Whether the gain proves temporary remains to be seen. This population of brown trout doesn't grow big, but action almost always is steady. Large browns and a scattering of rainbows abound in the section through Durango and downstream on the Ute Indian Reservation, where tribal permits are available.
Biologists tout the best rainbow population on the Eastern Slope.
Lots of public access, but don't expect anything big. More and bigger. That's a pleasing prospect for a river that continues to improve. With a solid stocking program, lots of rainbows have escaped pike's teeth. Kokanee add spice to the mix.