Low Water Changes the River for Everyone
Winter wasn’t too kind to Southwest Colorado; the lack of snow, combined with high temperatures, meant the snowpack was at a historic low. This means the Animas River might look and feel very different this summer. Lower CFS means less water, which translates into increased stress on fish populations, greater exposure to hazards, and a river that is more sensitive to human impacts.
The Animas River is loved by visitors and locals alike, whether they are fishing, tubing, paddling, or hanging on the shore. Understanding current Animas River conditions is an important part of recreating responsibly in Durango.
By being a good river steward, you can protect the river for years to come.
Understanding Low River Conditions
River levels in Southwest Colorado depend heavily on winter snowpack and spring runoff. In years with lighter snowfall (like this one) or early melt-off from hot weather, Durango’s river levels can drop faster and stay lower longer into the summer season. Increased recreational use, hot temperatures, and dry weather can compound these effects.
Slower-moving water can heat up quickly, which stresses trout and other aquatic species. If the river was a bus system for fish, in this case the AC is out, and the bus is running out of gas.
If you are out rafting or tubing, you may encounter shallow channels, exposed rocks, and changing currents that weren’t there in the early season. Now, let’s say the river was a bus for humans. Rainstorms and water releases upstream are an internal combustion engine that cranks the river up and may make it dangerous.
To avoid hopping on this metaphorical river bus churning through a streambed, check current Southwest Colorado river conditions before you head out.
Fishing During Low Water
Imagine this: you get kitted up in your waders and head down to the Animas River Trail to hop into the water. Right as you begin to cast, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer comes up to you to check your license. You rifle through your pockets and can’t find one. Then you remember you didn’t get one for the new year. Ah carp! Now you are fishless and have a big fine to pay.
Don’t be this guy. Carry a valid Colorado fishing license, which can easily be purchased online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife or at local outdoor retailers in Durango. Make it easy on yourself and add it to your My Colorado app, just in case.
Let’s say you have your license; low water and warmer river temperatures can create difficult conditions for fish, particularly trout. Anglers fishing in Durango, Colorado, water this summer should take extra care to minimize stress on fish. You can do this by planning accordingly and going out in the early mornings or evenings since water temperatures tend to be cooler and safer for catch-and-release practices then.
By using barbless hooks, minimizing handling time, and keeping fish in the water as much as possible, you can help improve survival rates after release. Before you go out, check for any temporary fishing closures or temperature-related restrictions.
Rafting and River Safety in Low Flows
Low white-water conditions can be dangerous on the Animas. Calm sections with low flows can often expose rocks, strainers, and narrow the channels, making navigation more technical. Slow-moving water can also lead to more congestion around popular tubing and swimming areas near spots like 32nd Street.
Your noggin’ and internal organs are important. Anyone enjoying Durango rafting conditions should wear a fitted life jacket, regardless of experience. Families, first-time paddlers, and visitors unfamiliar with the Animas should consider booking a trip with a local experienced outfitter who has seen the river at its highest and lowest.
If you are tubing, avoid overcrowded sections and be cautious around structures. Combining alcohol and river recreation is a slippery slope that can impair judgment and increase the risk of injury. Cracking a cold one on the river could end with a cracked skull. A good captain doesn’t drink on the job, so put down the beer and be ready to guide your party safely through the rapids.
Stewardship Tips for Everyone on the River
Good stewardship starts with simple habits. Following Leave No Trace by packing out trash, avoiding trampling vegetation, and staying on established public access points helps protect the river.
Give wildlife plenty of space along the river and don’t take out on someone’s riverside lawn. Sharing the Animas means being aware of other users, whether that be anglers, swimmers, families on a float, kayakers surfing the whitewater, or property owners along the shore.
Small actions matter. Limit your noise on the river, pick up trash you see along the way, and wear the proper gear to ensure safety. By being a good river steward, you contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable experience for everyone who calls the Animas home.
Protecting the River Means Protecting the Experience
The Animas River is part of everyday life in Durango, and low-water years are a reminder of how important thoughtful recreation can be. Respecting river conditions, following safety practices, and caring for the surrounding environment help preserve the river.
No matter if you are passing through, staying for a bit, or living in Durango, responsible recreation is on you. Help protect the lifeforce of Durango and ensure the river remains a place people can enjoy for years to come.
