Fishing Holes

Local outfitters can assist novice and experienced anglers obtain a fishing license and the necessary gear.

For the most up-to-date information on water conditions and fishing reports, talk with staff members at the Colorado Department of Wildlife. Call the San Juan National Forest office at (970) 247-4874 for information on high mountain waters and fishing, or visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing page at www.wildlife. state.co.us/fishing.

Be sure to educate yourself on park fees, regulations and bag limits.

LAKE NIGHTHORSE

Just more than four miles southeast of Durango, Lake Nighthorse opened this year for fishing and recreation. It’s stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and kokanee salmon.

MCPHEE RESERVOIR

Located 15.8 miles from Cortez, McPhee Reservoir is one of the largest in Colorado. Fishermen will find a variety of fish, including large and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, perch and northern pike to name a few.

HAVILAND LAKE

Situated in the San Juan National Forest, 18 miles north of Durango. A no-wake lake, there is an accessible fishing dock located on the lakeshore. Anglers cast for rainbow and brown trout.

ANDREWS LAKE

To access Andrews Lake wildlife, go 29 miles north on Highway 550 to the access road, then a half-mile east to the parking area. Rainbow and brook trout are abundant here.

VALLECITO LAKE

Fishing is a year-round activity at Vallecito Lake, located 18 miles northeast of Durango and home to various large species such as northern pike, brown and rainbow trout.

JACKSON LAKE

Located on Highway 160 west from Durango 27 miles to Mancos, turn north on 184 and follow signs to the park. Jackson provides excellent fishing opportunity yearround for trout and yellow perch.

NAVAJO LAKE

The second largest state park in New Mexico, the marina is situated on the southern region of the lake, which stretches 35 miles over northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Fishing is done by boat or off the bank. Navajo Lake offers a guided fishing service. Call (505) 632-3245 for more information.

ANIMAS RIVER

The Animas River flows from Silverton through Durango and into New Mexico. The best fishing is generally south of Durango. Specific areas are limited to catch and release, and flies and lures only. Please observe the signs.

SAN JUAN RIVER

Located in the northwest corner of New Mexico, the San Juan River is world renowned for providing some of the most rewarding trout fishing you will ever experience. A four-mile stretch of river below Navajo Lake Dam is a consistent producer of both rainbow and brown trout averaging 16 to 18 inches.

DOLORES RIVER

Take Highway 160 west to Mancos, about 27 miles. Turn right onto Highway 184 and drive 18 miles until you reach Dolores. The Dolores River flows from McPhee Reservoir. It begins about 50 miles north on Highway 145 at the base of Lizard Head Pass.

CASCADE CREEK

Take Highway 550 north about 27 miles, just past Cascade Village at the base of Coal Bank Pass. The creek flows into the Animas River north of Haviland Lake.

DUTCH CREEK

Take Highway 550 north to Hermosa, turn left at the sign for the Lower Hermosa Creek Road, following it to the end, about four miles.

HERMOSA CREEK

Take Highway 550 north to Hermosa, about 11 miles. Turn left onto Lower Hermosa Road and travel about four miles. The creek flows along the same path as Hermosa Creek Trail, and joins the Animas River just south of Hermosa turn off 550.

JUNCTION CREEK

Travel north on Main Avenue to 25th Street. Turn left and follow the road, which will become Junction Creek Road, to the large parking area. Junction Creek flows along the Colorado Trail.

LIGHTNER CREEK

Take Highway 160 West from Durango, and turn right at Lightner Creek Road. Lightner Creek flows along the road for several miles.

LIME CREEK

Take Highway 550 north about 27 miles, just past Cascade Village. Turn right onto Lime Creek Road. The upper entrance to the creek is further north on Highway 550, ascending Coal Bank Pass.