Updated 9/22/2022

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San Juan River in New Mexico

The Quality Water section of the San Juan River below Navajo Reservoir is arguably the best trout river in the world. The San Juan offers big fish…lots of them, and you can catch them 365 days a year! Need a guide?

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
SAN JUAN RIVER NEAR ARCHULETA, NM Water Temp: 47.48 ° F Flow: 570 ft³/s Water Level: 3.25 ft USGS	Coming up/bumps with rain	Fall fishing is here, think midges and Baetis. Rains can blow out the San Juan, so if you find yourself on the water in a storm: worm patterns! Annelids are a big food source throughout the drainage with rain. Nymph patters with flash are also a good option in off color water.	Midges 18-24: Black Flash Midge Pupa, Disco Midge, Olive Midge Pupa, Tav’s Big Mac. RS-2s 20-24, Pheasant Tails and Rainbow Warriors 18-22. Annelids in 18-22. San Juan Worms, Egg patterns. Parachute Adams in 18-24, Bunny Midge Dry 22-26, CDC Midge Dry 22-24.

Animas River

One of the last free-flowing rivers in the state of Colorado, the Animas is a unique and rare treasure. With the newest and one of the best Gold Medal Water sections in Colorado, the Animas is a river that should be on your list of places to fish. Need a guide?

Check out our weekly updated Animas Lunch Report too!

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
ANIMAS RIVER AT DURANGO, CO Water Temp: 54.32 ° F Flow: 325 ft³/s Water Level: 2.55 ft USGS	Rising with rain	Rain events will require you to throw big or flashy nymphs or streamers if the water raises and discolors. Fall brings about some predatory browns, so it’s always worth having a big streamer or two on hand. Midday from 11-2 may have good hatches of Baetis, so be prepared with a few dries. Otherwise, nymph rigs with caddis or small mayflies are in order.	Dries: Barr’s Baetis Vis-A-Dun 18-20, Baetis CDC Comparadun 18-22, Juan’s Smoke Jumper Baetis 18-22. Brown Baetis Nymphs 18-24, Killer Mayfly 18-22, Prince nymphs and variants 14-18, Barr’s Graphic Caddis 14-16, Rainbow Warrior 18-22, Pheasant Tails 16-18, RS-2 18-20, Orange Crush 12-16, Streamers: GD Sculpin Snack, Kreelex, Cheech Leech, Autumn Splendor, Sparkle Minnow.

San Juan River in Colorado

Flowing through Pagosa Springs on its way to Navajo Reservoir, the “upper” San Juan is a good freestone river with good caddis and stonefly hatches.

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
SAN JUAN RIVER AT PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO Flow: 174 ft³/s Water Level: 4.14 ft USGS	Falling, bumping with rain	Stonefly, worm, and flashy nymphs in off-color water. Hatches of baetis may show up. Be prepared with a few dries always. Or, just get sendy and throw a big streamer.	Dries: Barr’s Baetis Vis-A-Dun 18-20, Baetis CDC Comparadun 18-22, Juan’s Smoke Jumper Baetis 18-22 Nymphs: Prince nymphs 10-16, Pat’s Rubberlegs 6-12 or Jigged Pats 10, 20 Incher 8-10, Pheasant Tails 16-18, RS-2 18-20, Orange Crush 12-16, and other Euro Nymph Jigs 10-16.

Piedra River

Spilling out of the Weimunuche wilderness, this classic trout stream offer good dry fly opportunities and a surprising diversity of fishing opportunities and a surprising diversity of fish. Duranglers also has some outstanding guided private water on the Piedra!

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
PIEDRA RIVER NEAR ARBOLES, CO. Flow: 119 ft³/s Water Level: 1.22 ft USGS	Falling but blowing out with rain	It’s time to change tactics to a nymphing strategy. Plan on weight with a stonefly nymph rig, looking for those deeper pockets. Rain events will probably blow out the ole Piedra for a few days.	Nymphs: Prince nymphs 10-16, Runt Stone Golden 12-16, Pat’s Rubberlegs 8-12, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Duracell Jig 12-16. Black and Olive buggers.

Los Pinos River

The section below Vallecito Reservoir is bordered by private property on both sides for its entire length below the reservoir, you can only fish it if you are lucky enough to own property on it OR you take a guide trip with Duranglers! The section above the Vallecito requires a 3 mile hike into the Weminuche Wilderness.

