Animas River

Animas River

CO

River

About Animas River

The Animas River in Southwestern Colorado is a 126-mile Colorado Gold Metal Water destination, flowing from the San Juan Mountains through Silverton and Durango before merging with the San Juan River. This river is home to plentiful rainbow trout, as well as brown trout that can grow to impressive sizes, with brook trout and Colorado cutthroat also present. Anglers can expect excellent hatches of Midges year-round, Caddisflies like Spotted Sedges, Green Sedges, and Pale Morning Duns, and terrestrial insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. The Animas River offers significant accessibility, particularly a seven-mile public access stretch through Durango, with many areas being wide but shallow, suitable for wading and offering ample space. For larger nymphs and streamers, a 9-foot 6-weight rod with a sink tip line is recommended, while a 5-weight is ideal for dry flies and smaller nymphs.

Access

Easy AccessUrban

Seasons

Year Round

Terrain

CanyonHigh Altitude

Water

FreestoneLarge River

Fish Species

Rainbow Trout

Brown Trout

Brook Trout

Cutthroat

Fishing Styles

Dry FlyNymphing

undefined USGS Water Conditions

Water conditions for the last 7 days. You can gain insights to fishing activity based on these conditions, like water temperature and flow.

Methods

Wade Friendly

Float Friendly

Land Ownership

Public Blm

Private No Access

Quick Actions

Location

Trip Planning

Best fishing typically occurs during year round. Check water conditions before heading out.

For more insight on the conditions, including hatches and water temperatures, check out the Hatch Forecast.