Florida River
Fly fishing in Colorado · Beginner · Best seasons: Summer, Fall
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
About This Water
Small stream near Durango with wild brown trout. Less crowded alternative to the Animas.
Fishing Recommendations
As an expert guide in the Four Corners region, I can tell you that the Florida River (pronounced "fuh-LEE-dah") is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. Located just east of Durango, it is often overshadowed by the larger Animas and the world-famous San Juan. However, for the angler who appreciates intimacy, technical wading, and stunning scenery, the Florida is a gem.
Here is the comprehensive guide to fly fishing the Florida River.
🎣 Location Overview
The Florida River is a primary tributary of the Animas River, originating high in the Weminuche Wilderness. It flows into Lemon Reservoir and emerges as a tailwater before meandering through lush ranch lands and eventually joining the Animas south of Durango.
What makes this river special is its dual personality. Above the reservoir, it’s a high-gradient, boulder-choked mountain stream. Below the dam, it becomes a classic tailwater—though it maintains the character of a freestone. Because much of the lower river flows through private property, the public stretches are less pressured than other local waters, offering a "quiet" fishing experience. The water is crystalline, cold, and runs through some of the most beautiful Cottonwood and Spruce corridors in Southwest Colorado.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
The Florida is primarily a Brown and Rainbow Trout fishery.
- Brown Trout: These are the stars of the river, especially in the fall. They are wild, spooky, and highly territorial. They tuck deep under overhanging willows and undercut banks. In the fall, they become aggressive as they prepare for the spawn.
- Rainbow Trout: Found primarily in the faster riffles and the "pocket water" created by large boulders. You will find a mix of wild rainbows and some escapees from Lemon Reservoir.
- Behavior: These fish are opportunistic but wary. Because the water is often exceptionally clear, they have a wide window of vision. Stealth is more important here than on the larger Animas.
📅 Best Times to Fish
While you can fish the Florida year-round (due to the bottom-release dam at Lemon), Summer and Fall are the undisputed prime windows.
- Summer (Late June – August): Once the spring runoff subsides (usually by late June), the river settles into a perfect flow. This is prime dry-fly season.
- Time of Day: Early morning (6 AM – 10 AM) for tricos and midges; late evening for caddis.
- Fall (September – October): This is many guides' favorite time. The Aspen trees turn gold, and the Brown Trout become active.
- Time of Day: 10 AM – 4 PM. As the water cools, the "bank bite" heats up.
- Conditions: Look for "Bluebird" days for terrestrial fishing in summer, and overcast/cloudy days in the fall to trigger heavy Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Top Fly Patterns
- Dry Flies:
- Summer: Parachute Adams (#14–18), Elk Hair Caddis (Tan/Olive, #14–16), Chubby Chernobyls (Orange or Royal, #10–12) as a hopper-dropper lead.
- Fall: BWO Sparkle Dun (#18–22), Griffith’s Gnat (#20).
- Nymphs:
- Year-round: Pheasant Tail (#16–20), Zebra Midge (Black or Red, #18–22), RS2 (Gray, #20).
- Summer: Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10–12) to imitate Golden Stoneflies.
- Streamers:
- Woolly Buggers (Olive or Black, #8–12) and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ears stripped slowly through deep pools.
Effective Techniques
- The Hopper-Dropper: This is the bread and butter of the Florida in August. Run a buoyant foam hopper on top and a small Pheasant Tail or soft hackle 24 inches below it.
- Tight-Line Nymphing: In the bouldery sections above the reservoir or just below the spillway, Euro-nymphing or "high-sticking" through the pockets is deadly.
- Stealth Approach: Because the river isn't wide, avoid wading into the middle of the stream. Fish the "near" bank first, then the middle, then the "far" bank.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- Focus on the "Tailwater Stretch": The first 2 miles below Lemon Dam offer the most consistent temperatures. This area is managed as a "Special Recreation Area" and has excellent public access.
- Mind the Flows: The Florida is a small river. If the release from Lemon Dam is under 40 cfs, the fish become extremely "micro-technical" (tiny flies, long leaders). If it’s between 60–120 cfs, it is in perfect "guide-strip" condition.
- The "Shadow" Trick: The Florida has high canyon walls and thick foliage in spots. Always keep the sun in front of you if possible. If your shadow hits the water before your fly does, the trout in that pool are gone.
- Upper River Adventure: For a different experience, head above Lemon Reservoir into the National Forest. The fish are smaller (mostly brookies and cutthroats), but they will hit almost any dry fly with reckless abandon.
⚠️ Important Information
Access
- Below Lemon Dam: There is a well-marked public access point immediately below the dam off County Road 243.
- Florida River Wildlife Area: Check local maps for the Miller Mountain and Perins Peak areas, but be extremely cautious—much of the lower river is surrounded by private ranches. Respect all "No Trespassing" signs; local landowners are vigilant.
Regulations & Permits
- License: A valid Colorado Fishing License is required for everyone 16 and older.
- Limits: Standard Colorado mountain stream regulations usually apply (4 trout limit), but most local anglers and guides practice 100% Catch and Release to preserve the fragile population of this small river.
- Gear: A 4-weight or 5-weight rod is perfect. A 9-foot rod is standard, but an 8.5-foot rod can be easier to maneuver under the willow canopies.
Special Considerations
- Wildlife: This is heavy Black Bear and Mountain Lion country. Keep your "bear eyes" on and carry bear spray if you are trekking into the wilderness sections above the lake.
- Water Temps: In late summer, keep a thermometer on you. If the water hits 68°F, stop fishing to protect the trout from heat stress.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | January, February, March, December | All day (Peak late morning) | #18-24 | Zebra Midge #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #20-24, Morgan's Midge #20-22 |
| Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Baetis | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Late Morning/Afternoon | #18-22 | RS2 #20-22, Parachute Adams #18-22, Pheasant Tail #18-20 |
| Pale Morning Dun (PMD) Ephemerella | mayfly | June, July, August | Late Morning/Afternoon | #16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Split Case PMD #16-18, Barr's PMD Emerger #16-18 |
| Mother's Day Caddis Brachycentrus | caddis | May | Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Peacock Caddis #14-16, Guide's Choice Hare's Ear #14-16 |
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica | stonefly | June, July | All day | #8-12 | Pat's Rubber Leg #8-12, Chubby Chernobyl #10-12, Golden Twenty Incher #10-14 |
| Yellow Sally Isoperla | stonefly | June, July | Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Yellow Sally Foam Stone #14-16, Iron Lotus (Yellow) #14-16 |
| Terrestrials Formicidae / Orthoptera | terrestrial | July, August, September | Midday/Afternoon | #10-18 | Parachute Hopper #10-14, Fat Albert #10-12, Black Foam Ant #16-18 |
| Trico Tricorythodes | mayfly | August, September | Early Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner #22-24, Sunken Trico Spinner #20-22 |