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Fly Fishing
Lime Creek
in Durango, Colorado

Colorful cutthroat trout caught and released on Lime Creek near Durango, Colorado, resting in a rubber net above the water.

Lime Creek is one of the most scenic and accessible small streams in the San Juan Mountains north of Durango, Colorado. Nestled between Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass, this freestone creek offers miles of trout water that shifts from steep canyons to high-country meadows, all surrounded by alpine beauty and rugged terrain. With easy access from Highway 550 and multiple forest roads, Lime Creek is a favorite for those seeking quick hits of dry fly action — or full-day exploring missions on foot.

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Lime Creek - Overview & Access

Lime Creek can be accessed from several points along Highway 550, especially near the hairpin turn just below Coal Bank Pass, where you’ll find the trailhead for West Lime Creek Trail. This trail leads anglers upstream through a long, scenic drainage full of pocket water and wild trout. The trail is well-worn, relatively mellow at first, and gets more technical as you push farther up.

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For lower creek access, take Lime Creek Road (Forest Road 591), which branches off from 550 and runs several miles down into the drainage. You can pull off and park at various spots along the way, then make short, sometimes steep, hikes down to the creek. Just be mindful of footing — some sections are rugged. The area is also home to the well-known Adrenaline Falls, which offers impressive scenery (and a few pools worth fishing below the falls).

Lime Creek Fishing Tips

  • Ideal season: Mid-June through late September

  • Rod & rig: 2–4 weight rods, floating line,4X–5X tippet

  • Access type: Moderate hikes or roadside walk-ins

  • Camping: Dispersed and designated campsites available

  • Fish species: Wild brook trout and cutthroat trout

  • Best time to fish: Mid-morning through afternoon (shade in canyon stretches)

Conservation Note

Lime Creek is a vital coldwater tributary to the Animas River and supports isolated populations of native trout. Increased foot traffic, dispersed camping, and angling pressure are beginning to show. Please stick to established trails and campsites, pack out trash, and practice ethical catch-and-release handling to help preserve this incredible watershed. Even a small impact in this high alpine environment can take years to heal.

Dog licking a freshly caught brook trout beside Lime Creek in Colorado, capturing a playful and candid moment after a success

Lime Creek Fly Selection

& Hatches

Lime Creek is an excellent dry fly stream for most of the season. Early summer brings stoneflies, caddis, and small mayflies, while later in the season you’ll want to focus on smaller dries and natural presentations. It’s a great place for:

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  • Hoppers, Chubby Chernobyls, and stimulators early on

  • Parachute Adams, PMDs, and ant/terrestrial patterns mid-to-late season

  • Droppers like Pheasant Tails, soft hackles, and small Copper Johns when fish are deep or hesitant​

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As summer progresses, fish get spookier in low water. Long leaders (9 ft), thinner tippet (5X), and soft presentations become key.

Fishing Regulations for
Lime Creek

Lime Creek follows standard Colorado Parks & Wildlife regulations for coldwater streams. While some sections may legally allow harvest, we encourage catch and release practices — especially for native cutthroat trout populations in the upper drainage.

Artificial flies and barbless hooks are recommended to help keep this fishery healthy for generations to come.

Exploring Lime Creek: Fishing Access

1. West Lime Creek Trail Access

  • Trailhead located at the hairpin turn below Coal Bank Pass on Highway 550.

  • Hike upstream through meadow sections and dense forest with plenty of pocket water and deep pools.

  • Great for half-day or full-day foot-access fishing.

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2. Lime Creek Road Access (Forest Road 591)

  • Connects off Hwy 550 and runs along the drainage.

  • Pull-offs available along the road with hike-down access.

  • Steep sections in spots — use caution.

  • This is the quietest stretch, especially in the downstream areas.

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3. Forest Road 783

  • While this road veers toward the Cascade drainage, it connects the greater area and can offer alternative access routes to explore.

Close-up of a vibrant cutthroat trout with red throat slash, held gently over the waters of Lime Creek in Colorado’s San Juan

Whether you’re hiking up the West Lime Creek Trail or dropping down from a roadside turnout, this creek offers something for every type of angler. Between its wild trout, stunning surroundings, and dry fly potential, Lime Creek continues to be one of the best hidden-in-plain-sight fisheries near Durango. Just remember — treat it like the gem it is.

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