Purgatoire River
The Purgatoire River near Trinidad, Colorado holds brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout below Trinidad Lake.
- 247 miRiver length
- 3Game fish
- 22Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Purgatoire
The Purgatoire River runs through southeast Colorado near Trinidad. It starts in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, flows through Trinidad Lake, and continues toward the Comanche National Grassland. It is a long river, about 247 miles from source to mouth.
Brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout live here. The fishing is more challenging than on better known Colorado rivers. Flows depend on the dam and the weather, and water can run low in some sections. Many anglers look for good water between Stonewall and Weston, and near Trinidad Lake State Park.
Public access exists at the state park and in other sections. Much of the river runs past private ranch land. Spring and summer are listed as favorite seasons.
Check Colorado Parks and Wildlife rules and look for posted property before you fish.
Purgatoire River near Thatcher, CO
Is the Purgatoire fishing today?
See today's top 10 rivers near you, free. Go Premium to score the Purgatoire, or any gage, on demand.
Nearby gages
- Van Bremer Arroyo near Model, CO8.8 mi away Not reporting USGS 07126200
- Timpas Creek at mouth near Swink, CO39.6 mi away Not reporting USGS 07121500
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
Tap a fish to see every Colorado river that holds it.
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Upper Arkansas watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 11 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Purgatoire
-
Start at Trinidad Lake State Park
The park gives legal access and a good starting point for exploring.
-
Watch flows
Flows can be low below the dam. Pick pools and deeper runs.
-
Explore Stonewall to Weston
Anglers who know the river often target this stretch.
-
Respect ranch land
A lot of the river is private. Stay on public access.
-
Pack a Colorado license
You need a valid Colorado fishing license.
Every access point on the Purgatoire, in your pocket.
- 22 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Purgatoire River FAQ
Where can I fish the Purgatoire River near Trinidad?
Trinidad Lake State Park is a good starting point. Other public sections exist, but much of the river crosses private land.
Can you wade the Purgatoire River?
Yes. It is a modest river in many places. Flows vary with dam releases and runoff.
What is the best time to fish the Purgatoire River?
Spring and summer are listed as favorite seasons.
What flies work on the Purgatoire River?
Pheasant Tail, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams and hopper patterns are solid choices. For what is hatching and working today, check the FlyFishFinder app.
What fish are in the Purgatoire River?
The river holds brown trout, rainbow trout and cutthroat trout.
Are there special rules on the Purgatoire River?
Rules depend on the section. Check the current Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations.
