October 08, 2026

Animas River Fishing Report, Week of October 8, 2026

This is a dated weekly report built only from official gages and Colorado Parks and Wildlife notices, checked the evening of Oct. 8, 2026. It is not a bite report. We have no verified catch information for this water this week, so we do not guess at one. Re-check the linked sources the morning you go.

Animas River at Durango, week of October 8

The late-September rain bump is gone. The Animas dropped every day this week and is now about a third of what it was on Sept. 30.

Conditions

  • Flow: USGS 09361500, Animas River at Durango, read 589 cfs at 8:30 p.m. MDT on Oct. 8. Daily averages fell from about 1,756 cfs on Sept. 30 to about 613 cfs on Oct. 8.
  • Water temp: 12.6 C (55 F) at 8:30 p.m. On Oct. 8 it ranged from 10.7 to 13.0 C (51 to 55 F).
  • Closures: CPW removed the voluntary afternoon closure from 32nd Street to Rivera Bridge on Sept. 30 (CPW Sept. 30 release). The Animas is not on the CPW closures list (linked from the CPW fishing page).
  • Stocking: Not on the CPW trout stocking report as of the Oct. 2 update.
  • Kokanee: CPW plans kokanee giveaways at Lake Nighthorse at 3 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 30 to Nov. 20; check with the CPW Durango hatchery office (CPW Oct. 5 release).
  • Ice: No CPW ice notice. Open water.

Reading the numbers

At about 600 cfs and mid 50s F, the in-town river is far lower than last week, and the water is cool. We have no catch reports this week.

Access

Fish from public parks and trail access through Durango. Respect private property outside town, and read the regulations for the in-town stretch.

Safety

Even at 600 cfs the Animas is fast and cold. Wear studs or felt-alternative soles, use a staff, and skip crossings. Wear a life jacket on any boat, kayak or paddleboard, tell someone your plan and return time, and Clean, Drain, Dry between waters (how to clean your gear). See Colorado Safety Essentials and our cold-water shoulder-season checklist.

Regs

Read CPW rules and regulations, the CPW fishing hub and Colorado fishing eRegulations for the exact water before you keep a fish. We do not print bag or size limits. Our Colorado fishing laws page explains where to look.

Plan it

Last report: Animas, week of Sept. 28. Background: Animas prep. Build the day in the Trip Builder. VCO merch is made to order and ships from Grand Junction (VCO merch).

Sources for this post