ON THE WATER

Fishing

Kokanee salmon

are freshwater fish that migrate upstream to spawn, and they average 16-18 inches in length. T he mountains are filled with trickling streams stocked with all types of trout, and anglers can catch kokanee salmon in lakes at lower elevations. These pristine fishing waters make Ouray a special place to cast a line. The San Juan Mountain

Range in Southwest Colorado is home to an array of flowing rivers and placid ponds that provide a perfect habitat for native fish, and allow nearby flora and fauna to thrive.

Whether planning a solo outing or family adventure, fishing is a safe, simple outdoor activity for people of all ages. Equipment is available from a variety of outfitters and retailers for rent or purchase. The local professionals can offer advice on current conditions and accompany guests on guided fishing trips.

Angler’s Paradise

FLY-FISHING

The Uncompahgre River and its tributaries have boulders, logs and native plant life that create ideal conditions for trout. The fish bite best at dusk and dawn because they prefer cooler temperatures to midday heat in the summer and fall season. Some popular places to enjoy fly-fishing, including Dallas Creek, Canyon Creek and Upper Cow Creek, weave through public and private lands. Avoid trespassing on private property. The San Miguel, Cimarron and Animas rivers also offer quality fly-fishing experiences for amateur and veteran anglers alike.

RESERVOIRS

Ridgway Reservoir in nearby Ridgway State Park is stocked with rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Visitors can enjoy floatfishing at the reservoir, or cast a line from one of two fishing piers. The park also gives guests access to cleaning stations.

Silver Jack Reservoir in the Cimarrons, located in the Silver Jack Recreation Area, is where anglers can find native brook and rainbow trout. Only human-powered watercraft are allowed on the water, and the water level in this small lake fluctuates with the seasons.

FISHING HOLES

Crystal Lake is located off Highway 550, surrounded by the Red Mountains and stocked with all types of trout as well as smallmouth bass and perch.

Blue Lakes includes three high-elevation fishing holes, ranging from 6 to 16 acres in size, that require a lengthy hike through the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area (about 10 miles, roundtrip). But the turquoise waters, amazing views and quality trout make the trek worthwhile for a full day of fishing.

GOLD MEDAL WATERS BEGINNER TO EXPERT FAMILY FRIENDLY TRIPS

Proudly serving Ridgway since 2001

GUIDE SERVICE

FLOAT FISH | DRIFT BOAT | WALK WADE GUNNISON UNCOMPAHGRE SAN MIGUEL CIMARRON and beyond

FLY SHOP

REGION’S LEADING FLY & TACKLE SHOP FULL SERVICE CURATED FLY GOODS LICENSES RENTALS FISH REPORT

On the Water

Lake & River Recreation

Bald eagles

nest in Colorado from October to February. Sport them near well-stocked rivers and reservoirs with groves of cottonwood trees.

information

For information, maps and reservations, go to www.parks.state.co.us/ridgway

Ridgway State Park & Reservoir

Ridgway State Park is an inviting wilderness and recreation area located 15 miles north of Ouray.

Ripe with wildlife, the park is also a mecca for outdoor recreation of all kinds. It includes an abundance of trails to explore and the reservoir is ideal for aquatic activities of all kinds. Some of those activities include boating, canoeing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, wakeboarding and water-skiing.

With over 200 sites for tent and RV camping, the park is a popular place to stay with more than 5 square miles to explore. Guests can also access several amenities at Ridgway State Park, including a marina with boat ramps and picnic and playground facilities.

SPONTANEOUS VISITS

The Park Visitor Center loans free items to guests that purchase a day pass to encourage recreation, including fishing poles and tackle, life jackets and activity backpacks equipped with a journal, binoculars, a magnifying glass and an activities guide.

RIDGWAY STATE PARK

28555 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado (970) 626-5822 www.parks.state.co.us/ridgway Daily Park Pass $9

Park Amenities

• Marina • Picnic & playgrounds • 14 miles of trails • Swim beach • Campgrounds: fees $29-$37 • Yurts: fees $87 • Event facilities available for rent

Spring snowmelt signals the start of recreation on the river for whitewater rafters and kayakers. As powdered peaks transform into streams, the water flow varies, and it determines the difficulty levels of the rapids in the river below, which are rated from Class I to VI.

