Fishing

The San Juan National Forest provides millions of acres of habitat, thousands of miles of streams and a variety of lakes and ponds. These beautiful places provide a backdrop for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting.

Interested in a tour? Fly fishing lessons? Hunting guide? Check out our list of current, permitted Outfitters and Guides.

Lake and Pond Fishing

There are many picturesque lakes across the San Juan Public Lands with excellent fishing opportunities. 

Williams Reservoir State Wildlife Area (SWA), Andrews Lake SWA, Haviland Lake SWA and Joe Moore Reservoir SWA are located on the San Juan National Forest, but managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). To access these SWAs, CPW requires either a either a SWA Pass, a valid fishing license or a valid hunting license.

For more information about these popular SWA lakes and required passes, check out the following resources:

• Visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife for the following information:
  • Fishing License: Purchase or find a license agent near you.
  • Fishing reports, conditions and guidance
  • Fishing Regulations including boat inspections
  • Information on invasive species
• Colorado Fishing Atlas: Interactive mapping tool offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to search for fishing opportunities by species, specific interest or proximity to your home or destination.
• Colorado Fishing Guide: Download the most current issue.
• State Wildlife Area Finder
• For additional questions, contact the local Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 970-247-0855.

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Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - Ice (1)

Fishing - Lake & Pond (34)

Fishing - River/Stream (45)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 72 results

Animas River Trail

Animas River Trail (675) is an excellent trail for day hikers, backpackers, and stock riders. Animas River Trail is an alternative to taking the train to get to Chicago Basin by connecting Purgatory…

Aspen Loop Trail

Aspen Loop Trail (631) boasts incredible natural beauty thanks to the thick aspen forests and the wild peaks of the La Plata Mountains. Hesperus Mountain, one of the most notable peaks in this San…

Aspen Spur Trail

Aspen Spur Trail (175) connects the west end and east end of Aspen Loop Trail (631). Distance (one way): 5 milesMinimum elevation: 9,510 feetMaximum elevation: 10,193 feet

Blanco River Group Campground

Site Closed

The Blanco River Group Campground is a convenient stopping point between Chama, New Mexico, and Pagosa Springs, about 15 miles southeast of Pagosa Springs. This group campground offers one group…

Bridge Campground

Site Closed

Bridge Campground offers 19 campsites in a flat, open area all on a first-come, first-serve basis between May and September.Plenty of large sites offer views of the high peaks to the north. Horses…

Burro Bridge Campground

Site Closed

Two miles northeast of Dunton, Burro Bridge is one of three campgrounds along the West Dolores Road (Forest Rd. 535). The campground has 14 sites with a few shade trees on a sloping hillside above…

Cascade Creek Trail

Cascade Creek Trail passes by several beautiful views and waterfalls. There are two trails, on either side of the creek. The trail on the east is a stock driveway that is steep and muddy in spots.…

Cayton Campground

Site Closed

Cayton Campground, located off Highway 145 north of Rico has 27 campsites and 3 picnic sites along the Dolores River. Two loops offer a choice of sites. The lower loop near the river has 14 mostly…

Chris Park / Haviland Lake Trail System

Chris Park / Haviland Lake Trail System includes a series of interconnected trails that meander through the Haviland and Chris Park area. The trails are good for hiking and horseback riding in the…

Chris Park Group Campground

Site Closed

The Chris Park Group Campground, one mile south of Haviland Lake on Forest Rd. 166, has 3 group campsites. Two group sites accommodate 75 campers each. A third group site accommodates up to 150…