Sportsman's Campground, RV & Mountain Cabins in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Sportsman's Supply

Fish the stonefly hatch from roughly the last week of may into the second week of June and watch the hungry Browns go nuts!

Please practice catch and release in the area streams to ensure a quality fishery for the future. Pinch down the barbs on your hooks and be gentle with the fish to ensure survival.

The limit is 4 trout on most of the streams however increased fishing pressure and inevitable low water years will eventually take its toll, especially on the larger fish. If you want to keep a couple fish to eat please keep them from the lake which is stocked each year.

Williams Reservoir is a medium sized lake located 5 miles north of us with beautiful mountains in the background stocked with Snake River cutthroat trout and a resident population of brook trout and kokanee salmon. The reservoir reaches depths of more than 60 feet making for a great trout environment. Most fish are between 6 and 13 inches but there are plenty of 14-25 inch fish to make things interesting. Fishing from shore, especially in May, June, September and October can be very productive with worms or small spinners and spoons. A boat (we have two motor boats and a canoe for rent) will help you move around and find the fish easier especially during the summer.

The Piedra River and it's tributaries, including Williams Creek, offer great fly fishing opportunities for native cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. The general rule in the area is the further you walk away from the road, the better the fishing though during April and May the fishing can be great anywhere. July and august bring fishing pressure and lower water levels which makes the fishing a bit more technical. Stealth and proper fly/lure presentation is key at this time of the year.

The small streams (15-20 feet across) offer some fun fishing for smaller 6-10 inch trout with the occasional big brown trout. The Piedra River, just 1.5 miles down the road, includes almost 11 miles of river only accessible by foot. This wild and beautiful river ranges from 30' to 50' across and is characterized by many pool/drop stretches and boulder filled runs with many fish, some very sizeable, especially down river a few miles. Flies and artificial lures with a two fish limit are the regulations on the Piedra River.

Late May usually includes a large stonefly hatch that brings out a feeding frenzy and some huge 20" plus browns. Caddis flies and grasshoppers are around most of the summer.

Recommended fly fishing gear for the area includes a 2-4 weight rod for the smaller streams and a 4-6 weight rod for the Piedra and Williams Reservoir - all equipped with floating fly line. Don't forget split shot and floatant. A good selection of flies would include: Hoppers sizes #10-16, Stimulators #10-16, Blue Olive Dunn #12-18, Elk Hair Caddis #12-16, Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-18, Hares Ear # 12-16 and Stonefly Nymph patterns. Also don't forget a net and polarized sunglasses. We carry a good selection of flies and tackle in the store.

Recommended spinning gear includes a light action rod with 4-10 lb test line, small spinners (blue, silver, orange and black are popular), size 6-10 hooks for bait fishing, split shot and bobbers. We have a good selection of tackle, salmon eggs, power bait, and worms in the store. We also sell fishing licenses.

This is a popular hunting destination due to the healthy population of elk and the vast area in which to hunt. Access to the National Forest is simple though the terrain is steep and difficult with lush meadows scattered around - perfect for wildlife. We are located in hunting unit #77 with two rifle seasons in which elk tags are over the counter (remember your hunter safety card) and two draw rifle seasons. All rifle seasons are in mid-October to mid-November. There is an over the counter archery season during the month of September and a draw only black powder season in mid-September. Bear tags are also available over the counter during most of the hunts. All mule deer tags are draw only. Call 1-303-297-1192 to receive a free big game brochure from the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Crazy Horse Outfitters, who operate out of our campground, specialize in guided hunts and full service hunts in the wilderness. They also offer pack out services if you are lucky enough to get an animal. There are several meat processing services in Pagosa to properly process any game.

Within the 1.8 million acres of National Forest and wilderness, there are endless miles of hiking trails and sight-seeing opportunities. Several trails are accessed right from our campground and others begin up the road at trailheads. Trail difficulties range from easy to straight up. Several trails lead to the tops of mountains including a beautiful hike up Pagosa Peak - elevation 12,640'. The trail is well worn and rated moderate to difficult though it is only a few miles to the top. It's well worth hike.

All of the roads around us are improved gravel roads and dead end at trailheads so sight-seeing from your vehicle is easy. Watch out for wildlife including elk, deer, beer, coyotes, mountain lions, moose and occasional big horn sheep.