Fly Fishing the Animas River: A Beginner's Guide
The Animas River is one of the best trout streams in Colorado, and it runs right through the middle of Durango. Whether you're a seasoned angler or have never held a fly rod, there's great fishing here.
Why the Animas?
The Animas is designated as a gold-medal fishery, which means it produces large trout in quality numbers. Brown trout and rainbow trout are the primary species, and fish in the 14-to-18-inch range are common. The river has diverse water — riffles, runs, pools, and pocket water — which makes for interesting fishing.
Where to Fish
The section through town is easily accessible from multiple parks and access points along the Animas River Trail. The water above town toward Silverton offers more solitude but requires more effort to reach.
For beginners, the in-town sections are ideal. You can park, walk to the river, and start fishing within minutes.
Getting Started
If you've never fly fished, hire a guide. Durango has several excellent outfitters that offer half-day and full-day guided trips for all skill levels. They provide gear, instruction, and knowledge of what's hatching. A half-day guided trip is the fastest way to learn.
If you have your own gear, stop by a local fly shop for current conditions and fly recommendations. The staff at these shops are genuinely helpful and will point you to the right water.
Timing
Early morning and evening are prime fishing times in summer. Midday can be slow when the sun is high, but overcast days can produce good fishing all day. The spring and fall shoulder seasons are often the best overall.
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