Fishing Report | Animas & San Juan Rivers

Animas River (Durango Fly Fishing Conditions):Warm spring temps have ramped up early snowmelt and blown out the Animas River. Flows are currently around 1,000 CFS, and the water is running high and muddy through Durango. While conditions are tough right now for fly fishing on the Animas River, cooler weather next week may help stabilize flows and clear things up before peak runoff season. If you’re planning a fly fishing trip in Durango, keep an eye on the weather and river gauges—there could be a short, fishable window soon.

San Juan River Fly Fishing (Quality Waters Report):If you're looking for consistent fly fishing action, the San Juan River below Navajo Dam is the place to be. Flows are clear and steady at 460 CFS, and both nymphing and dry fly fishing have been excellent. Fish are holding in the faster runs and seams, actively feeding on baetis nymphs throughout the day.

Afternoons and evenings are bringing strong blue-winged olive (BWO) hatches, and even on windy days, you’ll find steady risers across the river. For subsurface flies, gray RS2s in sizes 22–26 are producing very well. On the surface, Comparadun patterns for BWOs and Griffith’s Gnats for midge clusters have been key. The last couple hours before dark have been especially productive—the river is boiling with rising trout, so stick it out until sunset if you can.

Whether you're planning a day trip from Durango or traveling in for a weekend of San Juan River fly fishing, this is the time to go. Conditions are ideal, and the fish are on the feed.