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Catch of the Week - Do you have a Catch of the Week? Submit your Catch of the Week photos to The Durango Herald. E-mail pictures to dstrode@durangoherald.com, drop them off at 1275 Main Ave. in downtown Durango or mail them to Outdoors, The Durango Herald, P.O. Drawer A, Durango, CO, 81302.

Animas River - The river is running low and clear. Because of the warm, dry weather water is warmer than usual, and fish are favoring holes. Cast near undercut banks for brown trout. Rainbows prefer faster water. Anglers should be ready to try a variety of flies: caddis, nymphs, hopper-droppers and stimulators. If the water
goes off-color because of rain, try a wooly bugger. Small spinners preferred for spin casters.

Conejos River - Flows on the Conejos are 900 cfs on the lower river and 327 cfs below Platoro. Fishing conditions are improving, and the water is clear on most days. The salmon fly hatch has started. Angling techniques include nymphing and dry-droppers, spinner fishing and bait. The Conejos has two sections of special fishing regulation waters. The first is from the upper boundary of Aspen Glade campground to Menkhaven Resort: artificial flies only and a daily bag and possession limit of two trout 16 inches or longer. The second is from the confluence of the South Fork to the lower bridge at Platoro: artificial flies and lures only, with a daily bag and possession limit of two trout 16 inches or longer.

Dolores River (lower) - Fishing in the Dolores River below the dam is showing promise.

Dolores River (upper) - Fish the river high in the drainage above and below Rico where public access is available and the fish habitat is good. The river is running low, so look for pocket water in the morning and evening. Small dry flies, nymphs and spinners are effective. Much of the lower part of the river is private. Because the lower section of the river has been channeled over the years, habitat is poor, and the river holds few fish.

Haviland Lake - The lake north of Durango has been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. Fishing with Power Bait, salmon eggs and small spoon-type lures has been fair to good.

Los Pinos River - The river above Vallecito Reservoir is accessible only on foot and requires a hike of more than a mile from the trailhead. Anglers who hike farther will see more rewards. A stealthy approach is recommended. Be prepared to try a variety of flies: caddis, mayflies, small hopper patterns. Below the reservoir, the river runs through private property.

McPhee Reservoir - Fishing for trout has been good. Anglers also have been enjoying good activity for smallmouth bass. Remember that all smallmouth and largemouth bass 10-15 inches long must be returned to the lake immediately. However, anglers should keep fish that are less than 10 inches. They are tasty, and by taking out the smaller fish, more food is left for the others to grow to trophy size. Boat inspections are conducted from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sagehen ramp.

•Navajo Reservoir - Water temperature is 68 degrees, and fishing is improving as water continues to cool. Pike fishing is very good on large swim baits and larger crank baits around the rocks. Bass fishing is good early and late on buzz baits. Trout fishing is fair up the San Juan arm on nightcrawlers. Catfish fishing is improving on dough baits and livers.

Pastorius Reservoir - The reservoir south of Durango has been stocked with catchable-sized trout. Fishing has been fair to good with the standard array of baits and lures.

•Piedra River - The Piedra is running low, and fish are gathering in holes. The river, however, receives a lot of pressure. Anglers who are willing to hike a couple of miles off the road will be rewarded. Be prepared to try a variety of wet- and dry-fly patterns and small spinners.

San Juan high country lakes, streams - The high country lakes and streams are open, and fishing is good. Use small spinners, dry flies and nymphs. Fishing the high lakes requires a stealthy approach and presentation.

San Juan River - The San Juan is running very low and clear. Fish are bunching up in holes. Hopper-droppers, caddis emergers, small attractors and nymphs are safe bets. Fishing is only fair.

Summit Reservoir - Population sampling by the Colorado Division of Wildlife has shown the sucker-eradication effort in 2007 was successful. The reservoir has a good population of 10- to 14-inch rainbow trout and has been fishing fairly well.

Vallecito Reservoir - Excellent fishing reported for northern pike and smallmouth bass. Some anglers are reporting catching walleye. Use spinners and Rapalas. Trout fishing is slow.