Animas Fishing Forecast
San Juan Mountains trout fishing
Open year-round
Open year-round. Lightner Creek to Rivera Crossing is Gold Medal Water
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 4:40 PM
-1799966°F
251 CFS
11 PM - 1 AM
Adams
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Access Points & Parking for Animas
Durango
Town access with multiple points along the river.
Trimble Lane
North of Durango with quality water.
Hermosa Creek
Access to confluence area.
Tacoma Power Plant
Below the power plant with productive runs.
How to Fish Animas: Tips & Tactics
The Animas River flows through historic Durango offering excellent brown and rainbow trout fishing. This freestone river runs through beautiful San Juan Mountain scenery.
Best Times of Day
Early morning and evening are most productive in summer. Spring runoff can be significant. Fall offers excellent conditions with brown trout becoming aggressive.
Recommended Techniques
Target pocket water and runs through town. Streamers are effective for larger browns. Dry-dropper rigs work well during hatches. Wade carefully in faster sections.
Water Conditions
Snowmelt creates significant spring runoff, often into July. Summer offers stable conditions. Fall provides ideal flows and temperatures.
Fly Selection
Caddis patterns are essential for the Animas. Stonefly nymphs produce year-round. Hopper patterns in late summer. Streamers for brown trout.
Local Knowledge
The Durango & Silverton Railroad parallels much of the river. The 2015 Gold King Mine spill affected the river but it has recovered. Local guides know the best sections.
Local Tips
Durango is a wonderful mountain town with full services. The Durango & Silverton Railroad is a must-do experience. Combine fishing with exploring Mesa Verde.
When is the Best Time to Fish Animas?
Spring
Runoff can last into July. Focus on lower sections during high water.
Summer
Prime season after runoff subsides. Fish early and late.
Fall
Excellent conditions. Brown trout become aggressive before spawn.
Winter
Challenging but fishable. Focus on warmer afternoons.
Recommended Equipment for Animas
Rod
9-foot, 5 or 6-weight is standard.
Line
Floating line for most fishing. Sink-tip for streamers.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Good traction essential for slippery rocks.
Essential Flies
Animas Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
Check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations.
Special Regulations
Some Gold Medal water sections with special regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies and lures only in special regulation areas.
Notes
The river has recovered from the 2015 spill. Practice catch-and-release.
Always verify current regulations with Colorado fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Animas
Local Fly Shops
- Duranglers - Durango
- Animas River Fly Shop - Durango
- San Juan Angler
Guide Services
- Duranglers Guide Service
- Animas Valley Anglers
- Southwest Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
300 - 800 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Colorado Trout Rivers
South Platte (Cheesman)
Gunnison (below Taylor)
Fryingpan
Arkansas River
Colorado River
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