River Data Below Vallecito

River Data Above Vallecito

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
LOS PINOS ABOVE VALLECITO RES Flow: 108 ft³/s Water Level: 3.75 ft USGS LOS PINOS RIVER NEAR IGNACIO, CO Flow: 4.43 ft³/s Water Level: 1.35 ft USGS About 382 cfs out of the dam	Steady Rains causing bumps above Vallecito	Below the dam, fishing is good with nymph rigs. Above Vallecito, fishing tends to pickup in the fall in deeper holes. Expect plenty of traffic on this popular backpacking/hunting trail and make it an overnight or two to push further and escape the crowds. Rain wil bump flows.	Nymphs: Prince Nymphs 12-16, Brown Wired Stone 10, Copper John 12-18, Pats Rubberlegs. Pheasant Tails 16-20, Pickpocket 12-16, Duracell Jig 12-16, and other Euro Nymph Jigs 10-16. Streamers: Black and Olive buggers, GD Sculpin Snack, Kreelex, Autumn Splendor.

Dolores River Below McPhee

The Dolores River below McPhee Reservoir doesn’t get allocated enough water to blossom into the river it should be, but still remains a good river Keep an eye on the little water it is getting and remember every drop counts!

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
DOLORES RIVER NEAR SLICK ROCK, CO USGS	Steady	Flows are steady Eddie at 27 CFS. Be prepared to nymph small mayflies, but there may be baetis and midges coming off as well. Hoppers may be hopping about, so a dry dropper searching setup might be good midday. Streamers are also a good thing to try this time of year	Nymphs: Brown Baetis Nymph 18-22, Killer Mayfly 20-24, Pheasant Tails 18-22, Rainbow Warrior 18-22, Black Flash Midge Pupa 18-22, Tav’s Big Mac Pupa, RS-2 18-22. Dries: Parachute Adams in 14-22, BWO CDC Comparadun 18-22, Parachute Baetis 18-22 Hoppers: Lil Hopper Juan 12-14, Morrish Hopper 10-14, Sweetgrass hopper 8-12. Streamers: GD Sculpin Snack, Kreelex, Buggers, Meat Whistle.

Dolores River Above McPhee

This freestone river spills out of the high country and through a beautiful forested canyon. The limited access on the river should not be a deterent in exploring this great river.

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
DOLORES RIVER AT DOLORES, CO. Flow: 145 ft³/s Water Level: 2.53 ft USGS	Steady, bumps with rain	Fishing has been good from the reservoir to the headwaters, but watch for rain events to bump flows. Depending on the section you are fishing will probably determine the best bugs…but nymph rigs will be what you want to start the day with, but try a dry/dropper during the warmer hours.	Nymphs: Prince nymphs 10-16, Runt Stone Golden 12-16, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Duracell Jig 12-16. Dries: Chubbies 12-16, Amy’s Ant 8-12, Mini Foamulator 10-12, Hippy Stompers in all sizes and colors, BWO Vis-a-Dun 16-18. Streamers: RIOs Cray Cray, Buggers, Peanut Envy, Sculpzilla.

Rio Grande

The Rio Grande is a classic western river. It is a great dry fly river with one of the best Salmonfly hatches in Colorado. The flow is partially controlled by a dam, but the many tributaries add significant flow during spring and wet weather. Need a guide?

Wagon Wheel River Data

Thirty Mile River Data

CFS	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
79 CFS (30 Mile) 256 CFS (Wagon Wheel)	Rising with rain	Wade fishing has been good with BWOs, streamers, and nymph rigs. With rain and bumps in flows, the streamer fishing can be lights out…and even a little floating may be in order.	Parachute Adams 16-24, Para Extended Body BWO 18-22, BWO Film Critics 18-20. Nymphs: Killer Mayflies 18-22, Brown Baetis Nymph 18-22, Pheasant Tails 14-20. Pat’s Rubberlegs 8-12, Prince nymphs and variants 14-18, Barr’s Graphic Caddis 14-16, Czechmate Caddis 14-16.

Florida River

The difficult fly fishing on the Florida River will not be attractive to every angler, and beginners should take some time to hone their skills on other rivers before going there. Those who are willing to put in the necessary effort to discover its scenic wonders, as well as its secret trout holes, will be amply rewarded with much more than wild trout.

Below Lemon River Data

Above Lemon River Data

CFS	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
53.4 CFS above 11 CFS (Below Lemon)	Up with rain above, dropped below	Nymphing season, and go small too. Flows dropped below will require stealth Above, fishing has been tough with pressure, and cooler temps.	Nymphs: Copper Johns 14-20, Hare’s Ear 16-18, San Juan Worms, Jigged Frenchies, Orange Crush, Prince nymphs 10-16, Runt Stone Golden 12-16, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Duracell Jig 12-16. Midge Pupa and small mayfly nymphs.

Creeks of the San Juans

Fishing Durango Colorado is very numerous and diverse. There is, of course, the famous San Juan River below Navajo Dam along with the larger freestone rivers like the Animas, Piedra, and Dolores. But there are also more small mountain streams than can be fished in a lifetime.

