Note: The Durango area fishing report as of July 26, courtesy of Duranglers Flies and Supplies.
Animas River: 417 cfs, falling; The Animas has been fishing good recently with hatches of PMDs and Caddis. Mornings and evenings are the best time for dry fly action, but midday can be good with dry dropper rigs or nymphs. Cloudy days are the best and a good time to throw a streamer. Watch for trico hatches. Hoppers are also out in full effect.
San Juan River in New Mexico: 705 cfs, recently dropped; The flows have been dropped to summer levels and will remain around 800 for the foreseeable future. Because of the drop, fishing has picked up exponentially. Sight fishing will be rocking, and you should also expect to see lots of terrestrials around.
San Juan River in Colorado: 60 cfs, falling; Flows low and fishing will be tough midday. Mornings and evenings will be your best bet. Look for hatches of PMDs and caddis. Hoppers may also make an appearance.
Piedra River: 64 cfs, falling; The Piedra is dropping and fishing is good in mornings and evenings. Look for hatches of PMDs and caddis. If fish are not looking up, a stonefly nymph rig is a good option. Spruce Moth’s are also in full effect, and Piedra trout can key in on them.
Los Pinos: 622 below dam, steady; Summer flows are rocking on the Pine and fishing will be consistent. Look for fish to be holding in the usual spots, but don’t overlook the heavy water. Above the reservoir, fishing is good with caddis, stones and spruce moths.
Dolores River Below McPhee: 75½ cfs, holding at summer flows; PMD and BWO hatches should hold strong. Hoppers are a must this time of year. Mice and streamers should also be considered.
Dolores River Above McPhee: 199 cfs, dropping but fluctuating with rain; The flows are dropping right now, and fishing will be good. Rain may cause the river to discolor. Nymph rigs will be necessary unless you see fish rising to PMDs, Stones or Caddis. Spruce moths can also come into play this time of year.
Rio Grande: 136 cfs at 30 miles/363 cfs at Wagon Wheel Gap, dropping; The Rio Grand float season is coming to a close, and with that wading time is on. Make sure to have your box stocked with Caddis, Hoppers and PMDs. Mornings and evenings will be the best time to be on the water.
Florida River: 22 cfs above, 209 cfs below, holding steady; Fishing the Lemon inlet will be good. Hike into the Florida will also be good above Lemon into the Weminuche. Below the dam, fishing will good with summer flows. Watch for hatches of PMDs and Caddis. Hoppers will also be around. Mornings and evenings will be best.
Creeks: Creek fishing is in full swing. Grab your favorite attractor dries and prepare for a full day full of small creek fun.
Lakes: Vallecito, Lemon, Navajo, Totten and Puett are all open. The Pike bite slowing down with warm temps, but trout are moving and grooving strong. Small and Largemouth bass are also eating hard.
Duranglers
