Dolores River Anglers

Chapter 145 Trout Unlimited

Where to fish in the � Upper Dolores River Drainage

• The first thing to remember about fishing in Colorado is that stream access is different here from some other states. It is our responsibility as sportspersons to know where the private property is. The land owner is not required to fence or post signage to designate his property. So, if you are not sure or you don’t have permission don’t trespass. Please don’t ruin things for those that do follow the law. We hope that the information presented here will help you find legal access to good fishing.
• The main stem of the Dolores River above the town of Dolores pretty much runs along or within eyesight of Highway 145 all of the way to the summit of Lizard Head Pass. The trick is knowing where there is public access to the river because most of the Dolores River above the town of Dolores to the town of Rico runs across private land. We will refer to mileposts that are located along the roadside of Hwy 145 and obvious land marks and signage along the highway.

�As you enter Dolores from the West find 4^th Street and turn right. Drive 2 blocks to the bridge over the Dolores River. From the 4^th Street bridge downstream to McPhee Reservoir is public access.�

The next public access in Dolores is from the downstream property line of the U.S. Post Office to the upstream property line of the Dolores Public Library.�

The third public access in Dolores is from the downstream property line of Riverside Park upstream to the downstream property line of the Outpost Motel.

��Drive up Hwy 145 looking for milepost 16. About ¼ mile above milepost 16 is the Dolores State Wildlife Area parking lot entrance. Access here is from the irrigation diversion downstream about ¼ mile to the downstream property line of the State Wildlife Area. Stay on the river. DO NOT FISH IN THE PONDS IN THE OLD FISH HATCHERY on the SWA. It is illegal.�

At milepost 17 look for a bridge across the Dolores River. Fishing access here is on the Highway 145 side of the river upstream past the huge boulder to about 100 yards downstream of mile post 18. Look for the sign “State Stocked Waters.” There is no public access upstream of those signs. If in doubt stop at the huge boulder.�

�Continue driving up Hwy 145 to about a half mile past milepost 20. Look for the State Wildlife Area sign. This is the Twin Spruce Ponds Fishing Lease State Wildlife Area. There are 8 ponds. Count from the parking lot and ponds 4 and 8 may not have any fish.�

�At milepost 34 look for the Bear Creek Trailhead sign. Adjacent to the parking lot is a metal footbridge. Fishing access here is about 300 yards above and 200 yards below the foot bridge. �

At milepost 35 is the entrance to Priest Gulch RV Park. Look for the “State Stocked Waters” sign along Highway 145. Be sure to check with the manager of the Priest Gulch RV Park for permission to fish.

At milepost 36 is the entrance to the Circle K Guest Ranch. Look for the “State Stocked Waters” sign along highway 145. Be sure to check with the manager of the Circle K for permission to fish.

At milepost 37 is the turnoff for National Forest access road #436 AKA the Hillside Drive Road. Access is from the Hillside Drive Road bridge over the Dolores River downstream to the Circle K Guest Ranch upstream property line.

At milepost 42 is a bridge over the Dolores River just upstream from the Wildcat Trailhead. Access begins at the bridge on the Highway 145 side of the river for about 300 yards then is on both sides of the river upstream to 200 yards downstream from milepost 44.�

�The town of Rico has some very tricky fishing access. It is safer not to fish in Rico. �

At milepost 49 the “S” curve of Highway 145 winds around a steep cliff. Fishing access is generally from the “S” curve all the way to the summit of Lizard Head Pass. �

THE WEST FORK OF THE DOLORES RIVER, The West Fork of the Dolores River is accessed along Montezuma County Road 38 aka Forest Service Road 535 which junctions with highway 145 ½ mile beyond milepost 23.

Drive about 3.2 miles to the Lower Stoner Trailhead. Only about 200 yards of river access is here on both sides of the stream from the bridge upstream. Be careful of the upstream and downstream unmarked boundaries.�

About 3.1 miles further is the USFS Mavreeso Campground. Check with the campground host for details on public fishing access and cost for daily access.

About 1.4 miles further is the USFS West Dolores Campground. Check with the campground host for details on public fishing access and cost for daily access.

About 3.9 miles beyond the West Dolores Campground is FS Road 686 aka the Stoner Mesa Road. Take a right onto FS Road 686, drive about 150 yards to a bridge. Access here is on both sides of the stream about 100 yards above the bridge and about 300 yards below the bridge.

About 5.1 miles further is FS Road 726. Turn left on to FS Road 726. Stay on the road. It winds through private land and crosses Fish Creek twice. Do not stop and fish until about 200 yards upstream of the second bridge where you are on USFS land for about 200 yards and then you enter the Fish Creek State Wildlife Area. Drive about seven tenths of a mile to the parking lot. Poisonous snakes have been reported along Fish Creek in recent years.

About 5.6 miles further FS Road 535 is the Johnny Bull Trailhead. There is about 300 yards of access on both sides of the stream.

About 1.5 miles further is the Geyser Spring Trailhead access point. There is about 300 yards of access on both sides of the stream.

No clear public access exists for the next 2.3 miles until you get to the upstream property line of the Dunton Resort. Public access continues upstream to a piece of private land just beyond the Kilpacker trailhead which includes all of the “Meadows.” Do not trespass. There are no fish in the intermittent stream on the meadows.

Latest Dolores River Fishing Report Update

• Courtesy of Telluride Outside – Dolores River Update: Dropping by almost 10% per day, the Dolores will be a primary local fishery for most of July.  We're already catching fish on tributary creeks and upper portions of the main branch, both on nymphs and dry flies erring on the large size.  Wading access is certainly an issue, but the entrepreneurial angler will find surprising opportunity on the Dolores.  Nymph with the heavy and visible:  Pat's Rubber Legs, Smethurst's Stone Bomb, AJ's Bird Turd, Wooley Buggers, Prince Nymphs and their many variations, San Juan Worms and the like. 

Good luck, have a safe and fun outdoor experience. �

• It may not be New Zealand but it is damn good.

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• The Dolores River carries some great fish.

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