Accessible Fishing
In Durango, CO
The Weminuche Wilderness is Colorado’s largest wilderness area and a playground for recreation. With backyard access to this sportsman paradise spanning the Continental Divide, Durango is a bucket list destination for all types of fishing.
Be sure that you verify current fishing license requirements and regulations prior to snagging your next trout.
Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area - Durango, CO:
Lake Nighthorse | 4.1 Miles Southwest of Durango | Paved Trail
Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area features fishing, Adaptive Sports Association water activities, and breathtaking views in every direction. The lake offers wheelchair-accessible parking spaces, restrooms, an ADA fishing dock, and a pavilion adjacent to the boat ramp parking lot.
Located only 4 miles from downtown Durango, Lake Nighthorse has become a locals favorite for day trips and outdoor recreation. Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Kokanee Salmon have been stocked since 2011. Other species in the lake include White and Flannelmouth suckers, Fathead Minnows, Johnny Darters, and Crayfish.
Haviland Lake - Durango, CO:
Haviland Lake | 21 Miles North of Durango
Haviland Lake (water level dependent) offers accessible parking near the fishing pier/boat ramp. The nearest restroom is an ADA pit toilet at Haviland Park Campground.
Haviland Lake is an 80-acre, no-wake lake with excellent boating, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. An accessible fishing dock is located on the lakeshore. Anglers cast for rainbow and brown trout. A Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing license is required to fish. The campground is situated on the shore of Haviland Lake, among shady, towering ponderosa pines, at an elevation of 8,705 feet. Many sites have lake views and easy shoreline access. Campers are awarded spectacular views of the Hermosa Cliffs across the lake.
Andrews Lake - Near Silverton, CO:
Andrews Lake Day Use Area | 47 Miles North of Durango | 1 Mile Paved Trail
Andrews Lake Day Use Area is located in the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Silverton, Colorado, close to the summit of Molas Pass. To get to Andrews Lake drive 47 miles north of Durango on US 550 and turn at the sign for the Andrews Lake Day Use Area. Follow the paved road for about one mile to access the parking area. The parking area contains wheelchair-accessible bathrooms as well as signage with information about the lake, trail, and surrounding areas.
The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in partnership with the Forest Service, so it's great for fishing. The one-mile paved trail goes around the lake and provides access to two different paved and accessible fishing areas that are also wheelchair-accessible. While the one-mile-long trail is paved, it's important to note that there are a couple of bumps where the concrete does not line up well.
Accessible outdoor recreational activities may vary based on conditions and the time of year, precipitation, and other weather-related events. Please consider elevation profile, trail distance, user skill level, and equipment type when choosing to participate in a wheelchair-friendly activity. Accessible trails are based on trail width, grade, cross-slopes, obstacles, surface firmness, and surface type. Please note that a wheelchair-friendly or accessible designation does not imply that it meets ADA standards.
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