Root Pond
is a private 8-acre lake we float and wade fish. It is tucked away in draw west of Durango, hidden amongst the rolling Pinto bean fields surrounded by Pinion pine, sage brush and small willows. It is home to some of the largest trout in the area. Monster trout ranging in size from 1 to 7 pounds, and they crush streamers and dries. Be it a diet of crawfish or damsels we have no idea why these fish are so incredibly mean and strong. Many of these fish have abnormally large girth.

The pond is deep and clear, allowing full view of fish cruising weed beds, rock points and long flats in search of grub. We float it in our standard drift boats or skiffs. This gives the angler the ability to spot fish, lead the fish with a cast and hopefully hook and play it.

The trout
Most trout in Root Pond are a Donaldson-Bailey cross. They definitely show off their steelhead traits with long power runs and thrashing leaps. There are also a few cut-bows lurking about. There are also monstrous crappie and yellow perch.

The season
begins in late February and extends to early July. Our fall season starts in late September and goes through October. In the spring, fish destroy streamers and will pounce on midges. The midges, looking like bats, are large compared to their San Juan cousins. April through June is when the cali baetis and damsel flies hatch. There will be thousands of blue adult damsels flying and mating all over the place, and it is common to see mating pairs snatched from the air by an aggressive, impatient trout. Due to the high protein diet some fish are as big around as they are long. Fish size ranges from 14 to 25 inches.

Still water fly fishing you just have to experience
This pond has become a fantastic place to fish regardless of ability. If you are just beginning in the sport of fly fishing, or if you have years under your belt on all types of water you will find Root Pond to be a special and exciting place to wet a line.