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The Animas River is large by southwest Colorado standards (100 feet wide in some places) and there is no dam interrupting its flow from Silverton to Farmington, New Mexico. The narrow gauge Durango & Silverton Railroad runs through the scenic canyons and along the upper river from June to August. (Make reservations six weeks in advance.) The water here is fast with riffles and pools.

Mining operations have contaminated some of the upper river with heavy metals. Fortunately, by the time the river flows through the city of Durango it’s been diluted by feeder streams and is a fine fishery.

Starting about nine miles north of Durango the river meanders and in places is deep, slow, large, open and generally windy. There’s public access to the river through the city and three miles downstream to the Purple Cliffs below town.

Water for the Animas comes from a huge drainage area and is affected by snowmelt and summer storms. During heavy snow years the Animas may not clear until July and can be high and roily throughout the Caddis hatches.

To get to the Animas, head to southern Colorado and either make your way to Highway 160, which runs east to west, or take scenic Highway 550, which runs north to south. Both get you to Durango, but the latter runs along the upper section of the river.

Types of Fish

Brown, rainbow and a few cutthroat and brookies.

Fish 18–20 inches are taken.

Known Hatches

November-March: Midges (Diptera).

April-May, late August-November: Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis).

Late April-July: Caddis (various).

May: Stoneflies (Dark Giant Stone, Pteronarcys californica), Willowflies (Acroneuria pacifica).

Mid-July to early August: Green Drake (Ephemerella grandis).

Equipment to Use

Rods: 5-7 weight, 9-9 1/2’.

Reels: Click and pawl or disc with a good drag.

Line: Heavier floating and sink tip (for streamers) to match rod weight.

Leaders: 2x to 5x, 9’.

Wading: Tough wading here. Use breathable, chest-high waders, boots with cleats and a wading staff. Lightweight waders work well in summer heat.

Flies to Use

Dries: Elk Hair Caddis, Wulff, Humpy, Irresistible & Trude #12-16, Green Drakes #12 (during hatches), Sofa Pillow, Stimulator #6-12 (for Stonefly and Willowfly hatches).

Nymphs & Streamers: Hare’s Ear #10-14, all colors Copper John #14-20, Prince & Beadhead #8-16, Caddis Larva & Pupa #12-16, Beadhead Barr’s Emerger BWO #16-22, Bird’s Stone, Halfback #6-12, Twenty Incher #6-10, Woolly Bugger #2/0 - 4, Clouser Minnow, Sculpin #2/0 - 2.

When to Fish

Heavy runoff usually lasts until mid-June, so the river starts fishing very well when it is high and clearing. Durango summers are warm and midday fishing is slow. Things really pick up in the fall when browns are spawning. The Animas is also a good winter fishery with a surprising number of moderate days. Water temperature near 40° usually means good fishing.

Seasons & Limits

Open year-round. From Lightner Creek to Purple Cliffs, Gold Medal Water & artificial flies and lures only. The bag and possession limit for trout is two fish, 16” or longer.

Nearby Fly Fishing

The Dolores, Piedra, Florida and San Juan rivers.

Accommodations & Services

Durango has a variety of motels, hotels and restaurants as well as other services. You can actually fish out of some of the motels in town.

Rating

Chances of landing a real trophy are as good here as any place in western Colorado. The Animas rates an 8.5.

A strong brown trout from the Animas River. Photo by Brian O’Keefe.