Our guide to The Best Fly Fishing in Southwest Colorado
Whether you are looking to fly fish the San Juan’s high mountain creeks, the Piedra’s canyon gorge, or the Animas River’s Gold Medal Waters, this area has something for every angler.
With some help from our friends at Duranglers Flies and Supplies we put together a comprehensive list of some of our favorite rivers and fishing spots for you to discover.
Each week on Thursday mornings we will be update you with a new location and some advice to help you make the most out of your weekend fly fishing trip. Scroll to the bottom of this post to have these updates sent to your inbox.
When is the best fly fishing in Southwest Colorado?
Between March and May, the snow melt has begun, the weather is unpredictable, and you’ll likely see more anglers on the rivers.
That said, spring conditions can be volatile. Before you head out, you’ll have to be very pragmatic when choosing which river you intend to fish, be well aware of its specific turbidity, and understand the runoff of the winter snow melt. To have a safest, most enjoyable experience, we always recommend going out with experienced local guides, who can truly show you the best fly fishing in Southwest Colorado.
Where is the best fly fishing in Southwest Colorado?
1. The Animas River
Best for easy access, Gold Medal Waters, the Animas is one of the last remaining freestone rivers that offers some of the best fly fishing in Southwest Colorado.
Along the Animas you can find small creek fishing in the high mountains, fishing in the heart of downtown Durango, and elusive private water only available through Expedition Outside.
Read our guide to fishing the Animas.
2. The San Juan River
Much of the San Juan runs through private land, that said there is some good public access.
Here you can find some remote high country fishing and headwaters. There are also some elusive spots running through Southern Ute Tribal land.
Read our guide to fishing the San Juan.
3. The Dolores River
The last of southwest Colorado’s great rivers before crossing into Utah. Here you will find almost no one, this is some remote country. Well worth the drive from Durango.
Read our guide to fishing The Dolores river.
4. The Rio Grande River
Flowing southwest of the Continental Divide, the Rio Grande moves past Creed, South Fork, then into New Mexico, eventually flowing all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. And a day on the Rio can truly provide some of the best fly fishing in Southwest Colorado.
This is a great river for exploring small feeder streams, has plenty of public access, and is usually pretty good. The only downside is that some spots on this river are over pressured by anglers.
5. The Piedra River
There is some really unique fishing on this river, but be prepared to hike. A number of rugged beautiful creeks that flow into this river are only accessible by going deep in the Weminuche Wilderness.
We recommend you hire a guide for this river as many of the goods are well off the beaten path. Hiring a guide for the day can help you experience some of the best fly fishing in Southwest Colorado on the Piedra River.
Read our guide to fishing the Piedra River.
we have access to private fly fishing on all these rivers
There is something really unique about fishing all by yourself. If you want to go on an adventure right in your backyard, checkout our private fishing access. We have several sections of river that have only seen a handful of anglers just minutes from Durango.
You don’t to search anymore, just give us a call. We can put you on the best water, guide optional.
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