I mean actively moving the fly, often shallow enough to be visible, and watching respectable browns and rainbows attack the fly two and sometimes even three times.  Considering the cold water temps the aggressive behavior of the fish has been a bit of a surprise, but I’ll take it.

I have not been nymphing, but during last nights big game I got a report from a trusted source.  Crazy Mike (he is crazy, I swear, but crazy in a good way and he’s one of the best anglers and tiers I know) put the bobber to work a couple times last week with good results.  If I recall correctly (PBR can make things fuzzy), an egg and a bead head something fished patiently in the right water was the ticket.  

Bottom line, fishing on the Animas is good right now no matter how you like to skin the cat.  But right now, means right now.  Conditions will soon change and the “Animal” will start pitching curves before you can tie that loop knot.

Spencer

Historically, February is a great winter month for fishing the Animas and the San Juan. Longer days and slightly warmer temperatures can bring on some good midge hatches and occasional BWOs. Don’t be afraid to get out on those snowy days, when temps aren’t too bad. These are the days to see fish feeding on the surface.

The San Juan has been fishing decent since the first of the year and should continue to be a great option in February.  Count on Duranglers to be your source of what is happening on the “Juan” and for you flies and supplies.  Marc Wethington is coming to the 5 Rivers TU meeting to report on the recent work done in the Braids.  Meeting is on Monday, 2/6, at Durango Brewing (3000 North Main Ave.), at 7pm.

If it is too cold to get out, then it’s a great time to tie flies. As always, we have a complete selection of fly tying materials. If you would like to learn, inquire about our beginner fly tying classes. Call or come in to sign up and get details.

Monday, Feb. 6, Mark Wethington will present a report on the habitat improvement work recently completed in the Quality Waters, braids section.  This is one of the regular meetings of the 5 Rivers Trout Unlimited Chapter.  Location is the Durango Brew Pub at 3000 North Main Ave., Durango, CO. and time is 7pm.  Mark is the Fisheries Biologist for the NM Fisheries with responsibility for the SJQW and very knowledgable.  Hope to see you there.  Buck Skillen

San Juan River 1/5/12

Last week I got a chance to guide one of my favorite guys, Craig Gillihan.  Craig lives in Quakertown, Pennsylvania and we have fished together for several years now.  Swapping stories about bowhunting and fishing always seem to fill the spaces between fish when we’re on the river together.

We started the day wading around the new sections in the braidsand caught some nice fish on eggs and crystal flash midge emergers.  I’ve had a lot of fun poking around in there lately and checking out all of the new buckets that are holding fish.  The improvements in the braids have been getting a lot of attention lately and rightly so.  Rediscovering

San Juan River Bow 1/5/12

a new spot on an old favorite is always worth the time.

After lunch we worked our way through the main channel where Craig caught fish steadily all the way into the upper flats on thread baetis and Rs2’s.  Much of the water we fished in the afternoon we had to ourselves which made our day even better.

Craig is a fine angler and fishing with him is always a pleasure.  If you haven’t taken advantage of the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing lately, now is the time.  The San Juan has been fishing well and the crowds have been thin if you walk a few minutes further from the parking lot.  Thanks Craig for a great day on the River!

See you on the River!

Rob Coddington

                                                                    THANK YOU

Duranglers would like to offer a special thanks and wishes for tight lines to everyone who shopped and fished with us through 2011. Have a great 2012!

With the storms going north and south of Durango, the Animas continues to offer easy access and decent fishing weather permitting for a local fishing fix.  And, the San Juan Quality Water below Navajo Dam is still fishing well.  The recent work to improve habitat in the braids area has been an unqualified success with a significant increase in holding areas for anglers to spread out. As usual, midges are the bugs of choice along with the red analid.  Winter is a great time to fish wooly buggers and leeches, either black or olive.  As usual, check in with us for the latest in what’s happening on the Juan.

Fly tying lessons are starting this month. The first session is Jan. 12,13, 17 & 19. The class is a full eight hours of lessons for $100 and we furnish everything! These cold winter nights are great for cranking out your flies for the upcoming season. Come in or give us a call to sign up. Class size is limited to 6.

 Need to get away from the cold for a fishing fix?  We still have a few spots on the Andros, Bahamas bonefishing trip.  This was a great trip in 2011 and should be equally good this year. 

We continue to have men’s and women’s clothing on sale as well as a selection of wading boots and men’s and women’s waders.  In addition, the Sage Xi2 and Scott S3S saltwater fly rods are on sale along with selected Sage and Lamson fly reels.

With Christmas just around the corner, its time to start thinking about those special gifts for all the anglers in your family. We have most all of the Summer clothing on sale along with selected Sage Rods and Reels and Lamson Reels. We have some great beginner and youth rod & reel packages for those new anglers. Come in and check out the great savings.  Speaking of savings, Duranglers is in the latest “Buy Local” coupon book andwe have them for sale here.

We have scheduled the first fly tying classes for January 10, 12, 17 and 19. This will provide 8 hours of lessons for $100 and we furnish everything. If you can’t make our January class, we will have another class in February and, probably, March.  Come in and sign up or sign someone else up for a great Christmas gift.

The San Juan and the Animas are still fishing very well. With the usual Midges and some BWO’s in the afternoon down on the Juan, there are lots of fish on the surface. Not huge numbers, but there havebeen some very large fish caught right here on the Animas in recent days.  Nymph small baetis and midge patterns, or dredge a black bugger for best results.

Don’t forget to get in here and sign up for the Holidazzle drawing. Win a fly box and flies worth $150. Drawing will be held at 4pm on December 23^rd.  Also, come in and put down your wish list so your loved ones will know exactly what you want.  Tight lines and happy holidays form the guys and gals at Duranglers.