Durango Fly Fishing Report – Animas River Update

If you’ve been thinking about getting out for some Durango fly fishing, now is a great time to be on the Animas River. The Animas is currently flowing at 204 CFS through town, and conditions have been shaping up nicely as we move toward early spring.

Flows have been consistent, and with daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s over the next several days, water temperatures are gradually warming. As things continue to warm up, we’ll likely see a small bump in flows from low-elevation snowmelt over the next couple of weeks. That slight off-color water we sometimes get this time of year can actually help turn on some of the bigger fish.

Animas River Conditions in Durango

The Animas River through Durango has been fishing pretty dang good. Through-town stretches are producing steady action, especially in classic riffle-drop transitions and softer seams below broken water.

As bugs begin to show more consistently in the afternoons, keep an eye on those riffle drops. Trout have been sitting directly beneath the faster water, feeding opportunistically as midges and early season mayflies start moving around.

We do have a cooler stretch returning next week, so expect fish to stay pattern-oriented and keyed into smaller food sources.

What’s Working for Durango Fly Fishing Right Now

If you're heading out on the Animas River, here’s what’s been producing:

Nymphing:

• Small midges (Think San Juan sizes)

• Caddis larva

• RS2

• WD-40

• Juju Baetis

  
  

On colder days, don’t be afraid to go small. One size down on your larva or midge pupa can make the difference. Midges and caddis larva have been doing the majority of the work lately.

Streamer Fishing:Streamer fishing has also been surprisingly productive. With slightly off-color water from minor snowmelt, throwing a sculpin pattern through deeper buckets and along structure can move some quality fish.

Early Spring Outlook – Durango Fly Fishing

As we move further into spring here in Durango, fly fishing on the Animas River should continue improving. Warmer afternoons will mean more consistent bug activity, and trout will begin shifting into more aggressive feeding patterns.

For anglers looking for guided Durango fly fishing trips, this is a great shoulder-season window before runoff ramps up. Consistent flows, manageable water, and active fish make this a solid time to be on the river.

If you’d like to book a guided Animas River float or wade trip, you can learn more at DurangoFlyFishing.com or reach out directly at 970-501-5355.

See you on the water.

—Durango Fly Fishing

Tuna enjoying a day on the water with Durango Fly Fishing