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
Recent afternoon rain showers have continued to influence the San Miguel, with daily flow increases following precipitation before the river settles back down through the evening. Water clarity has been fluctuating with these rain events, so expect conditions to vary from day to day depending on how much moisture the drainage receives. The most consistent fishing has continued to be during the cooler morning hours. We recommend beginning your day on the lower river, then gradually working upstream as the morning progresses. This pattern has allowed anglers to stay ahead of warming water temperatures while taking advantage of fish that remain active longer in the upper reaches. Caddis continue to dominate the hatch, providing excellent opportunities for dry-dropper fishing through much of the morning. A buoyant caddis adult or Chubby Chernobyl paired with a caddis pupa or emerger has been the most productive setup. As surface activity slows into the afternoon, transitioning to a nymph rig has produced the best results. Small stonefly nymphs, caddis larvae, and bright mayfly attractor patterns continue to account for the majority of fish. If you're planning to stay late, keep a dry fly ready. Evening caddis activity has continued to bring trout back to the surface during the final hours of daylight, creating some excellent dry fly opportunities before dark. While daily rain showers may temporarily change flows and clarity, anglers who adjust to the conditions are continuing to find quality fishing throughout the San Miguel. **As temperatures rise, anglers should keep an eye on water temps and adjust their day accordingly. Please fish responsibly and avoid targeting trout when water temperatures become stressful.**

Recommended Fly Patterns
Tungsten Mic Drop #16, Sunny Side up Egg #16-20, Feeding Caddis #16, MFC Squirm Worm Red #12, Anti-Freeze Caddis #14, Spanish Bullet #18, juju Beatis #18, RS2 #16/20 Black or Olive, Zebra midge #18, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail #18, Two Bit Hooker #18 - All colors

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