Trout Two Ways: the Animas and Wolf Creek Pass

August 10, 2026

Fishing rod resting on the rocks at the edge of the Animas River, cottonwoods and blue sky

Day two started with work, but I just had to test the Animas near where I was set up. I didn’t get any bites, but I probably didn’t have the right fly setup for it.

Morning on the Animas

The Animas River in Durango, rocky banks and a bridge downstream

Rolled into Durango mid-morning. I worked a while at camp before heading into town. Worked some more, then grabbed my fly gear to see if I got lucky. No bites, but still it was nice.

A Lake Below Wolf Creek Pass

Still mountain lake reflecting clouds and a forested ridge

From Durango, US-160 climbs toward Wolf Creek Pass. I pulled off at some small lakes on the far side of the pass. I got a couple decent fish in a short time, and just got out before a storm rolled in.

A trout in the landing net just under the surface

Rainbow trout

Something swimming across the flat green water of the lake

Random solo duck, bad zoomed-in pic. A few people were set up on this lake on the side closest to access. I followed a trail to the other side. Just me and the duck there. It was very nice, but some dark clouds were moving in by now.

The lake shoreline with downed logs and cloud reflections

Over the Pass

US-160 approaching the tunnel on Wolf Creek Pass, rock cliffs on both sides

Packed up and pushed over Wolf Creek Pass — the tunnel being fixed or added, apparently. Down the other side, the San Luis Valley opens up and the day turned toward Salida. That’s the next post. Aiming to make it to the Pikes Peak area for cool camp weather again.