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Williams Creek
A gem in southern Colorado
by K. Christopherson |
Click
Here to read
more "Fish
Tails" |
The rugged San Juan Mountains of southwestern
Colorado make great eye candy. And they also produce some great
fishing. This is an area where fishing is about more than just
landing a trout. This is a place where you can experience the
beauty and peace of the outdoors, enriching it by having a fly
rod in your hand. One place to enjoy this experience is Williams
Creek, northwest of Pagosa Springs, nestled up on the south side
of the San Juans.
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Williams Creek is located in beautiful
country |
Williams Creek is almost a perfect
trout stream. It's obvious that stream improvements have been
done in parts, with large boulders placed to enhance flow and
provide some cover. It's fairly easy to access a lot of the
creek, and it flows through mostly public lands. This was a
great trout stream several years ago, with rainbows rising to
take a dry in the summer.
However, the drought of the early 2000's took its
toll. Water trickled over the dam. A large part of the fish
population was lost as water levels dropped and temperatures
warmed.
But luckily for everyone, the last two years have
seen larger snowpacks and increased flows. The fish are making a
comeback, supplemented by some stocking (including Cutthroats).
You might catch smaller fish, but enjoy the area and come back
in a couple of years. Just release your fish for now - let them
thrive and reproduce so that the river continues its comeback.
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A modest stream, but can be good
fishing |
Williams Creek flows through almost
entirely public water from its inception to merge with the
Piedra. The headwaters lie in the Weminuche Wilderness. This
area is resplendent in some of Colorado's best scenery, but
demands a good day hike, or overnite. Upon exiting the
wilderness, it flows through San Juan National Forest, in
and out of Williams Creek Reservoir. A short stretch lies on
private land, and then it's back onto forest property. The
last section goes through a fairly narrow glacial canyon
before meeting the Piedra.
Williams
Creek is a tailwater. It's not a huge tailwater, but one
nonetheless. In order to get to the tailwater, you'll need to
drive to the reservoir, walk across the dam, and down the grass
slope. Portions of the tailwater below the dam are wooded, and
several large trees have fallen into the stream. However, if you
can figure out how to fish it, this part of the creek holds some
large trout. There is a small portion of private land
downstream, hence the access from the dam.
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The small tailwater can hold some
large trout |
If all else fails, you can fish in Williams
Creek Reservoir. This is a gorgeous spot and a reasonably large
reservoir. It holds several species of trout including Colorado
River Cutthroats, plus Kokanee Salmon. There are campgrounds on
the lake, and boats are allowed. It's reasonably easy to hike
around the reservoir.
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Williams Creek Reservoir - always an
alternative |
How to get there?
 | Going west from Pagosa Springs on Hwy 160, take the Piedra
Road to the north. Follow the road (it turns into FR631) for
about 20 miles to
the Piedra bridge. After crossing the bridge, you will soon be
following Williams Creek. The reservoir is at the end of the
(decent) forest road. |
Resources:
|
 Click
here to buy a topo map for this area. You need map 140 which
covers Williams Creek and the Reservoir. |
|
 Buy
an ebook on CD: Fifty Colorado Tailwaters: A Fly
Fisher's Guide
Click here
for info or to purchase. Includes information on Williams Creek (and some other places to
fish!) |
Special Rules:
| No special regs in the creek or
reservoir |
Where to stay?
There are a few National Forest campgrounds on or near Williams
Creek. Some of the campgrounds (USFS) near the reservoir
actually have a few plugins and are really nice! There
are also some cabins available near Piedra Ranger Station, or you
can stay in Pagosa Springs. |
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