Animas River Fly Fishing Report Near Durango

Animas River Fly Fishing Report

The Animas River is flowing beautifully this October, offering anglers the perfect mix of big water, big fish, and breathtaking fall colors. With flows steady around 300-350 cfs, and the water cooling down to the mid-50s, trout are loving the consistent conditions. The brown trout are getting ready for their spawn, so you can expect some aggressive takes, especially on streamers. It’s also prime time for BWOs and midges, which are keeping the trout active all day. Whether you're wading or floating, the river is offering some fantastic action, and the crowds are starting to thin out—so it’s just you, the fish, and those gorgeous mountain views.

October 2024 Fly Fishing Report: Animas River

Current Conditions

The Animas River is in prime condition this October, and the trout are ready to party. With flows sitting steady around 325 cfs and water temps cooling into the mid-50s, these fish are feeling frisky. Fall brown trout are starting to get aggressive as the spawning season approaches, so get those streamers ready! You’ll see steady action on BWOs and midges too, especially during late mornings when the water warms up a bit. The water is clear, the scenery is popping with fall colors, and the crowds are starting to thin—so it’s just you, the fish, and that sweet mountain backdrop.

• Flow Rate: 325 cfs (near Durango)
• Water Temperature: 55°F
• Clarity: Clear
• Best Times: Late morning to early afternoon

Colorado Division of Nation Resources Strem REport Las Animas River

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Nymphs

• Pheasant Tail (#16-18): An essential nymph for deeper runs, imitating mayflies and midges.
• JuJu Baetis (#18-22): A killer pattern for midges and small mayflies, especially in clearer water.
• Zebra Midge (#18-22): Perfect for targeting trout in the colder sections of the river early in the day.

Dry Flies

• Blue-Winged Olive (#18-22): Ideal during overcast mornings and late afternoon hatches, especially in riffles.
• Parachute Adams (#16-20): A classic dry fly that performs well in both slow pools and faster water.
• Amy’s Ant (#10-14): Great for hopper-dropper setups in the middle of the day, especially near the banks.

Streamers

• Mini Dungeon (#6-8): Perfect for aggressive fall browns; strip it near structure and watch them chase.
• Sculpinator (#4-6): A go-to streamer for larger trout holding in deeper pools.
• Sparkle Minnow (#6-8): Best used in faster sections where trout are on the hunt for baitfish.

Fishing Tactics on the Animas River

• Nymphing: With cooler water temps, nymphing will be effective most of the day. A Pheasant Tail or JuJu Baetis combined with a small midge will do wonders in deeper runs.
• Streamer Fishing: Fall is streamer season, and it’s your chance to target the big browns lurking in the Animas. Strip your fly along the banks and through deeper pockets for aggressive strikes.
• Dry-Dropper Setup: Use a dry-dropper rig with Amy’s Ant on top and a small nymph like a Zebra Midge underneath for covering both surface and subsurface feeders.

Access Points

• 32nd Street Bridge: A popular wading section with good access to riffles and runs, perfect for dry fly and nymphing.
• Durango Whitewater Park: Offers a variety of water conditions, from deeper pools to faster-moving water, ideal for both wading and floating.
• Lightner Creek Confluence: A bit more secluded, this spot provides great opportunities for streamer fishing, especially for larger trout.

This October 2024 Animas River Fly Fishing Report brings together all the key details to help you catch more trout this fall. With steady flows and cool water, the fishing conditions couldn’t be better. Whether you're targeting brown trout with streamers or matching the hatch with tiny dries, the Animas River is the place to be this October.