Durango Fly Fishing Report – Animas River & San Juan River (May 12, 2025)

Spring is in full swing in the Four Corners, and we’re seeing some classic conditions on both the Animas River and the San Juan River below Navajo Dam. Here's your current fly fishing report from Durango Fly Fishing, your local source for guided wade and float trips in southwest Colorado and northern New Mexico.

Animas River – High and Dirty, But Not Done Yet

The Animas River in Durango is flowing at 1,310 CFS today and it’s definitely off-color. With spring runoff ramping up, clarity is limited and fishing opportunities are pretty slim at the moment. That said, colder nights could help stabilize flows and improve visibility.

If things clear up, it’s worth getting out and throwing a big streamer near the banks — you might move a hungry brown or two. We've spotted a few early caddis starting to pop, which is a good sign that another year of a really fun Hatch is underway. This hatch typically continues into the latter half of May, especially in the slower edges and tailouts. Keep your eyes open and your dry flies ready — it’s one of the more exciting times to fish the Animas when conditions cooperate.

San Juan River Below Navajo Dam – Reliable, Cold, and Fishing Great

Meanwhile, the San Juan River below Navajo Dam is fishing like it should this time of year — cold, clear, and consistent. Flows are currently holding steady at 377 CFS, making for ideal wade fishing conditions and very manageable float trips.

We're seeing good hatches of blue-winged olives (BWOs) and plenty of midges in the mornings. Dry fly opportunities are starting to show themselves with midday Baetis activity, especially on those cooler, partly cloudy days that are in the forecast this week. Whether you’re drifting a midge cluster through slicks or tossing small dries during a hatch, it’s a great time to fish the Juan.

Book a Trip with Durango Fly Fishing

We’re just at the front edge of spring runoff in Colorado, but the San Juan River stays steady all year long. Whether you’re looking to book a full-day float or a half-day wade trip, Durango Fly Fishing has you covered. We guide anglers of all levels on the best waters in the region, offering fly fishing trips from Durango, Colorado to Navajo Dam, New Mexico.

If you're looking for experienced local guides, beautiful scenery, and the chance to hook into quality trout, now’s the time to book your spring fly fishing adventure.