Colorado-Cutthroat-Fly-Fishing-San-Juan-Mountains-Duranglers.jpg

CFS	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
N/A	Dropping bumped with rain	Creeks tend to slow down this time of year, have droppers for your attractor dries and look for deeper holes.	Dries: Parachute Adams, Humpy’s, Wulffs, 16-20, Rio’s Dry Humper 12-16, Stimulators 14-16. Nymphs: Attractor dries sizes 14-18: Bead Head Prince Nymphs, Pheasant tails, Hare’s Ears. HC Lakes: Scuds, LeechesFoam Damsel, Ultra Damsel Nymph.

San Miguel

Flowing out of the “hip” town of Telluride, the San Miguel is a small river/ large stream that offers some great fishing and pretty good access.

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bugs
SAN MIGUEL RIVER NEAR PLACERVILLE, CO Flow: 215 ft³/s Water Level: 4.60 ft USGS	Rising with Rain	Fall pocket water time: nymph rigs will be what you want to start the day with, but try a dry/dropper during the warmer hours. Rains will cause bumps and water discoloration, so have a few bigger nymphs and San Juan Worms on hand.	Black and Olive buggers. Nymphs: Copper Johns 12-18, Orange Crush, Zebra Midge 18-20, BHFB Pheasant Tails 14-18, Guide’s Choice Hairs Ear 12-16. SJ Worms, Pat’s Rubberlegs #10-12.

Lakes/Reservoirs

Our local lakes and ponds hold an abundance of trout, pike, bass, and many other species of gamefish. Need a guide?

Vallecito Reservoir (Pike, Trout, Smallmouth Bass)
Lemon Reservoir (Trout, Kokanee Salmon)
Navajo Reservoir (Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Carp, Trout, Catfish)
Puett Reservor (Pike, Smallmouth Bass)
McPhee Reservoir (Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill)
Pastorius Reservoir (Bass, Trout, Panfish)
Echo Lake (Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Trout)
Summit Reservoir (Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, Trout, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie)
Totten Reservor (Pike, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie)
Haviland Lake (Rainbow and Brook Trout)
High country lakes (Trout)
Lake Nighthorse (Rainbow and Brown Trout, Kokanee Salmon)

CFS	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
n/a	Rising with rain a little	Fall brings about the pike bite. Get out and chase these toothy critters as temps cool off. Bass fishing is tapering off, but trout fishing has been great on our local lakes. High country lakes will require fall tactics: sinking lines or nymph rigs.	Pike: Engler’s Pike Fly, Hollow Point Pike Fly, EP Pike Fly, Roamer Pike Fly. Trout: Buggers, small baitfish, and leeches. Chironomid rigs Bass: Belly Scratcher Minnow, Mardi Craw, RIOs Cray Cray, Meat Whistle, Bass Popper, Covert Mission. Carp: Barry’s Carp Fly, Damsel Nymphs

Gunnison (Black Canyon)

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison River offers one of the greatest wilderness/fishing experiences in the lower 48. The river has a good population of rainbows and brown and some of the best hatches around. Every angler should put our three-day float on their “places to fish before I die” list! Need a guide?

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
GUNNISON RIVER BELOW GUNNISON TUNNEL, CO Flow: 350 ft³/s Water Level: 1.94 ft USGS	Steady	It’s hopper/dropper time. Tie on your favorite hopper, and drop a mayfly or stonefly nymph off and give er a rip! Watch for rains to discolor the river. If this happens throw stonefly nymphs or something flashy	Dries: Stimulators 10-16, Lil Hopper Juan 12-14, Chubbies 8-16, Morrish Hopper 8-12, Nymphs: Two-Bit Hooker 16-18, Frenchie 14-16, 20 Incher stone 10-12, Pats Rubberlegs 8-12, Prince nymphs 10-16, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Duracell Jig 12-16. Streamers: Buggers, Sculpzilla, Sparkle Minnow, Mini-Dungeon, Peanut Envy.

Uncompaghre

The newest tailwater fishery in the state. The Unc. (we like to call it) has two faces. The overly manicured part of the river is a little like fishing at Disneyland. The “wild” section is a real river.

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER BELOW RIDGWAY RESERVOIR, CO Flow: 69.3 ft³/s Water Level: 1.92 ft USGS	Steady	Fishing is good these days. Small bugs are still your friend, but larger attractor nymphs like SJ Worms or Leeches followed by a mayfly or midge nymph have been good. Watch for hatching PMDs and other mayflies	Midges 18-24: Sidewinder Midge Pupa, Tav’s Big Mac, Jujubee Midge. Midge Dries: Duranglers Adult Midge, CDC Biot Midge, Midge Dry. San Juan Worms, Red, Wine, Orange. Red and Orange Annelids, and Chamois leeches. Thread Baetis, Jujubaetis, Split Back PMD. PMD Nymphs: Split Back PMD 16-20, Killer Mayfly 18, Brown Baetis Nymph 18-20. Napoleon Jig 18, PMD dries: Pink Hackle stacker 16-18. Parachute Adams 14-18.