One of the most popular things to do in Pagosa Springs can be found along the beautiful waterways, fishing. The numerous rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, Pagosa Springs gives angler countless fishing opportunities. The waters are stocked with catfish, bass, perch, and pan fish. Additionally, the Pagosa Quality Fishing Project stocks the San Juan River with trout during the summer with trout weighing up to 10 pounds.
Fishing near Dancing Winds Ranch
Located 4.4 miles from Pagosa Springs, the reservoir is teeming with a variety of largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Visitors can enjoy fly fishing, baitcasting, or just grabbing the classic fishing rod and reel for a lucky catch.
14 miles from Pagosa Springs not only offers a beautiful and bountiful lake for fishing but also hiking. Take your friends and family for a day of adventure at Fourmile Lake.
Great location for rainbow trout fishing. An alternate name for this reservoir can be searched as Harris Brothers and Boone Reservoir Number 2. Please check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public.
Lake Capote is swimming with rainbow and cutthroat trout by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe that will require special fishing licenses available at the lake.
Please note that the Jicarilla Game and Fish Department are restoring fishing habitat to protect 3 rare native fish. This breath-taking river is home to rainbow and brown trout.
Another great location for rainbow trout fishing; the beaver ponds and stream below the lake also offer excellent fishing.
Piedra River
Pagosa Springs fly fishing is both beautiful and plentiful. The Piedra supports a large population of browns, rainbows, and cut bows, with many fish in the 12- to 14-inch class. With the abundance of trout and trout lies, one can fish all day and cover only a mile of stream. The Piedra River area is a wonderful place to spend a weekend. Best part about it, the trailhead is located right across the street from Dancing Winds Ranch.
LIMITS: It is only catch and release on the main Piedra river from the Piedra road bridge to HWY 160. Though, the limit is generally 4 trout on most of the other streams. Click the link for up to date fishing information.
• https://duranglers.com/piedra-river-fly-fishing
In our own backyard at Dancing Winds Ranch, the San Juan River runs right through downtown Pagosa Springs. The river is home to rainbow and brown trout.
Visit Turkey Creek for an abundance of brook, cutthroat, and rainbow trout fishing. The Creek can be accessed by following a trail from a parking lot and stretches over 3 miles.
In addition to the bountiful trout fishing, Williams Creek Reservoir is home to kokanee salmon (which are best taken with artificial lures and worms).
This medium-sized lake located 7.8 miles North of Dancing Winds with beautiful mountains surrounding the lake. The reservoir reaches depths of more than 60 feet, creating a great trout environment. Most fish are between 12 and 14 inches, but there are plenty of 14-25-inch fish to make things interesting. Fishing from the shore, especially in May, June, September and October can be very productive. Small motor-less boats and rafts allowed.
Looking for a guided fly-fishing trip?
High Country Charters
High Country Charters offer guided fly-fishing trips in the Pagosa Springs area and have exclusive rights to private property on the San Juan River.
Where to get gear, tackle and flies near Pagosa Springs
