SAN MIGUEL RIVER

The San Miguel River with its near endless public access (25+ miles) from its headwaters near Telluride, heading northwest to its confluence with the Dolores, beckons walk wade anglers to explore one of Colorado's last freestone (undammed) trout streams. Only 30 minutes from Ridgway, the San Miguel is a dry fly fishing paradise. With numerous insect hatches, you will find stoneflies, caddis, pale morning dun, blue winged olives and midges on your angling adventure. San Miguel anglers encounter steady river gradient, coupled with great stream clarity, abundant pocket water and some nice deep buckets and pools.

Happening Now
Spring is on the Horizon – Get Ready for Prime Fishing! Winter is on the back half, and with warmer temperatures on the way, signs of spring are beginning to show. As ice melts and the river starts to open up, early pre-runoff fishing can be excellent, offering some of the season’s first great opportunities. While fish are still cold, focusing on the warmest parts of the day will give you the best success. Nymphing remains the most effective approach, but as conditions improve, it’s a good idea to keep some small dries in your box for rising fish. Early spring hatches will feature Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and Caddis, but don’t overlook small black stoneflies—both nymphs and adults—as they make an early appearance. Fish will continue to hold in deeper holes, but as water temperatures rise, they’ll become more active and willing to feed. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t miss out on this prime early-season fishing opportunity!

Recommended Fly Patterns
Crack back Bullet #18, Mighty Midge #18-22 Red or Blue, WD40 #20-24, Deamon Midge #18-22 , Juju Beatis #20, Picky Eater #16, Sunny Side Up Egg #18, Para Adams #16-18

See Streamflow on USGS

HANDPICKED

FLIES FOR THE SAN MIGUEL RIVER

While Summer and Fall are the best seasons to target fly fishing the San Miguel River, don’t discount early Spring for getting a line wet. Winter fly fishing near Telluride is best discovered at lower elevation rivers like the Uncompahgre or Lower Gunnison. “Keep moving” is the motto on the San Miguel River. With over 25 miles to pick from and quick access to multiple stops, don’t walk up on other groups or try to compete for water. Instead, explore alternate locations not to overfish any one section.

Weather on the San Miguel should not be discounted. Don’t forget you are in Colorado above 7000 feet, and weather changes quickly in high-elevation canyons like the San Miguel. So be prepared for potential flash floods and sudden shifts in temperature and weather. Consider moving upstream to locate clear water above tributaries brining in off-colored water.

Fly Fishing Gear & Equipment for the San Miguel River:

• 3 weight to 5 weight, 7’6” to 11’ moderate action Fly Rods with WF floating fly lines are ideal for high sticking pockets or presenting drag free drifts in fast riffle water or controlled drifts near tight vegetated banks.
• 6x to 5x leader & tippets will cover most situations. Consider shorter length leaders to turn over small attractor dry flies with a dropper in tight quarters, or slightly longer leaders to present small dry flies with improved accuracy and drag free drifts.
• Core dry flies for match the hatch, small attractor flies, small jigged nymphs and plenty of terrestrials are essential in the San Miguel. Visit the Fly Shop for a curated selection of proven and successful fly patterns ideal for the specific drainage and time of year you are visiting.
• Small poly yarn indicators for the occasional deep pool, and dry fly flotant or dry shake for combating turbid waters. *Don’t forget your net for proper catch and release fish handling.
• Backcountry essentials like a quality rain jacket, day pack, bug spray, and plenty of packable food and water for a full day of exploration.

GUIDED TRIPS

LEARN THE RIVER WITH AN EXPERT