Going to be in Telluride in late-June for a family get-together. Driving from DFW. Will bring fly rod and waders. What streams near Telluride or on-route would you recommend? I have already fished the Frying Pan and the Eagle river near Vail - looking for something new.

The Animas in Durango is awesome!!

You can always hit the Juan too. Purple cliffs on the Animas is good stuff, depending on run off. The Delores is solid too.

Thanks, guys. Will definitely try the Animas in Durango.

Another good river is the Conejos River. If you like off the beaten path go to Platoro and fish the river and the lake.

https://diyflyfishing.com/conejos-river-colorado/

http://platoroco.com/

spacejunkie - platoro and conejos is on the way to exactly nowhere

Telluride late June? San Miguel down toward Placerville should be good. The Animas will likely be in full runoff mode, but if it isn't, definitely hit it right in the town of Durango. Take a day trip to go fish Paco (Uncompahgre river). Huge fish, snake river cutties love enormous dry flies. The rainbows love droppers, and the browns wait for meat.

Another option is the Dolores both above and below McPHee Reservoir. Mostly stocked fish, but it's a bug factory and they get big fast.

If you want to catch natives..... Owl Creek Pass above ridgway and the forks of the Cimarron.

You are absolutely correct GJ in that it is in the middle of nowhere. But there is little pressure and you have the lake and the river to fish along with the remoteness of the place. If you are into horseback riding there is a wrangler there that will take you to the top of the mountain for a great view and lunch. Do a satellite view of the place to see just how remote it is if you are not familiar with it.

Another good place is the Arkansas River between Leadville and Buena Vista. A lot of the river is private but there are some good spots that are public if you do your research.

I second fishing the Paco. It is trophy fishing for wise and wary fish but can be very rewarding.

this one

Platoro/Conejos is a great river but it’s probably one of the most remote places you can go. A lot depends on what route you take, if you head west and go 40 out of Amarillo, you might be able to detour and hit a few places like the pecos, San Juan, and chama. If you’re going over raton and you head west on 160 from walsenburg, then it’s pretty much stop and fish anywhere you want from south fork west, might take a little longer, but your options will be endless.

The Piedra near Pagosa Springs can be amazing about that time (could be early...depends on the run-off) if the salmon flies are going off. Big stimulators. Williams Creek is in the same area and mile or so scenic walk gets you to where they converge. There's a cute little rv/cabin spot near all. I think it's called Sportsman's Paradise.

Caught some rainbows at Alta Lakes near Telluride this morning.






And then a couple Instagram models showed up for a shoot, sorry, no pics. A good day with sons and grandson.

Tried a new spot this morning with some nice rainbows. No Instagram models though.