A multitude of rivers, lakes and reservoirs offer anglers endless hours of quality fishing in and around Pagosa Springs. From warm, lower-elevation waters stocked with catfish, bass, perch and pan fish, to higher cool and cold-water lakes, creeks and ponds teaming with pike, kokanee salmon and a variety of trout, the fishing in few other destinations equals that of Pagosa Country. Check out a video featuring various fishing locations around Pagosa. 

Adding to our thriving natural fish population, the Pagosa Quality Fishing Project stocks the San Juan River with trout during the summer.  Click here to see the 2009 stocking schedule. 

Listed below are some of the more popular fishing spots in Pagosa Country:
 

There are several easily attainable waters in or a few miles from town, while many others lie deep in the wilderness backcountry.  Check out the video below to see fishing locations around Pagosa Country, including San Juan River, Piedra River, Echo Canyon and more:

Check out the video below to discover how one group of Pagosa Ladies have joined together to enjoy the quality fishing in Pagosa Country:

Anglers should note that when fishing in any of these areas — including designated wilderness — they must possess a valid Colorado fishing license (Learn about Colorado Fishing Regulations).

Rivers & Streams

San Juan River

At times, fishing in the San Juan River through the heart of Pagosa Springs is as good as it gets. Years ago, through a Fishing is Fun grant from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, workers improved fish habitat and holding water in a section of the river on either side of the Hot Springs Boulevard bridge, by installing several rock “drop” structures spanning the width of the stream.

Meanwhile, the Pagosa Quality Fishing Project began stocking the San Juan in 2008, with plans to continue each year.  Every summer now, several anglers catch fish weighing up to 10 pounds, while walking only a short distance from lodging, dining or shopping establishments. Click here to see the 2009 stocking schedule. (back to top)

East Fork of the San Juan

The lower stretch of the East Fork offers good fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while its wild upper reaches are more akin to brook trout and native Colorado River Cutthroats.

To get there, the East Fork Road turnoff is approximately 10 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160. As a heavily-traveled gravel road, it parallels the river for several miles, a portion of which passes through posted private property. Due to a major landslide in early 2008, the road has remained closed to all vehicular traffic. Wise anglers will call the U.S. Forest Service, Pagosa Ranger District at (970) 264-2268 to determine its status, before heading there. (back to top)

West Fork of the San Juan

Aside from good rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing, the West Fork offers quality camping in two nearby campgrounds. A left turn off of U.S. 160, 17 miles east of Pagosa Springs, affords easy access to water through public and private lands. The best fishing is in the forest beyond the trailhead at the end of the road. (back to top)

Piedra River

Easily accessible from Piedra Road (County Road 600).  Hike along the Piedra River Trail to access great river fishing. (back to top)

Lakes & Reservoirs

Echo Canyon Reservoir

Echo Canyon Reservoir (State Wildlife Area) is a cool-water fishery just west of U.S. 84, approximately four miles south of U.S. 160. It contains stocked rainbows, largemouth bass, yellow perch, green sunfish and channel catfish. Trout are best caught with lures, flies or natural bait, while bass are taken with top-surface lures, crank-baits, pork frogs or rubber worms. Perch are most easily taken with live bait, sunfish will take worms or an occasional fly, while catfish seem to prefer cut baits (suckers or commercial stink baits). Bank fishing is adequate, until aquatic vegetation thickens, at which time a canoe, float-tube or a small boat and trolling motor are most useful. (back to top)

Lake Capote Recreation Area

Lake Capote Recreation Area is owned and operated by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Properly permitted anglers can catch stocked rainbow trout, largemouth bass and channel catfish in the shadow of Chimney Rock, and no state fishing license is required. The 45-acre lake is open to daytime bank fishers, non-motorized boaters and belly-boaters; using bait, spinning tackle or flies. Daily permits, bait, rental boats and supplies are available at an on-site concession. Permits are $8 for adults, $4 for children, and derby fishing is available for a chance to win valuable cash prizes.

The recreation area includes a modern campground, with 30 tent sites and 10 RV sites tucked among the cool pines above the lake. The RV sites have water and 30-amp electric hook-ups, while a bathhouse offers separate men’s and women’s showers, with ample hot water. To get there, travel approximately 17 miles west of Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160, then turn south on Colo. 151. The well-marked entrance is on the left. (back to top)

Navajo Reservoir

Navajo Reservoir and Navajo State Park are Colorado’s answer to Lake Powell. The park offers a full-service marina with boat rentals, visitor center (with store and conference room), rental cabins, ample tent and RV camping, picnicking areas and nature trails.

Large catfish, trout, bass, pike, crappie, perch and kokanee salmon inhabit this 15,000 surface-acre lake. About a third of the reservoir is located in Colorado, while two-thirds lie in New Mexico. As licensed Colorado anglers cross the New Mexico line, they must also possess a valid New Mexico fishing license. Live minnows may be used as bait in both Colorado and New Mexico waters.

To access the park and reservoir from Pagosa Springs, travel approximately 17 miles west on U.S. 160, then turn south on Colo. 151. Drive another 18 miles to Arboles, then turn left onto CR 982 and proceed another two miles to the park. (back to top)

Williams Creek Reservoir

This 508-acre mountain lake imparts fine fishing for rainbow trout, brook trout and kokanee salmon. With lush forests and towering peaks virtually at your feet, all standard forms of fishing prove productive, though salmon are best taken with artificial lures and live bait (worms). In the morning and evening hours, bank fishing, a float-tube or canoe affords sufficient access to surface-feeding fish, while during breezy afternoons, a sturdy motorboat provides superior safety. Keep in mind, whitewater wakes are not allowed.

There are four Forest Service campgrounds in the vicinity of Williams Creek Reservoir. To visit, drive three miles west from downtown Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160, then turn north on Piedra Road. Continue north approximately 24 miles. (back to top)

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