Fishing for sport or as a leisure activity can be learned and practiced by just about anyone. Whether you like to just sit back with a line in the water and have a nice picnic lunch or more actively pursue fly-fishing, wading into the water and practicing different casting techniques, fishing is the perfect activity to help wash the worries of the day away.
For some, fishing is a way to pass time alone or with friends; for others, it’s a sport. Whatever type of fishing you enjoy, Pagosa Country has what you’re looking for — from pristine mountain rivers best for fly-fishing to lakes and reservoirs perfect for sitting along the shore or fishing from a boat.
Warm, lower-elevation waters in the area at Echo Canyon Reservoir and at Navajo Reservoir hold numerous species, including catfish, bass, perch and pan fish, while higher, cold-water lakes, creeks and ponds teem with Kokanee salmon and numerous species of trout.
There are several waters in or near town easily accessible to fishermen, but many other fishing spots lie deep in the extensive wilderness and backcountry surrounding Pagosa. Though access requires greater effort, remote locations to the north, northwest and east of town afford those willing to travel by foot or horseback true tranquility, seclusion and excellent fishing.
Listed below are some of the more popular fishing sites in and near town. Anglers should note that a Colorado fishing license is required when fishing in any of these areas, including designated wilderness areas. Licenses, flies, lures, bait and spinning tackle are available at area sporting goods stores, supermarkets and hardware stores. One-day, five-day and annual licenses are available. Annual licenses go on sale April 1 and are valid through March 31, 2025.
Local fly shops offer equipment, flies, sport fishing clothing and guide services, and most retailers will readily provide directions and up-to-date information about numerous fishing destinations.
When choosing bait, keep in mind that state regulations prohibit the use of live bait anywhere in the region except for at Navajo Lake. For more information and special, water-specific regulations, please reference area fishing rules and regulations. Make sure to pick up a Colorado fishing brochure or visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website to view fishing regulations and restrictions on waters where you’re planning to fish — anglers are responsible for knowing the regulations. You can also purchase a fishing license online.
Fishing in the San Juan River in the heart of Pagosa Springs can be as good as it gets. Years ago, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (now CPW) used a Fishing is Fun grant to reconstruct fish habitat and holding waters in sections of the river on both sides of the Hot Springs Boulevard bridge.
These structures are made from large rocks and have numerous shapes. Their purpose is to create calm pools for fish. Anglers should not attempt to fish in the whitewater park area because those structures churn the water too much for fish to be present. Additional work has further enhanced the fishery near the Hot Springs Boulevard bridge and in areas west toward 6th Street.
The Pagosa Quality Fishing Project also began receiving annual contributions from local merchants to purchase hundreds of large, catchable rainbow and brown trout for placement in the river. As a result, anglers of all ages catch fish weighing up to 10 pounds each summer — right in downtown Pagosa Springs.
The Town of Pagosa Springs also stocks ponds located just off the river near the east end of town. A ramp to one of the ponds allows easy access to disabled anglers, and a gazebo beckons to those who packed picnic lunches. Youngsters particularly enjoy fishing the town ponds. Bag and possession limit for in-town fishing is two fish per angler.