San Miguel River Fly Fishing Report Near Telluride Colorado

The San Miguel River near Telluride is winter fishing at its finest—scenic, uncrowded, and full of eager trout. While the upper reaches near Telluride freeze over, the lower sections stay fishable year-round, making it one of the most overlooked winter fisheries in Colorado. If you’re tired of combat fishing on tailwaters, the San Miguel offers solitude and simplicity—just bring a good pair of gloves and a solid nymphing setup.

With cold water and lower flows, fish are hugging deeper runs and slower pockets. Midges, small stoneflies, and Baetis are the main winter menu items, and while dry fly action is rare, a well-placed streamer might move a bigger brown. Expect a mix of wild browns and rainbows, and be ready to switch between nymph rigs and slow, deep streamer presentations for the best results.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 40-80 CFS (low but stable)
• Water Temperature: 34-38°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Great winter solitude, but requires precise presentations)

River Flow Chart

San Miguel River Hatch Chart

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – Only useful if you find slow-water risers on warmer afternoons.
• Nymph: Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12) – Stoneflies are still a big winter meal in this river.
• Streamer: Mini Dungeon (#8-10) – Slowly stripped in deep pockets can wake up a hungry brown.

Tips for Fly Fishing the San Miguel River near Telluride

Seasonal Tip

The fish are holding in deeper runs and pocket water—slow down your presentation and be methodical with drifts.

Dry Fly

Minimal surface action, but warmer afternoons may bring a midge hatch in slower-moving eddies.

Nymphing

A small stonefly paired with a midge or Baetis nymph is the go-to rig. Use light tippet (5X-6X) for best results.

Streamer Fishing

Trout aren’t chasing aggressively, but slowly working a small streamer through deeper pools can produce strikes.

Access Points

Telluride Town Park Access

• Description: Easiest access, with riffles and deeper pockets near town.
• Why Fish Here: Good winter structure, but expect some ice along the banks.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Down Valley Park

• Description: Lower elevation = warmer water and better winter fishing.
• Why Fish Here: More fishable days in winter, deeper pools, and less pressure.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Norwood Bridge Section

• Description: One of the best winter stretches with slow, deep runs.
• Why Fish Here: Consistent water temps and lower fishing pressure make for a great winter spot.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

• Artificial flies and lures only in certain stretches—check regulations before fishing.
• Private property exists along parts of the river—look for posted signs and respect boundaries.
• Winter Safety: Snow and ice can make wading treacherous—use caution and wear studs if needed.
• Catch-and-release recommended—this small river holds a delicate wild trout population.

If you’re looking for a quiet, beautiful winter fishery with solid action, the San Miguel River near Telluride is a fantastic choice. Just bring your best drifts, stay patient, and enjoy the mountain solitude.