Updated 10/22/2021

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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: 49.1 ° F Flow: 435 ft³/s Water Level: 3.01 ft USGS	Recently Dropped	Fall on the San Juan this time of year means the dry fly fishing can be really good with midge and BWO hatches in the afternoons. If no risers are showing, standard leech/worm and midge pupa nymph rigs or even a streamer or bugger stripped through the deepest of runs.	Midges 22-26: Black Flash Midge Pupa, Sidewinder Midge Pupa, Olive Midge Pupa, Tav’s Big Mac, CDC Midge Dry, Bunny Midge Dry, Parachute Adams in 18-24. Annelids in 18-22 BWOs (nymphs for now) Pheasant Tail 20-22, Killer Mayfly 20-24, Brown Baetis Nymph 20-24. Napoleon Jig 18. Streamers: 8-12 Simi Seal Leech; Olive, White, Black Buggers 8-10, Cheech Leech,

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?

Real-Time River Data

Water Conditions	Rising/Falling	Fishing Conditions	Patterns/Bug
ANIMAS RIVER AT DURANGO, CO Water Temp: 50.72 ° F Flow: 251 ft³/s Water Level: 2.39 ft USGS	Dropping	Cooling temps have fish slowing down and moving into deeper water, but may get up and move about with high sun and warmth BWO hatches are hatching here and there, but if you don’t find any rises, fish fish a nymph rig with a prince, caddis larva, or baetis nymph. This time of year is also great for streamers.	Nymphs: Prince nymphs 14-18, Brown Baetis Nymph 18-22, Killer Mayfly Nymph 18-22. Rio’s Rain Drop 14-16. #14-18 Olive Czechmate Graphic Caddis, McPhail Caddis Pupa. BWO Dries: Olive Splitsville Emerger 18-20, BWO Para Extended Body Dun 18-20. Streamers: Olive Krystal Bugger 6-10, Mini Dungeon, Heisenberg Streamer Complex Twist Bugger, Cheech Leech.

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: 58.1 ft³/s Water Level: 3.47 ft USGS	Low	Solitude on the river in town Pagosa is limited, but fall fishing can be good. Nymphs of a variety of stones, caddis, and mayfly should be in order but watch for hatches of BWOs and Midges. Also, big fish can move through this area so have a few streamers.	Nymphs: Prince nymphs 10-16, Pat’s Rubberlegs 6-12 or Jigged Pats 10, 20 Incher 8-10, Napoleon Jig and other Euro Nymph Jigs 10-16. Dries: Olive Splitsville Emerger 18-20, BWO Para Extended Body Dun 18-20, Parachute Adams 18-22. Streamers: Buggers, Flugenzombie, Heisenberg Streamer Cheech Leech.

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: 62.3 ft³/s Water Level: 0.96 ft USGS	Good fall flows	Fall on the Piedra is a magical time. Changing colors, beautiful scenery, and great fishing. Bring a box of stonefly nymphs if nothing else. Watch for BWO hatches.	Nymphs: Prince nymphs 10-16, Runt Stone Golden 12-16, Pat’s Rubberlegs 8-12, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Duracell Jig 12-16. Olive Splitsville Emerger 18-20, BWO Para Extended Body Dun 18-20, 14-16. Buggers and Leeches

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: 52.0 ft³/s Water Level: 3.40 ft USGS LOS PINOS RIVER NEAR IGNACIO, CO Flow: 8.32 ft³/s Water Level: 1.47 ft USGS About 391 cfs out of the dam.	Falling Below, flows are low	If you head up, prepare to fish deep. Nymph rigs will be your best bet but streamers may find you a few fish as well.	Nymphs: Prince Nymphs 12-16, Brown Wired Stone 10, Copper John 12-18, Pats Rubberlegs. Pheasant Tails 16-20, Pickpocket 12-16, Rio’s Rain Drop, and other Euro Nymph Jigs 10-16. Buggers, mouse patterns, or your favorite smaller streamers.

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	Low	It’s been really low all year, so fishing will be mediocre, but you may find a few fall fish.	Small midges, baets rigs…nymphs or dries. Smaller streamers.

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: 78.4 ft³/s Water Level: 2.24 ft USGS	Dropping	The upper Dolores drainage is fishing still pretty good. You will have to fish nymph rigs for the most part, but streamers may find fish and BWO and midge dries will bring fish to the surface.	Nymphs: Prince nymphs 10-16, Runt Stone Golden 12-16, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Duracell Jig 12-16. Dries: Olive Splitsville Emerger 18-20, BWO Para Extended Body Dun 18-20, 14-16. Buggers, mouse patterns, or your favorite smaller streamers.

