Fly Fishing
Cascade Creek
in Durango, Colorado
Cascade Creek is one of the most scenic and productive small streams near Durango, Colorado, offering anglers a remote, high-country experience with classic dry fly fishing. This long, cold drainage flows through rugged terrain just north of Purgatory Resort and eventually meets the Animas River at the base of Purgatory Flats. It's a favorite for anglers seeking beautiful cutthroat trout, cold water, and solitude — and it tends to fish well late into the fall due to its higher elevation and cooler temps.
Cascade Creek - Overview & Access
Cascade Creek winds through the San Juan National Forest and offers a variety of access points for anglers of all skill levels. One popular route is to hike down the Purgatory Flats Trail and fish your way back upstream from the confluence with the Animas River. For easier access, anglers can also park at the hairpin turn off Highway 550 and walk upstream from there, following well-defined trails that lead you deep into the drainage. The trail continues for miles, with plenty of fishable water along the way and even connections to mountain bike routes near the upper reaches.
When to Fish Cascade Creek
Due to elevation and snowpack, Cascade Creek typically doesn't fish well until early July, once spring runoff has subsided. However, thanks to its cold, spring-fed flow, it often remains fishable well into October, long after many other small streams in the area have cooled off. Like most creeks in the area, it’s not a winter destination — ice and snow make it inaccessible and unfishable until the warm season returns.
Conservation Note
While Cascade Creek hasn’t had the same level of formal restoration as neighboring Hermosa Creek, it benefits from the same cold, high-altitude sources and minimal development. Its long, protected drainage and continued high-quality habitat make it one of the healthiest tributaries in the region — and a valuable part of our local watershed. Anglers are encouraged to practice catch and release, tread lightly, and help protect this wild fishery for future generations.
Cascade Creek Fly Selection
& Hatches
Cascade Creek is a classic dry fly fishery, with eager wild trout rising to attractors throughout the summer and fall.
Expect to find:
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Caddisflies
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Hoppers
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Small stoneflies
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Midges
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PMDs and BWO patterns (especially in overcast weather)
You’ll do well with small Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, and Terrestrials (ants and beetles). Droppers like Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails, and soft hackles can be deadly when fish are holding tight.
Fishing Regulations for Cascade Creek
Cascade Creek falls under standard Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations for coldwater streams. Barbless hooks are recommended, and artificial flies and lures are encouraged to minimize harm to fish. While some sections may legally allow harvest, we strongly promote catch and release for all native cutthroat and wild trout in this fragile high-country ecosystem.
Exploring Cascade Creek: Fishing Access
There are two main ways to access Cascade Creek:
1. Purgatory Flats Trail (Lower Access)
For adventurous anglers, the Purgatory Flats Trail offers a rewarding hike down to the confluence of Cascade Creek and the Animas River. From there, you can work your way upstream along Cascade. This access provides a full-day experience with limited pressure and incredible scenery. It’s a steep hike out, so bring plenty of water and pack light. The trailhead is located across from Purgatory Resort.
2. Highway 550 Hairpin & Forest Roads (Upper Access)
If you’d prefer to stay closer to the road, one of the best access points is just above the hairpin curve on Highway 550, where the creek crosses under the road. From there, you can walk upstream along well-defined trails that trace the creek for miles.
The Cascade Creek Trail is a well-known hike in the area, with some sections marked as difficult due to distance and terrain. Depending on the route, the trail can cover 8 to 11 miles through the upper canyon — great for multi-hour explorations or bike-assisted access.
Cascade Creek is a technical freestone stream, best approached with a lightweight rod (2–4 weight), a box full of dry-dropper setups, and a willingness to explore. A floating line, small tippet (4x), and a handful of classic attractor dries like Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Stimulators will get you far. Pair those with simple nymphs like Pheasant Tails or Copper Johns below a dry for added success.
This creek is ideal for those looking to get off the beaten path. Expect small but aggressive wild trout — mostly native brookies and rainbow trout. Fishing is best from early July through early October, depending on snowpack and runoff timing. Spring runoff can be strong and cold, and winter fishing is generally not viable due to ice and snow-covered access.