Colorado · Fishing
Fishing in durango, Colorado
Durango sits in the Animas River valley with the San Juan Mountains pushing up on all sides, and the fishing around town reflects that geography — a mix of small mountain lakes, a reservoir, and river access that gives anglers a few different options depending on what they're after.
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Durango sits in the Animas River valley with the San Juan Mountains pushing up on all sides, and the fishing around town reflects that geography — a mix of small mountain lakes, a reservoir, and river access that gives anglers a few different options depending on what they're after. Haviland Lake and Haviland Lake Campground sit up on the Columbine Pass road north of town, a compact lake that's stocked and accessible enough for families but worth a morning visit before the campground crowd wakes up. Pastorius Reservoir is the flatwater option south of town, better suited to bait fishing from the bank or a small watercraft. For moving water, Junction Creek Campground and Chris Park both put you on river stretches where you can wade without committing to a full backcountry day. Shalona Lake, Lake Marie, Lake of the Pines, and Stratton Lake round out the stillwater options scattered across the area, most of them reachable by passenger car. None of these are remote wilderness destinations — that's actually the point. Durango's fishing is practical: you can be on the water within 20 to 40 minutes of town, fish a few hours, and still make dinner. Knowing which water fits your skill level and timing makes the difference between a good outing and a frustrating one.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of fish can I expect to catch around Durango?
The stocked lakes in the area — including Haviland Lake, Pastorius Reservoir, and the smaller stillwater spots like Stratton Lake and Shalona Lake -- typically hold rainbow trout. The river access points at Chris Park and Junction Creek Campground give you a shot at trout in moving water as well. Check the Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocking schedule before your trip since timing varies by water body and season.
Do I need a Colorado fishing license?
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Colorado fishing license to fish any of these waters. You can buy one online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local sporting goods shops in Durango. Day licenses are available if you're only fishing for a short visit.
What's the best time of day to fish these lakes and rivers?
Early morning is consistently the most productive window on the stillwater spots like Haviland Lake and Pastorius Reservoir, before afternoon wind picks up and boat traffic increases near campgrounds. On the river stretches at Chris Park and Junction Creek, early morning and the last two hours before dark tend to see the most surface activity.
What gear should I bring for the lakes versus the river spots?
For the lakes and Pastorius Reservoir, a basic spinning setup with PowerBait or small spinners covers most situations. The river access at Chris Park and Junction Creek Campground is fishable with spinning gear too, but a 9-foot 4- or 5-weight fly rod gives you more options on the water. Waders aren't required at either river spot but they extend where you can reach, especially earlier in the season when flows are higher.
Are these spots accessible for beginners or families with kids?
Haviland Lake and Pastorius Reservoir are both solid choices for beginners and kids -- bank access is straightforward, the fish are stocked, and you don't need to wade or read complex currents. The river spots at Junction Creek Campground and Chris Park require a bit more technique to fish effectively, so they're better suited to anglers who've spent some time on moving water before.
