Fishing is Fun in Pagosa Country

There are few areas that can boast of the quantity and quality of fishing waters to equal those in Pagosa Country. Streams, rivers, beaver ponds and lakes are all easily accessible and offer excellent fishing opportunities. Listed herein are a few of the favorite fishing spots, and except as indicated, require possession of a Colorado fishing license. State regulations prohibit use of live minnows as bait for fishing except in Navaho Lake. Licenses, bait and fishing equipment are available at sporting oods stores and other places of business throughout the area. For more information contact: Colorado Division of Wildlife at (303) 297-1192 or Colorado Division of Wildlife. Good Luck!

Piedra River

A good Trout stream (Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats and som Brook Trout). The stretch of the Piedra River from the Piedra River bridge on FS Rd. 631 (Piedra Rd.) to the lower boundary of the Tres Piedras Ranch (1.5 miles above Hwy. 160) can only be fished with artificial flies and lures with a Piedra River in U.S. Highway 160 west of Pagosa Springs about 22 miles where the river crosses under the highway. A Forest Service campground is just north of Hwy. 160 and the Piedra River.

Navaho Reservoir

Large Catfish, Trout, Bass, Pike, Crappie and Perch can be caught here. About on-third of Navaho Reservoir is located in Colorado, the remaining two-thirds, in New Mexico. Once over the Colorado line, fishermen are required to purchase New Mexico fishing licenses. Live minnows may be used as fish bait in both the Colorado and new Mexico portions of Navaho Lake. The lake can be accessed from Pagosa Springs by heading west on U.S. Highway 160 about 17 miles, then turning south on Colorado State Highway 151 and going about 20 miles. (Colorado State Park fee area.)

San Juan River Below Navaho Dam

(New Mexico fishing license required). These are trophy fish waters and are regulated by posted signs which tell fishermen what kind of bait they may use. The first 1/4 mile below Navaho Dam is catch and release. The remaining 3 1/2 miles is one trout 20 inches or longer. Artificial flies and lures with barbless hooks.

Williams Creek Reservoir

Excellent fishing for Rainbow and Brook Trout, also Kokanee Salmon. Salmon are best taken with artificial lures and live bait (worms). In the vicinity of Williams Creek Reservoir are four U.S. Forest Service campgrounds. Mountain views are tremendous. To get there, follow U.S. Highway 160 approximately 2 1/2 miles west from Pagosa Springs to Piedra Road. Head north about 24 miles. A Habitat Stamp is required to enter State Wildlife Areas for persons 19 through 64.

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