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
50 CFS (30 Mile) 171 CFS (Wagon Wheel)	Falling Watch for rain events to bump flows	It’s a wade fisherman’s world on the Rio right now. Nymphing is, unfortunately, most productive, but watch for hatches of BWOs. Streamers will also fish really well right now.	Nymphs: Prince nymphs 10-16, Runt Stone Golden 12-16, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Duracell Jig 12-16. Dries: Griffith Gnat 18-20, Olive Splitsville Emerger 18-20, BWO Para Extended Body Dun 18-20, Parachute Adams 18-22. Streamers: Olive and Black Buggers 6-10, Mini Dungeon, Heisenberg Streamer Complex Twist Bugger.

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
9CFS above 10 cfs (Below Lemon)	Low	Above Lemon nymph rigs will be your best bet. Below Lemon, the flows have been dropped but they are still at a good flow. You will need to be stealthy. Fish pocket water with nymphs and streamers, watch for midge hatches.	Nymphs: Copper Johns 14-20, Hare’s Ear 16-18, San Juan Worms, Jigged Frenchies, Prince nymphs 10-16, Runt Stone Golden 12-16, Flashback Pheasant Tail 14-18, Duracell Jig 12-16. Dries: CDC Midge Dry, Bunny Midge Dry, Parachute Adams in 18-24.

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	Falling	It’s fall, temps are cold, flows are low. However, if you find your favorite crick with a good trickle of water, don’t discount a dry/dropper rig to find fish into winter!	Dries: Parachute Adams, Humpys, 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.

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: 94.9 ft³/s Water Level: 4.08 ft USGS	Dropping	Lower fall flows on this fall gem. Don’t overthink it too much: attractor nymphs, BWOs dries, and small streamers on your favorite 4 weight and have fun! Look for late-season Caddis and BWOs.	Nymphs: Copper Johns 12-18, Hare’s Ear, Zebra Midge 18-20, BHFB Pheasant Tails 14-18, Guide’s Choice Hairs Ear 12-16. SJ Worms. Dries: Olive Splitsville Emerger 18-20, BWO Para Extended Body Dun 18-20, 16-20 Para Adams

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
Opening up!	All lakes are open for you to fish hoss.	The Fall pike season has started. Find your favorite pike water and cast to your hearts content and hope for the best! Trout fishing on local lakes has also been good with stripping small streamers and indicator rigs	Trout: Balanced Leeches 8-14, Chironomids 10-12 Scuds 18, Damselfly Nymphs and dries 12. Callibaetis nymphs and dries 12-14. Pike: EP Pike Fly, Engler’s Pike Fly. Dougie’s Perch, The Roamer Pike Fly. Bass: Olive, white, black, fire tiger colors of buggers, poppers, and steamers. Clousers, Low Fat Minnow, Trailer Trash Gurgler, Drop Dead Minnow. Carp: Barry’s Carp Fly, Carp Bitter, Dry fly patterns such as flying ants, cicadas, and hornets (seriously)

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: 357 ft³/s Water Level: 2.00 ft USGS	Steady	Water is clear, so fish smaller bugs…but the fishing is good. BWOs are out, but a few hoppers remain. Streamer fishing is also great right now through the beginning of winter!	Nymphs: Two-Bit Hooker 16-18, Frenchie 14-16, Napoleon Jig 14-16, Pat’s Rubber Leg 8-12, Prince nymphs 10-14, Graphic Caddis, McPhail Caddis Pupa, Deep 6 Caddis Pupa. Dries: Olive Splitsville Emerger 18-20, BWO Para Extended Body Dun 18-20, 16-22 Para Adams.

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: 58.8 ft³/s Water Level: 1.88 ft USGS	Recently dropped	Midge and baetis, midge and baeits. It’s the classic Fall formula here in Coloardo. but make sure to have some leeches and SJ worms too…and a favorite streamer. Nymphing mostly, but watch for good hatches	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. BWO Dries: Olive Splitsville Emerger 18-20, BWO Para Extended Body Dun 18-20, Para Adams 18-22. BWOs Nymphs: Pheasant Tail 20-22, Killer Mayfly 20-24, Brown Baetis Nymph 20-24. Napoleon Jig 18, Split Back BWO 18-22.