Animas River in Durango: Town Water Trip Prep
The Animas River runs right through Durango. You can fish it on a lunch break, but you will share it with rafters, kayakers, and tubers for much of the year. That mix is what makes it fun and what makes preparation matter.
The Gold Medal stretch
CPW's current fishing brochure lists the Animas River from Lightner Creek to the Rivera Crossing bridge as Gold Medal water. Gold Medal stretches usually come with special regulations. Read them before you rig.
City access points
The City of Durango lists these river access points within city limits:
- Oxbow Park
- 33rd Street (limited parking)
- 29th Street at Memorial Park
- Recreation Center (tubing put-in)
- 9th Street at Schneider Park (tubing take-out)
- Santa Rita Park
- Cundiff Park
- High Bridge
- Dallabetta Park
Expect busier water near the tubing put-in and take-out in warm months. Early mornings are usually quieter.
River etiquette
The city's river user guidelines ask boaters to move to the opposite side of the river when passing anglers. Anglers can help by not wading into the main boat line at busy spots. The city also asks everyone to respect private property, pack out trash, keep dogs leashed on shore, and leave glass at home.
When to go
Early mornings are usually the quietest time on town water, with fewer boats and tubers. Watch the gage through spring. High, fast runoff is a time to fish the edges carefully or wait. In late summer and fall, lower water makes wading easier, but rocks get slick.
What to pack
- Wading boots with good grip and a wading staff.
- Layers you can add or remove. Mornings can be cold even in summer.
- A rain shell for afternoon storms.
- A small bag for your own trash and any you find.
Before you leave the Western Slope
A trip to Durango from Grand Junction means mountain passes and long stretches between towns. Check road conditions and closures on COtrip.org, the Colorado Department of Transportation's traveler site, the night before and again in the morning. Fill up before the long gaps, carry water, food, and a warm layer in the vehicle, and leave your route and return time with someone at home. If the weather turns on the drive, it is fine to change plans and fish closer to home.
Safety
- Strong current. The city warns of rocks, logs, man-made obstacles, and strong currents. Wade carefully and use a wading staff.
- Fast changes. The city notes that weather and water conditions can change rapidly in any season, and the wrong clothes can lead to hypothermia. Dress for the water.
- Check the gage. The USGS gage Animas River at Durango shows flow. Spring runoff is not a casual wading time.
- Life jackets for craft. The city recommends a Coast Guard approved life vest for river users, plus helmets and secure footwear for individual craft.
Verify regs
Read the Animas River section in the current CPW Colorado Fishing Brochure and check CPW Fishing. The City of Durango Animas River page has the access map and user guidelines. We do not print limits.
Shop related
We do not sell fly gear. Our trucker hat and ringer shirt are in our merch shop.
Plan with Trip Builder
Plan the trip in Trip Builder. Check our latest Animas report, and if you are staying a while, see our Vallecito Reservoir guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Gold Medal water on the Animas River?
CPW's current brochure lists the Animas River from Lightner Creek to the Rivera Crossing bridge as Gold Medal water.
Where can I access the Animas River in Durango?
The City of Durango lists Oxbow Park, 33rd Street, 29th Street at Memorial Park, the Recreation Center, 9th Street at Schneider Park, Santa Rita Park, Cundiff Park, High Bridge, and Dallabetta Park.