Durango and the surrounding areas are well known for the plethora of outdoor activities. All year round, the options abound. Fishing offers both warm and cold weather opportunities in our beautiful rivers, creeks, and lakes. Whether leisurely fishing from shore, hopping in a boat, or suiting up with some waders, here are some of the most popular fishing spots in and around Durango.
What Kind of Fish are in Durango?
A landlocked area, Durango is nestled at the southwest corner of the Rocky Mountains. All of our natural and man made water resources are fresh water and only fresh water species habitat here. Most common are trout (rainbow, brown, and cutthroat) while some locations offer walleye, pike, and salmon. Many of these can be kept and cooked, but other areas are limited to catch and release only. Make sure to research the area, regulations, and sizes depending on what you’re looking for.
Conventional Fishing vs. Fly Fishing
Conventional fishing, also known as bait casting or spin casting, is typically an easier and more relaxed way to fish. By putting bait (powerbait or live bait such as worms) on the hook at the end of the weighted line, you cast once and let it sit until there’s a nibble. This is usually done from shore or a boat on still water like a lake or pond. On the other hand, fly fishing uses a different type of rod with an artificial lure on the hook. Through multiple and technique driven casting, the lure mimics an insect on the water surface and eggs on the fish to bite. Fly fishing allows for more activity on moving water like rivers and streams but can require some additional gear such as waders, vests, and nets.
While there’s no deep water ocean fishing nearby, ice fishing is a great option for a different outdoor adventure. Most similar to conventional fishing, ice fishing requires some additional equipment such as an ice auger, shovel, spud bar, and ice shelter. By creating a hole in the ice, the line and hook with bait are lowered into the water to lure fish to bite.
Popular Fishing Spots in Durango
To get a full list of the best fishing spots, you’ll need to befriend a local fisherman to learn about their secret spots! However, here are a few tried and true fishing holes in Durango and the surrounding area to test your skills at.
Animas River
Running from north of Silverton 126 miles south into the San Juan River in New Mexico, the Animas River offers many opportunities to enjoy a day fishing. Most popular, in between the Highway 160 W bridge by the Double Tree to the River Road bridge near Home Depot, is the Gold Medal Waters which is designated by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife based on a high quantity of high quality trout. Although only a four mile segment, this is easily accessible (only minutes from downtown) and known for 14 - 18 inch trout.
Similarly, the San Juan River which flows through Pagosa Springs, in and out of Navajo Reservoir, and ultimately into the Colorado River. This huge span of water offers many spots to wade or float year round. The three mile section just south of the dam is a Quality Waters area which is limited to artificial lures, barbless hooks, and catch and release but known as “Lunker Alley” housing trout around 10 pounds. Navajo itself offers a great fishing area common for boaters with multiple marinas and campgrounds. The Water is home to rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish, kokanee salmon, and more.
Lemon & Vallecito Reservoir
Less than ten miles away from each other and about 16 miles from downtown Durango, both Lemon and Vallecito Reservoirs offer similar fishing experiences. Both are stocked annually with trout, walleye, pike, and Kokanee Salmon as common catches, respectively. Lemon is smaller in size and also has multiple creeks running into it to try some fly fishing in. Both have boat ramps (although Lemon is non-motorized use only) and have multiple campsites and vacation rentals around for the whole weekend experience. Vallecito is also known for ice fishing when the ice is fully frozen and even hosts some competitions.
Lake Nighthorse
Just minutes from downtown Durango, Lake Nighthorse is a reservoir pulling Animas River water to fill the 1,500 acre lake. It’s stocked with rainbow & brown trout and kokanee salmon for improved odds from shore or boat. Because of its close proximity to town, it’s a great shorter fishing outing spot.
To the North
Haviland Lake, Andrews Lake, Molas Lake, and Little Molas Lake are all popular pit stops between Durango and Silverton along the San Juan Scenic Byway. All of these are relatively smaller lakes but offer a scenic and more mountainous atmosphere. Haviland, Molas, and Little Molas all offer overnight camping spots while Andrews Lake is day use only but provide two wooden piers for more convenient access to deeper waters
Guided Tours & Gear Shops
The San Juan Anglers and Duranglers are two specialty flyfishing shops in downtown Durango. They have plenty of brand name gear featuring flies, rods, reels, waders/boots, lines, apparel, and more. These two shops also host classes and private/group guided trips throughout the area. GOFish Durango, Heads Up Flyfishing, and Rio Epic are guide services that accommodate novice, intermediate, and seasoned anglers in exploring our waters. They have professional guides with first hand knowledge and even access to private fishing spots.
Riverfront Property
Owning waterfront property is a wonderful opportunity available in many parts of Southwest Colorado. There are many riverfront, lakefront, and creekside properties that have additional benefits from these resources such as irrigation, fishing rights, and simply stunning views. While there are many pros to water front property, you must also know possible issues related to being in a flood zone. Many waterfront properties are worth more as this added feature is coveted in our outdoor-centric community. Start your waterfront property search here.
There are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors and fishing is great for all levels of experience in Durango. Make sure you adhere to the local fishing rules, regulations, permits, and safety precautions. If you have any questions about fishing or other things to do in Durango, please contact Max and Deven at The Durango Team.
