San Miguel River and tributaries, Colorado


The San Miguel River, which extends over 80 miles from high alpine lakes at over 11,000 feet to its confluence with the Dolores River, is one of only a couple freestone rivers in the state of Colorado. The San Miguel is also one of the best-kept secrets in the country for wild trout fishing. This nearly year around fishery offers anglers the opportunity to catch wild brook, rainbow, brown, cutthroat trout as well as some hybrid species such as cut-bows. Rumors have it that a few fish in the 20 plus inch range live in this river that flows below 100 cfs for much of the summer, fall and winter.

Spring elevates the river to a nearly impossible level and color for around a month. Once the runoff begins to cease, the caddis make their presence and the fish go nuts on the surface for the majority of the summer. Some Green Drakes have started to show up in the last few years. Other regular hatches on the San Miguel are B.W.O.'s, stone flies and micro mayflies. Although tourism brings many folks to the Telluride area, there is still usually a good half-mile of river to fish alone which will certainly produce some memorable tight lines.

Fall is when the locals love to fish because all the tourists are gone and they have the river to themselves while the fishing is still terrific. When the snow starts to fly, the fish will begin to locate their winter homes. Many deep holes along cliffs normally don't freeze over and allow avid anglers to seek trout in crystal clear 35 degree water with snow flying.

When planning a trip to Telluride, be sure to include time for fishing the San Miguel and its tributaries.

Other opportunities for fly fishing in Telluride include some exceptional private water fisheries such as the following:

Gurley Reservoir--Trout
Dunton Hot Springs Resort, West Fork Dolores River--Trout
Lightenburger Ranch, Dolores River--Trout
Cascabel Club, San Miguel River--Trout
Jackson Hole, Uncompaghre River--Trout
Narraguinnep, Totten, Summit, Joe Moore and Puett Lakes--Huge Pike, trout, bass


Colorado Outfitter and River Outfitter permit numbers 2083 and Q-0365.

Clothing and equipment checklist -- Summer, Winter

Pricing:

$275.00	½ day walk/wade trip including transportation to the river for 2 anglers max.
$350.00	Full day walk/wade trip including lunch and transportation to the river for 2 anglers max.
$50.00	Cascabel Private Water Rod Fee additional fee per person
	Prices are subject to change without notice