Fishing in Pagosa Springs

Piedra River
A good Trout stream (Browns, Rainbows, Cutthroats and some Brook Trout). The stretch of the Piedra River from the lower Piedra Campground upstream to Sand Creek can only be fished with artificial flies and lures with a two trout 16 inches or larger bag limit. The easiest access to the Piedra River is U.S. Highway 160 west of Pagosa Springs about 22 miles where the river crosses under the highway. A Forest Service campground is just north of Hwy. 160 and the Piedra River.

San Juan River
Excellent fishing for Rainbow and Brown Trout. For the fisherman who wants to fish but doesn't want to travel far. The San Juan runs right through Pagosa Springs.

Fourmile Lakes
Cutthroat Trout fishing in both lower and higher lakes. Take Fourmile Road north until the road ends. Hike about six to seven miles on the trail visible from the road's end to the lower lake. The second lake is another half mile walk. Fourmile Falls can be seen about three miles in. Very scenic. The altitude increases rapidly after the falls - be prepared for a strenuous but beautiful hike.

Fourmile Creek
Access is the same as Fourmile Lakes. The creek begins near the trailhead. Good Brook and Cutthroat Trout fishing after high water has dropped (about mid-June).

Big Meadow Reservoir
Good Brook and Rainbow Trout fishing. Excellent campground. To get to the reservoir, head northeast from Pagosa Springs on U.S. High-way 160 past Wolf Creek Ski Area and down the east side of Wolf Creek Pass about six miles to the road. A sign is posted for the reservoir.

Shaw Lake
Access is the same as to Big Meadow Reservoir. Shaw Lake is about two miles past the reservoir and is a good Cutthroat Trout fishery.

Navajo Reservoir
Large Catfish, Trout, Bass, Pike, Crappie and Perch can be caught here. About one-third of Navajo Reservoir is located in Colorado, the remaining two-thirds, in New Mexico. Once over the Colorado line, fishermen are required to purchase New Mexico fishing licenses. Live minnows may be used as fish bait in both the Colorado and New Mexico portions of Navajo Lake. The lake can be accessed from Pagosa Springs by heading west on U.S. Highway 160 about 17 miles, then turning south on Colorado State Highway 151 and going about 35 miles.

Opal Lake
Good Rainbow Trout fishing. The beaver ponds and stream below the lake also offer excellent fishing. To reach, head south out of Pagosa Springs on U.S. Highway 84 approximately eight miles to Blanco Basin Road. Follow east to Castle Creek. Turn right across the Blanco River and follow the road two miles to a parking area identified by a sign denoting the trail head. The lake is a two mile hike from the trailhead.

Echo Lake
Stocked with Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Green Sunfish and Channel Catfish. Trout are best caught with lures, flies or natural bait such as worms; Bass, with top surface lures, crank baits with pork frogs or rubber worms. Perch are best taken with live bait; Sunfish, with worms and sometimes flies; and Catfish, with cut bait (Suckers or commercial stink baits). Echo Lake is also excellent for Trout and Bass ice fishing throughout the winter. Access is easy, four miles from Pagosa Springs on U.S. Highway 84.

West Fork of the San Juan River
Good Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout fishing. There are two campgrounds in the vicinity. Easy access - take U.S. Highway 160 east out of Pagosa Springs approximately 17 miles to the West Fork Road. Hike from the trail head at the end of the road for better fishing. Watch for private property downstream and upstream.

East Fork of the San Juan River
Excellent Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing on the lower reaches; Brook and Cutthroat Trout at higher elevations. The East Fork is easily accessible, about 10 miles northeast of Pagosa Springs on U.S. Highway 160 to the East Fork Road.

Williams Creek Reservoir
Excellent fishing for Rainbow and Brook Trout, also Kokanee Salmon. Salmon are best taken with artificial lures and live bait (worms). In the vicinity of Williams Creek Reservoir are four U.S. Forest Service campgrounds. Mountain views are tremendous. To get there, follow U.S. Highway 160 approximately 2½ miles west from Pagosa Springs to Piedra Road. Head north about 24 miles.

San Juan River Below Navajo Dam
(New Mexico fishing license required). These are trophy fish waters and are regulated by posted signs which tell fishermen what kind of bait they may use. (3¾ miles of river below Navajo Dam off New Mexico State Highway 511. Part is catch and release - ¼ mile). The rest is one trout 20 inches or longer. Artificial flies and lures with barbless hooks.

Buckles and Harris Lakes
Good Rainbow Trout fishing. To reach the lakes, take U.S. Highway 84 south about 20 miles to Buckles Lake Road. Follow this road, which leads to a parking area and trailhead, then hike in a half mile to Buckles Lake, another mile to Harris Lake.

Turkey Creek Lake
Good Brook Trout fishing. To get there, head east on U.S. Highway 160 approximately seven to eight miles, turning north on Jackson Mountain Road and driving five miles until reaching a large parking lot. Turkey Creek Lake is located 9½ miles from this point and can be accessed by following a trail from the parking lot.

Turkey Creek
Access is the same as for Turkey Creek Lake. Turkey Creek is about three miles in on the trail to Turkey Creek Lake. Good Brook, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout fishing.