Fishing
Ouray provides endless waterways for fishermen of all levels. Whether you prefer fishing the alpine lakes, mountain creeks, rivers or reservoirs, Ouray has every fishing opportunity you could hope for.
Rivers
(information provided by Ouray Chamber Resort Association )
Uncompahgre River
The best place to fish, the Uncompahgre River , is 15 miles north of Ouray at the Ridgway State Park . The tail water fishery below the dam (Pa-co-chu-puk) has been rehabilitated with bolder placements, log anchors and many features that provide excellent cover for the fish. The river has both stocked and wild trout, browns, rainbows and cutthroat, are present in good numbers. Within the park boundary is a mile and a half of river that holds some very large trout. Public access is excellent, with walking trails and well-defined pools just begging to be fished. During the spring run-off when most of the region's rivers are blown out, Pa-co-chu-puk can be the best bet. Summer and fall are very consistent with complex mayfly hatches occurring every day. The winter can be good with small hatches occurring at the warmest time of the day.
Cimarron River
The Cimarron River offers great angling opportunities for wild rainbows and browns. This often overlooked fishery can provide excellent dry fly-fishing throughout the year. Public access to the Lower Cimarron is limited. Target the bottom three miles, starting at the confluence of the Gunnison River . A good piece of water lies just below Silver Jack Reservoir. Access the river along forest Road 858 and at the big Cimarron Campground. The Forks of the Cimarron offer excellent public access, solitude, scenery and fun action on dry flies. You never know if it is going to be a rainbow, cutthroat or brook trout that grabs your fly. Mid summer is the best, with fall being the most beautiful. Caddis and mayflies work well but do not overlook big attractor patterns in mid to late summer.
San Miguel River
The region's only un-dammed, free-flowing river is the San Miguel River . The fishing can range from outstanding to very poor depending on snow pack and runoff. The fishing starts to pick up in early to mid summer after the runoff. Rainbows and cutbows are the most common, with browns and cutthroats being less common. Public access is outstanding with the road only a short distance away. Look for the turnouts along the road and a nice hole or run lies only a short hike away. This free-stone river has great hatches of caddis, stoneflies, mayflies and midges. Every day is different so it pays to come prepared and ask the local shops what is going on.
Gunnison River
The Black Canyon is the most famous trout fishery in the region. The best time of year is late spring and early summer during the "Salmon Fly Hatch". These giant bugs really get the big browns and rainbows fired up! Look for it to start in mid May in the lower Gunny (near confluence with the North Fork) and continue all the way up river to the East Portal and beyond by late June. Mid summer and fall can be good. Look for consistent caddis and mayfly hatches. Match the hatches with nymphs and/or dry flies.
Mountain Creeks
Dallas Creek
This large feeder creek flows into Ridgway State Park Reservoir and is home to an excellent trout population, access is limited.
Cow Creek
Upper Cow Creek offers excellent opportunities for those seeking solitude. The more difficult the access (bushwhacking required), the bigger the trout.
Alpine Lakes
Blue Lakes
These three lakes sit at an elevation of approximately 9,100 with stunning views and some nice size trout as an added benefit. Unfortunately, access to these beautiful lakes is accomplished by hiking four miles into the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area on TR #201. The three lakes range from 6 to 16 acres in size. Remember to go prepared for all types of conditions.
Ptarmigan Lake
This lake is at 12,939 feet of elevation accessible by TR #869 from Imogene Pass. This 5-acre lake is stocked by the DOW and does not get much use.
East Dallas Lake
This lake is located 11 miles from Ridgway on East Dallas Divide Road at the Willow Swamps Camp-ground. Regular stocking of this small lake can provide good family fishing opportunities
