You'll have a great time here in trout heaven. If you love to fish, vacationing at Colorado Trails Ranch is the place for you. Not just because we love fishing too, but also because this area features some of the finest trout fishing around.
More Fishing Spots than fit into a Week!
As our guests, you’ll be able to experience the action on some of the best fishing spots in the state. We also are thrilled to introduce beginner fishermen to this great sport. No experience is required!
Our fly-fishing staff has a passion for fishing they love to share. They will teach beginners of all ages the basics of fly-fishing and know right where to take them for that exciting first catch. For our accomplished fishing guests, our guides will introduce you to some challenging spots where you can test your skills against some mighty cagey trout.
Colorado Trails Ranch has over two miles of private water on the Florida River, with some the best fishing spots Durango has to offer. We also have access to cold mountain streams and other rivers in the area, as well as fully stocked private ranch ponds. Whether you book an all-inclusive dude ranch vacation or are day guests at our ranch, you’ll have access to the guides and equipment you need during your stay. We have a fully stocked fly shop for all your needs.
2023 Fishing Rates:
$385 for 1-2 guests Half-Day Fishing Experience (4 hrs.)
$495 for 1-2 guests Full-Day Fishing Experience (8 hrs.)
*Activity included for all-inclusive guests.
**Additional rod fees may apply for private water: $50 for half-day, $75 for full-day.
Half-Day Fishing Experience
Whether you're a novice fisherman or experienced, a half-day experience is a great way to get your feet wet. The following information applies to the locations and types of fishing you will find at each of these half-day fishing trip spots.
Worden’s Stretch
Half mile of private Florida River directly below the Lemon Dam and just four miles northeast of the ranch. Beautiful tail waters that have been professionally improved for fish habitat. Brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout from 6″ to 12″ are abundant. Catch and release with barbless flies. A Colorado Trails Ranch guide will accompany you.
Rainbow Ranch Three quarter mile stretch of private Florida River water just for Colorado Trails guests. This improved and stocked stretch of the river is perfect for novice and seasoned fishermen alike.
Rainbow Ranch Pond
This stocked pond is great for learning, casting practice and wetting your line in a scenic location just west of our guest ranch. Catch and release with barbless flies. A Colorado Trails Ranch guide will accompany you.
Colorado Trails Ranch Pond
Stocked pond right on the ranch property. This pond’s convenient location makes it perfect for fishing between activities or in the evening, plus it’s a great spot for kids! Children must be accompanied by an adult or be with the children’s program. Catch and release with barbless flies. Guides are not required.
Elk Park
One half mile of private Florida River three miles from the ranch, professionally improved for fish habitat. Great structure with cutthroat available. Catch and release with barbless flies. A Colorado Trails Ranch guide will accompany you.
Elk Park Pond
Stocked pond just three miles from the ranch. A great place to learn, practice casting, and build your confidence. Catch and release with barbless flies. Children must be accompanied by an adult or be with the children’s program. A Colorado Trails Ranch guide will accompany you.
Full-Day Fishing Experience
To truly experience the sensational fly fishing for our sportsmen guests, the following information applies to the locations and types of fishing you will find at each of these full-day fishing trip spots.
San Juan River
Wade fishing on the “Blue Ribbon Waters” of the San Juan River just below the Navajo Dam. Open to the public, this section of river has some of the finest rainbow trout fishing in the world. Great fishing that’s located approximately 60 miles south of the ranch in New Mexico. Limited take area but mostly catch and release with barbless flies. Guide recommended.
High Mountain Streams
Guided trips to various streams and rivers in the San Juan National Forest. Brown, cutthroat, and brook trout are found in gorgeous mountain locations. Catch and release with barbless flies. Maximum of two fishermen per day. Guide recommended.
Lime Creek
Wade fish a major tributary to the Upper Animas River. Lime Creek boasts a hearty supply of rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout in the 5″ to 10″ range.
Cascade Creek
Originating deep within the San Juan Mountains, Cascade Creek offers the angler more than 14 miles of fishable water in some of the most beautiful wilderness Southwest Colorado has to offer. Above the aqueduct diversion, Cascade Creek provides good fishing for small brook and rainbow trout.
Hermosa Creeks
Hermosa’s waters offer you the angler a great place to find solitude, along with an opportunity to test your stalking abilities. Most fish are small, but their fight is big – and the colors on the native Colorado golden cutthroat are spectacular.
Float Trips
We contract with Heads Up Fly Fishing, a local outfitter, for float trips on the San Juan or Animas Rivers. Outfitter cost applies.