It is the states newest Gold Metal water as of the date this was written. Several of the better fly fishing rivers are nearby Animas River - Lower including Animas River - Upper, Florida River and Piedra River. River Information. From fishing to rafting and even swimming, if you can handle the cold that is. Almost hourly, we are fielding calls from concerned customers, reporters, and curious people wondering about how this is affecting our business. In the wake of the spill, 48 mines in tributaries of the upper Animas River were listed as Superfund sites and a major federal cleanup has commenced. Fly Fishing the Animas River – Durango Colorado The Animas River . Experience continuous whitewater and explore 14,000-foot peaks in the most spectacular and entertaining 26 miles of whitewater in Colorado. You will challenge 2 days of continuous Class II and III with intermittent Class IV and Class V rapids and you’ll get a day to yourself to reflect on the beauty surrounding you! See The Durango River Report for up-to-date USGS river flows on area rivers. Our great state's namesake river rarely disappoints and offers anglers the chance to catch large Rainbow and Brown trout. The river has experienced some ups and downs with contamination from abandoned mines in the upper watershed. The Animas River is located in the southwestern part of the state, flowing through the town of Durango. Fishing was a little slower near pump but fished lights out as usual from the canyon mouth below pumphouse to Rancho. (We don’t recommend fishing the Animas right now, unless you want to have a talk with the La Plata County Sheriff’s department who has closed the river.) Several of the better fly fishing rivers are nearby Animas River - Upper including Florida River, Animas River - Lower and Piedra River. Huge WILD BROWN Trout on the Animas River, Durango Colorado - … Quick View. $400.00 per adult. The Upper Animas brings adventure enthu 126 miles of water, yet again designated as Gold Metal Fishing. You'll find less predictable fish and more of a challenge here. The river quickly gets your attention with Class IV Broken Bridge Rapid followed by miles of continuous Class II … Have you ever searched Google for “trout fishing near me” only to find that there were no results anywhere near your actual location? Overall, Animas River - Lower is the 27th most popular fly fishing river of all 47 fly fishing spots in Colorado. It is used heavily for agriculture and increasingly for recreation, boating and fishing, which draws a substantial amount of tourism to the region. Andy Kim is a legend down there, if you can afford a one day wade trip with him you will be amazed at how effective he is on that river. The Animas-La Plata Water Project was completed in 2015. River Protection Workgroup for the Upper Animas River Meeting #6 November 17, 2011 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Silverton Town Hall, Silverton, CO MEETING SUMMARY The River Protection Workgroup for the Animas River conducted their sixth meeting on Thursday, November 17, 2011. Before you hit the river next, check out some of the cool facts we thought were worth sharing about our favorite river. REZ KID FLY FISHING 4,935 views. The city of Durango is named after the Basque word “Urango,” meaning “water town,” noting the Animas River flowing through the city center. The Upper Animas River Canyon bears the legacy of the longest hard-rock mining operations in southwestern Colorado. best river in Colorado The Durango-Silverton Train will take us to the halfway point in the canyon where this trip begins at Needleton. Tainting from old mines has rendered the upper reaches nearly sterile, but as the river tumbles into the boxy Animas Gorge and surrounding San Juan National Forest, a transformation occurs. We provide dry storage, a proper-fitting personal flotation device (life jacket) and helmet, booties and gloves. The river can be wide, deep and fast during spring runoff. For the Wade Fishers The Colorado is often thought of as this giant river, that is very difficult to wade anywhere below Parshall. Feb 09, 2016 - Animas River. The San Juan river sees a lot of fishermen and the trout can get pretty selective, that being said if you can fish small flies (size 22-26) and have your presentation skills down, then you will do fine, otherwise hire a guide, at least for one day. This past week, we have seen images of an orange colored Animas plastered across every newspaper and nightly news network. This river, a Gold Medal fishing spot, boasts 140 miles of fishing near Leadville and winds to Canon City and Salida. Approximately thirty (30) people were in attendance. Animas River. The Animas begins its rollicking journey beneath the 13,000-foot-plus spires of the San Juan Mountains that encircle the historic mining town of Silverton. Followers 124 Catches 11 Spots 2. Also check out the Upper Arkansas near Leadville with its desert-like hot and dry environment. It stretches for 126 miles and was also named a Colorado Gold Metal Water fishing destination. Fly Fishing On The Animas River In Colorado The Animas River flows through steep canyons, beautiful mountains, the town of Durango and down into the state of New Mexico. 