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Guest Post Written by Kyle Rutten-Riversmith.com
Starting in the Needle Mountains of the San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado and ending in the dry desert of the city of Aztec in New Mexico, the Animas connects an array of varying southwestern landscapes that inspire all. The Animas River, at 126 miles long, is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the state of Colorado. It is the quintessential fly fisher’s dream stream.
The Animas River is a beautiful, lively gem that every fly angler should cast into at least once in their lifetime. Not only does it feature a fishable stretch of water that belongs to Ute and Navajo tribes, but it also wears a rare crown for possessing a Colorado Gold Medal fishing destination title.
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Species of Fish and Watching Wildlife While Fly Fishing Colorado’s Beautiful Animas River
Overflowing with stocked and spawning trout, the highly prized rainbow trout make up for about 70% of all angler catches. The second most common catch is that of the alluring brown trout, followed closely by cutthroat and brook trout. Some sections of this river measure 100 feet in width. In recent years trout, some great in size, have been caught from the shoreline. They have broken some impressive records too. So whether you like to fish from a floating mode of transportation or from the riverbanks with your family and friends, you’ll catch all the trout you can truly muster.
As you fish, you may spy a migratory bald eagle or native hawks. They frequent these waters looking for their next meal. There have also been several accounts of big and small game visiting the tributary, gently reminding people that we have and will always share this sacred space with all walks of life.
Secret Fishing Hot Spots of the Magnificent Animas River
While it’s difficult to go wrong along the banks on any section of the river. There are many infamous locations known amongst the fishing community. However, it is important for you to seek out your own one-of-a-kind experience (and daily catch.)
Smack dab in the middle of the city of Durango, Colorado, the 32nd street bridge north of the city crosses over a quiet shallow and wide section of the Animas, making it absolutely perfect for wade fishing if that’s your style. The city of Durango a few years ago invested in a bike path that courses its way along the entire length of the river. This path provides excellent access, making 7-miles of the Animas fishable. The 32nd street bridge waters gave the Animas its Gold Medal Water status! A pedestrian bridge here completes the 9-mile Animas Trail, providing easy access to the river.
Required Southern Ute Tribal River Permit
The Ute and Navajo require you to purchase a Southern Ute Tribal fishing permit to dip into their waters with your line. It’s super affordable and also wildly convenient as you can purchase one online ahead of time. Trust us at Riversmith. You will want to get one of these permits! The water that flows through this sacred land is chock full of world-class fly-fishing. If you’re only able to visit one section of the Animas on your trip, make it here. Magnificent forests surround the tribal waters of the Animas. The desert soils in this arid landscape merge with the weathered riverbank. Here, the catches often exceed the state’s daily limit. Which is 8 fish these days.
North of Durango towards the headwaters of the Animas lies the sleepy, historic mining town of Silverton. In section, the deeper water and large, rocky boulders provide excellent cover for fish. Here is where trout just love to lie in wait, hungrily ambushing their next meal. These areas can be difficult for an angler to access. It requires careful preparation and attention to detail before traversing. However, an angler can find their little slice of paradise where they can wet their line over and over.
Fly Fishing Colorado’s Animas River Needed Fishing Gear
A fly-fishing trip planned somewhere between mid-October and mid-November will prove to be your best shot at plentiful catches; the browns that spawned in the fall are grown hungry and highly active. They’ll bite at anything from elk hair, trude, and goodard caddis patterns to simple dry flies and small nymphs. Whatever you have in your tackle box will probably do you just fine!
During the winter months, the river waters are quite cold. Wearing a good pair of waders and wading boots will keep your feet comfy and dry. It is worth investing in good fishing gear. We used a Redington 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with a floating line (3X trippet) when fishing dry flies on this river.
Final Thoughts-Make the Animas River Your Next Fly Fishing Destination
Visitors from all over the world have made stops at the Animas River for decades because of the world-class fishing and record-setting trout sizes that can be found in its depths. It doesn’t hurt that the landscape wrapped on both sides of the tributary is some of the most breathtaking that you will ever find yourself in Colorado. The Animas river has always been a gold mine for catching gorgeous enormous fish. No other place in the state makes that more true than the Animas. Enjoy dipping your line and taking in all that the Animas River has to offer!
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