Animas River
(Through Durango)
The Animas River isn’t just a waterway—it’s an ever-changing, resilient lifeline that has seen the best and worst of nature. From its epic recoveries after events like the 416 fire in Durango to its legendary fishing throughout town, the Animas offers a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and adventure. Whether you’re wading along its banks or planning a float trip from Trimble Lane down to Cedar Hill, NM, this river is as smart and spirited as the fish that call it home.
The Resilient Animas River:
The Animas River teems with a diverse array of aquatic insects that form the backbone of its robust ecosystem and are a delight for fly fishermen. Dominating the scene are the Blue Winged Olives, heralding the river’s vibrant spring and summer phases, while Pale Morning Duns offer a steady and enticing food source throughout the warmer months. Caddisflies, with their intricately built cases, add a touch of natural artistry and are pivotal by Mothers Day. Underscoring the river's wild resilience, and in the colder months, prolific midges ensure that even winter fishing remains exciting. Together, these insects not only sustain a healthy trout population but also provide anglers with a dynamic and ever-changing palette of challenges and rewards on the water.
A River Reborn: History and Recovery
The 416 fire in Durango was a transformative moment. At one point, it’s estimated that the river suffered an 85% loss in vitality—a devastating blow to the natural ecosystem. Yet, true to its nature, the Animas has bounced back. Today, it boasts healthy populations of native species and robust fly fishing action that speaks to its enduring strength and resilience. The waterway serves as a living example of nature’s ability to rebound even after catastrophic events.
Fishing Highlights: Strong Fish in a Dynamic River
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Year-Round Insect Action:
While spring and summer hatches (BWOs, PMDs, caddis, and stoneflies) dominate the scene, November through February also present excellent opportunities—particularly for midge fishing. November is a standout as post-spawn browns actively seek eggs, offering anglers a chance to capitalize on hungry fish in clear, crisp autumn conditions.
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Diverse Fishing Environments:
The Animas River features varied water conditions—from deep, rocky pockets and extensive riffles to broad, shallow plains—making it a challenging yet rewarding river. Even within Durango, anglers can find easily accessible fishing spots along nearly 7 miles of public riverfront, along with trails and parks that provide a window into the river’s diverse habitats.
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Historical and Cultural Significance:
Beyond its reputation as a premier fly-fishing destination, the Animas River holds a storied past. Its dramatic transformation from the bleak landscape described by early explorers to the vibrant, tourist-friendly waterway of today is a testament to the evolving relationship between humans and nature. The river’s scenic canyons are not only a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts but also a living reminder of southwestern Colorado’s rich heritage.
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Access & Adventure:
Whether you’re accessing the river through Durango’s city parks, from private land marked for angling, or via the Southern Ute Tribal lands (with the proper permit), the Animas offers plenty of ways to experience its wild beauty. Floating trips from Trimble Lane down to Cedar Hill in New Mexico allow you to see the river’s full character—from its powerful upper reaches to its more leisurely, meandering lower stretches.
Animas River Hatches
January & February:
In the winter months of January and February, insect activity is generally low due to cold water conditions. However, select days can deliver exceptional midge hatches—these tiny midges become the primary target. Anglers may also encounter occasional winter stoneflies in January, making these months ideal for those ready to cast delicate, small-pattern flies. Even in February, while activity remains minimal, the brief yet intense midge flashes offer unique opportunities for anglers.
March & April:
As the river begins to warm in March, you can start noticing early midge activity and the first glimpses of Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), along with early caddis fly emergence. By April, the BWOs become more consistent, kicking off their run as spring warms the waters further. This period is marked by moderate flows that trigger the initial bursts of both BWOs and early caddisflies—ideal for anglers transitioning from winter patterns to the more vibrant spring hatches.
May & June:
May marks the peak of Blue Winged Olive activity as water temperatures stabilize and flows create the perfect conditions for a robust hatch. Concurrently, early Pale Morning Dun mayflies start to appear, adding variety to the feeding opportunities. In June, the hatch continues strongly with BWOs and Pale Morning Duns working together with small caddisflies and occasional midges. The combination of rising water temperatures and clearer conditions provides a diverse window for successful fly fishing.
July & August:
July is dominated by Pale Morning Duns, with the hatch taking center stage along with occasional surprises from Green Drake and stonefly emergences. The warm, high-flow conditions encourage active trout feeding on these patterns. Moving into August, the PMDs continue, and you may notice an extended tail of BWO activity. Midge activity also increases during this month, often serving as an important secondary food source for the river’s fish as temperatures fluctuate.
September & October:
In September, as the water cools, a robust fall stonefly hatch takes over, presenting a dynamic feeding opportunity. Late-season mayflies and caddisflies can still be seen, offering additional avenues for enticing strikes. October sees stoneflies remain active with small caddisfly hatches, while midge activity gradually diminishes. Cooler temperatures and lower flows create conditions where these slower-paced hatches become the mainstay of trout feeding.
November & December:
November is an exciting time on the Animas River. It offers incredible midge fishing along with post-spawn browns that are aggressively feeding on eggs—a golden opportunity for anglers targeting hungry fish. Late fall hatches, including BWOs and midges, can also occur around midday under crisp autumn skies. By December, overall insect activity drops significantly with only occasional winter midges emerging on rare warm, sunny days, making it a quieter but still productive time for those prepared to fish in colder conditions.
Floating Access Points
For those who prefer to take in the scenery from a different perspective, the Animas offers exceptional floating opportunities. Begin your journey at Trimble Lane and let the river guide you all the way down to Cedar Hill in New Mexico. Along this stretch, you’ll experience everything from the quiet, reflective bends to the thrilling, fast-moving rapids that define the character of the river.
Southern Ute Tribal Access:
A Unique Perspective
South of Durango, the river is also accessible via the Southern Ute Tribal lands. This area provides not only a different point of entry but also a rich cultural context. Respect the history and traditions tied to this access point and take a moment to appreciate how the river intertwines with the land and its people.