2 reviews. This is one of the ways to access this section of the river. Overall, Animas River - Upper is the 4th most popular fly fishing river of all 47 fly fishing spots in Colorado. On the more unique ways to reach the upper Animas is by train to the upper canyon. Truly disconnect from cell phones and email on our 3 Day trip into the Upper Animas River Canyon. Until recently, the Animas River—known in Spanish as “El Río de las Ánimas,” or “The River of Lost Souls”—was one of only a few undammed rivers in southwestern Colorado. More info. River and Whitewater information for Animas River - Upper - United States Colorado . The Bighorn Sheep Canyon is a popular place for fly-fishing. It's definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in … Animas River Days River Parade – Durango Town Run Animas River. Mine waste hampers water quality significantly Fishing prospects. THE ANIMAS RIVER. Upper Pine River Hiking and Fly Fishing VLOG - Duration: 14:05. To help solve your problems, we… Fly fishing is popular throughout the entire river system and some of the biggest brown trout live right through town. In early season the Upper Animas can be chilly and you could fall in the river for a long swim. From the headwaters to it's merge with the San Juan river, there's a ton of ways to experience the Animas River! Gunnison River Fishing Tip: After the Kokanee fry release, streamers tend to work really well. The Animas River winds its way through spectacular gorges and sprawling valleys, offering thrilling white water adventures, mellow stretches of boating, Gold Medal fishing and spectacular scenery. More info. Mountain Waters Rafting & Adventure Company: UPPER ANIMAS RIVER RAFTING - See 1,498 traveler reviews, 159 candid photos, and great deals for Durango, CO, at Tripadvisor. It starts out small in its headwaters and ends up large before it flows into the San Juan River. Cache la Poudre River. A stunning, free-flowing river that tumbles its way from the high peaks of the San Juan mountains surrounding Silverton, down through Durango, Colorado before heading into New Mexico and merging with the San Juan. The upper section- between Windy Gap Reservoir and Kremmling- sees abundant bug life and has earned a Gold Metal rating due to it's thriving fish population. For locals, we often view the Animas as the tale of two rivers. The Upper Animas River is one of the most famously challenging sections of whitewater in the United States, and the world! Animas River, Durango: Address, Animas River Reviews: 4.5/5. Get info on rapids, camps, access, and anything else you want to know about this section of the river. We also provide a hearty riverside lunch. Private Full-Day Fishing Experience in San Juan River. Also, as most rivers, when nymphing, it is extremely important to get deep on the Gunnison. An Update on the Animas. Here lies the start of 12 miles of the friendlier side of the Upper Animas. We provide a wetsuit with splash top or a full paddling suit for your safety and comfort. The Upper Animas River, Silverton, CO. 271 likes. Your next thought maybe what to do next, as finding a fishing spot is a pretty essential element of going fishing. Animas River Mine Spill – a statement from John Flick, Co-owner of Duranglers Flies and Supplies. On occasion there will be slush in the river during really cold periods such as mid winter. US$319.00 per adult. Fishing the Animas River. So you probably have been hearing a lot about the Animas River on the news lately. Also, the river will become muddy and high during spring run-off in May. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Animas River (On-e-mas) (Río de las Ánimas, in Spanish) is a 126-mile-long (203 km) river in the western United States, a tributary of the San Juan River, part of the Colorado River System.. This river propels boaters on rapid-strewn runs that provide challenges for intermediate or advanced abilities. Reserved only for experienced rafters, the Upper Animas is a challenging route that passes through a series of 14,000’ mountains next to … Despite the issues, it’s a resilient fishery with some incredible wild trout populations. A Lower Animas River rafting adventure is a great way to get out and see Durango from a different perspective. mike grissom. United States ; Colorado (CO) ... Advanced Class IV-V Upper Animas Silverton Trip. The river between Silverton and Howardsville is somewhat similar to the Animas River around Durango. Surrounded by some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Colorado, this river that is over 100 feet wide in some places allows the trout to grow to impressive sizes. MWR Upper Animas Base Camp: Latitude: 37.63158 Longitude: -107.694233 Day Upper Animas Silverton & Needleton Stretches, Class IV-V, 24 river milesThis trip covers all 24 miles of the Upper Animas just like the 2 day with an additional day to Upper Animas River. The Following Information on the Animas river is excerpted from Jackson Striet’s “No Nonsense Guide to Fly Fishing in Colorado”and is reprinted courtesy of David Communications. The upper Animas is an adventure, with challenging Class IV and V rapids that are considered among the toughest commercially rafted waters in the country. 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