Flow: 750 cfs and rising. Will climb as warmer temps kick in.

Guides and fishing activity: Will and Chris

4-9-08 Guide Report: The Animas is fishing best north of lightner creek, however Lightner Creek is starting to clear. There will be a short window to fish over the next couple weeks, then it will be most likely be hit or miss due to snow melt.

Animas River insect hatches: Lots of midges and a few BWOs. Midges will be around a couple more weeks. Sculpin time for sure!

Insects and food in the system: Caddis pupa (both cased and free) larva, midge larva and pupa, mayfly nymphs, snails, stones, eggs, worms and sculpins.

Animas River Details
The Animas is a stunning, free-flowing river that tumbles its way through Durango Colorado before heading into New Mexico and merging with the San Juan. Just south of Durango the Animas has been designated Gold Medal status by the state of Colorado. There is nearly 4 miles of Quality Water just south of Durango. Rivers in the state only earn this status by high numbers of quality trout. There is public access in Durango and just south on the Southern Ute Reservation. A separate fishing licence is required to fish the Ute waters.

Animas River Trout and Season
Cutthroat, rainbows and browns are the main trout species that live within the river and the average fish is 12 to 16 inches. However 18 to 20 inch fish are common. Monster trout in the 7 to 10 pound range do in fact lurk in the Animas and only show themselves once in awhile. Sight nymphing, stripping streamers and casting dries to these wild and planted fish make it a fantastic wade or float fishing. The season on the Animas River is year-round. On occasion there will be slush in the river during really cold periods mid winter. The river will become muddy and high during spring run-off in May.