East Fork of the San Juan
The lower stretch of the East Fork offers good fishing for rainbow and brown trout, while its pristine upper reaches are more suited to brook trout and native cutthroat trout.
The East Fork Road turnoff is approximately 10 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160. This well-traveled gravel road parallels the river for several miles, a portion of which passes through posted private property.
West Fork of the San Juan
In addition to good rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing, the West Fork offers quality camping in a nearby campground. A left turn from U.S. 160 on to Forest Service Road 648 about 13.5 miles east of Pagosa Springs affords easy access to West Fork waters via public and private lands. The best fishing is in the forest beyond the trailhead at the end of the road.
Echo Canyon Reservoir
Echo Canyon Reservoir and State Wildlife Area is a cool-water fishery located approximately 4 miles south of U.S. 160 on U.S. 84. It contains rainbow trout, 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 and sunfish are most easily taken with worms or a fly, and catfish seem to prefer cut baits such as suckers or commercial stink baits. There is good early fishing at the reservoir from mid-April to mid-June. During this time, bank fishing is adequate, but thickening of aquatic vegetation later in the season makes a canoe, float tube or a small boat and trolling motor useful. Remember, live bait is not allowed in Colorado on any water west of the Continental Divide.
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.
No state fishing license is required, but anglers must obtain a valid license from the Southern Ute Tribe. The 45-acre lake is open to daytime bank fishers, nonmotorized boaters and belly-boaters using bait, spinning tackle or flies.
To get to Lake Capote, 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.
Navajo Reservoir
Navajo Reservoir and Navajo State Park are Colorado’s version of Lake Powell. The park offers a full-service marina with visitor center and conference room, rental cabins, ample tent and RV camping, picnicking areas and nature trails in addition to great fishing.
Large catfish, trout, bass, pike, crappie, perch and Kokanee salmon inhabit this 15,000 surface-acre lake. About a third of Navajo Reservoir is located in Colorado, while two-thirds is in New Mexico. Anglers wishing to fish both in Colorado and New Mexico waters must have both valid Colorado and New Mexico fishing licenses.
Anglers can use live bait at Navajo, but only live bait purchased from an authorized vendor at the reservoir. Anglers cannot bring their own live bait. Live minnows may be used as bait in both Colorado and New Mexico waters within Navajo State Park.
To access the park 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 County Road 982 and proceed another 2 miles to the park.
Williams Creek Reservoir
This 508-acre mountain lake affords fine fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout and kokanee salmon. Surrounded by lush forest and towering peaks, anglers will find that all standard forms of fishing prove productive at Williams Creek, though salmon are best taken with artificial lures and worms. In the morning and evening hours, bank fishing, a float tube or canoe provides sufficient access to surface-feeding fish. A sturdy motorboat will provide superior safety and access to fish during breezy afternoons. Keep in mind that whitewater wakes are not allowed.
Four Forest Service campgrounds are in the vicinity of Williams Creek Reservoir. To access the reservoir, drive 2 miles west from downtown Pagosa Springs on U.S. 160, then turn north onto Piedra Road. Continue north for approximately 24 miles following signs to Williams Creek.
Wilderness
Some of the finest fishing in Pagosa Country is found in remote waters in designated wilderness areas. At higher elevations, the chance of anglers finding native cutthroat trout in streams and lakes protected by special regulations increases. In these pristine areas, solitude is the rule.
As in all federal wilderness areas, mechanized travel is prohibited in the Piedra Area and Weminuche and South San Juan wilderness areas — anglers must travel by foot or horseback only. Bicycles and carts are not allowed. Because travel distances can be great in these areas, visitors should be in shape, acclimated to the higher altitudes of the area and plan well for treks into the backcountry.
Weather is unpredictable and high-country travelers should pack accordingly. Layered clothing, relevant forest and topographic maps, a compass or GPS, adequate shelter, food, water, matches and a headlamp or flashlight are essential. Anglers should also inform a responsible party about where they intend to fish and when they plan to return.
Up-to-date information about backcountry fishing is available from the Pagosa Ranger District office located at 180 Pagosa St. You can call the office at (970) 264-2268.