Animas Lunch Report – 11/30/16 – Hello Winter
While not technically winter yet, it might as well be here in Durango. It went from 50’s and sunny last week to 0 degrees and snowing this week. Hello winter.
So far, ice on the Animas has been kept to a minimum and fishing has been pretty good despite the drop in temps. Bugs of choice have been caddis larva, small mayfly nymphs, and midges. Have some green caddis larva 14-16, Disco Midges, Rainbow Warriors, Pheasant Tails, Brown Baetis Nymphs, Prince Nymphs, Killer Mays, and Black thread Baetis.
Also, make sure to have some stonefly nymphs for dirty water and a streamer or two (vary the retrieve). You may even want to dead drift that streamer with slight twitches every now and then.
The real question is: are you unsure about fishing the Animas at this time of year? Does the idea of heading to the river in 30-degree weather fill you with uncertainty? Don’t be scurred! Throw on a few extra layers, maybe even that down puffy you recently dusted off, and hit the river. Look for the slow, deep slots next to or downstream of faster water, pinch on some extra weight, and get a good drift. Persistence pays off, don’t be discouraged.
Give us a call or stop in the shop, we would be glad to help you find some winter Animas trout.
I prefer winter fishing over any other time of the year followed by fall. You have the river to yourself. The trout haven’t seen a thousand flies in the last 24 hours and you can really catch some big fish! Our neck of the woods is the Gallatin and Madison but any good trout stream can treat you right in the winter.
We agree Buzz, thanks!