River rafting in optimal conditions is safe and fun for people of all ages. Many local companies offer excellent guided rafting experiences on beautiful mountain waterways, and these certified professionals are ideal resources for receiving the most updated information on conditions, access and available gear.

Sharon Wild

OWNER/BROKER ASSOCIATE

Lee Ann Parden

OWNER/BROKER

Regional Rivers

UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER class II-IV

Wild West Realty LLC

Ouray County residents paddle on the Uncompahgre River. It flows through Ridgway State Park, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. The upper part of the river is great for beginner and intermediate rafters, while the lower section of the Uncompahgre offers awesome

801 Main Street, Ouray, Colorado 81427 970.325.6651 • wildwestrealtyllc.com

SAN MIGUEL RIVER class III-IV

Soak in incredible scenery from red-rock canyons to thick alpine forests on the San Miguel River. Spend a half day on the river with the family or schedule a three-day adventure to navigate rolling rapids and enjoy a night of comfortable camping under the stars.

GUNNISON RIVER

class II (lower) class III-IV (gorge)

A trip along the Gunnison River is sure to include a variety of wildlife. Local guides offer short trips and multiday adventures along different sections of the river, including the beautiful Gunnison Gorge. The lower section of the waterway is ideal for beginner and intermediate paddlers. ANIMAS RIVER class II-V

The Animas River flows from headwaters in Silverton through the San Juan National Forest and the heart of downtown Durango, making it perfect for paddlers seeking short day-trips or overnight adventures. The upper Animas offers challenging Class IV and V rapids, and it is considered one of the most difficult commercially run routes in America. The lower Animas is a leisurely float along the free-flowing river. Helping homeowners make their custom home a reality Helping homeowners make their for over 25 years, from initial concept through construction completion JAS Designs is here to help custom home a reality Helping homeowners make their custom home a reality for over 25 years, from initial concept for over 25 years, from initial concept through through construction completion Helping homeowners make their construction completion JAS Designs is here to helpJAS Designs is here to help custom home a realityHelping homeowners make their Helping homeowners make their custom home a reality for over 25 years, from initial concept through construction completion JAS Designs is here to help  Custom design  New Construction  Remodels/Additions Get in touch: jasdesignsllc.com call: 970-948-8597 email: jasdesignsllc@gmail.com P.O. Box 472, Ouray, CO 81427  Custom design  New Construction  Remodels/Additions for over 25 years, from initial concept through construction completion JAS Designs is here to help custom home a reality for over 25 years, from initial concept through construction completion Helping homeowners make their custom home a reality for over 25 years, from initial concept JAS Designsthrough construction completion is here to help   Custom design  New Construction  Remodels/Additions  Custom design  New Construction  Remodels/Additions Get in touch: jasdesignsllc.com call: 970-948-8597 email: jasdesignsllc@gmail.com P.O. Box 472, Ouray, CO 81427 Get in touch: jasdesignsllc.com call: 970-948-8597 email: jasdesignsllc@gmail.com P.O. Box 472, Ouray, CO 81427  Custom design  New Construction   Custom design  New Construction  Remodels/Additions JAS Designs is here to help Custom design  New Construction  Remodels/Additions Get in touch: jasdesignsllc.com call: 970-948-8597 email: jasdesignsllc@gmail.com P.O. Box 472, Ouray, CO 81427 Helping homeowners make their custom home a reality for over 25 years, from initial concept Get in touch: jasdesignsllc.com call: 970-948-8597 email: jasdesignsllc@gmail.com P.O. Box 472, Ouray, CO 81427Get in touch: jasdesignsllc.com call: 970-948-8597 email: jasdesignsllc@gmail.com P.O. Box 472, Ouray, CO 81427Get in touch: jasdesignsllc.com call: 970-948-8597 through construction completion

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