Animas River public Gold Medal section
We know every rock, run and trout in the Animas River. The Quality Water section flows just south of Durango and covers about 4 1/2 river miles. Durango town water also fishes very well, offering an additional 2 1/2 miles of easily accessible river. Pockets, pools and riffles make up the character of these sections. A city-built walking trail parallels most of this section making for easy access. This section does not have the solitude of our float or private land trips that are further south of Durango, however, it has wonderful water, insect hatches and plenty of fish. The Animas is more technical than people give it credit for. This river continues to frustrate many anglers and guides alike. We like that fact, because we know it like no other.

Season is year-round.

click: guide reports | map | photos

Animas River private property
We have a couple sections of private water that we guide. The Isgar Ranch, is located between the Quality Water section and Southern Ute waters about 7 river miles from Durango. This section has a number of deep pools that hold a large population of fish year-round. Pockets and riffs connect the pools and each is full of fat trout. Some of the largest fish we've seen in the Animas live in this stretch. The average fish is 16 inches with a lot of 18 to 20 inch fish hooked on each trip.

We also use the ranch for put-ins and take-outs, as well as a lunch stop for longer float trips that originate in Durango. We often mix in some wade fishing here on our full day float trips.

Season is year-round.

click: guide reports | map |photos

San Juan River [New Mexico]
We guide year-round on the San Juan River below Navajo Lake. As most anglers know, the San Juan River is world famous for large well educated trout. The The public water includes nearly 7 miles of both special regulation and standard regulation water. The Quality Water section is home to large bows, cutbows and brown trout. This river is a wonderful river to wade due to several easy walk in access points. The river is slick in some sections so studs and wading staffs are recommended but not crucial. We also offer float trips with plenty of opportunities to get out and wade.

Season on the San Juan is year-round.

click: guide reports | map | photos

Animas River via historic Silverton-Durango Train
If you are looking for an angling adventure with a unique twist then this is the trip for you. Step back in time and travel by way of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train into the rugged canyon waters of the Animas River. Basically the only way into this area is by foot, boat or train. This is a wonderful trip where the trout play second fiddle to the stunning scenery and western adventure. Brilliant brookies, rainbows, cutbows, cutthroats and brown trout swim in the Animas and its tributaries.

Season is mid July to November

click: guided creek trips |details | photos (coming soon)

Dolores River [down stream of McPhee]
The Dolores flows out of McPhee reservoir into a quiet and remote valley that is lined by sandstone formations, scrub oak and tall cottonwoods. There are miles of fishable water in this spectacular valley as well as more water in the lower canyon. The first 12 miles are catch and release, fly and lure only. The river does not boast a lot of fish due to continued low flows but the surviving trout are large and they will challenge the skills of the best dry fly fisher. The Dolores is rich in history as well as wildlife.

Season is April through November.

click: guide reports |photos

Dolores River [McPhee Reservoir to Rico]
This section is fairly diverse, it appears in sections to be a larger river, but fishes more like a creek. Near Rico it is small water with stunning brookies and bows. The mid and lower sections have a few more brown trout kicking about. Shallow riffles, pockets and short pools make up the character of this river. Access is a mix of Division of Wildlife, Forest Service and private land. The tribs of the Dolores also offer wonderful angling opportunities for brook, brown and rainbow trout.

Season is April through November.

click: guided creek trips | info | photos

Wilderness Creeks & Streams
We offer guided hike/wade trips on numerous mountain creeks that flow through our majestic forests. These streams originate high In the San Juan mountains and flow down through spectacular wilderness country before spilling into the major rivers. These creeks are the headwaters to our main rivers like the San Juan, Dolores and Animas. We guide a wide range from slow meandering meadow streams to tumbling pocket water creeks with trout holding in every nook and cranny. Sight fishing with dry flies can be spectacular and 40 fish days are not uncommon.

Just a small sample of the creeks we offer: upper Florida, Hermosa Creek, Lime Creek, Cascade Creek, Rio Blanco, Mancos River and numerous other Animas tributaries.

Season is spring through late October.

click: guided creek trips | headwaters | creeks info | photos

Pine River-Guest house rental and private fishing
Stay on the banks of the Pine and fish this fantastic tail-water fishery with us. Give us a shout for more info and availability.

Season is year-round.

Florida River-cabins and private fly fishing
ObarO Ranch on the Florida River. Drop us a line for more info.

Season is spring through late fall.