Durango Hunting Trips | Fishing Trips and Horseback Trips

Pine River Fishing Camp

Wildernes Fishing

Wilderness River Fishing in the Weminuche Wilderness

Pine River Fishing Camp is a guided wilderness fishing camp operated by Colorado Wilderness Outfitters within the Weminuche Wilderness of Southwest Colorado.

This camp is accessed by horseback and designed for multi-day, private fishing trips on public land. The experience emphasizes river and moving-water fishing in a remote backcountry setting, with extended time in wilderness terrain and minimal outside pressure.

Overview

Overview of the Pine River Camp Experience

Emerald Lake is a high-country Stillwater fishery

Pine River Fishing Camp is centered on river-based fishing and surrounding tributaries within designated wilderness. The setting is more linear and movement-oriented than a stillwater-focused camp, offering anglers the opportunity to spend time on moving water and explore multiple stretches of river over the course of a trip.

Because access is limited and regulated, fishing pressure is significantly lower than on road-accessible waters.

Trips are structured to 
allow anglers to:

species

Fish Species & Fishing Opportunities

The Pine River system 
and nearby waters support:

Cutthroat trout
Rainbow trout
Brook trout

moving water

Fishing primarily takes place on moving water, with techniques adapted to conditions. Methods may include dry flies, nymphing, or streamers depending on flow, weather, and time of season.

River-based fishing 
often involves:

Walking and wading along variable banks
Fishing multiple runs and holding water
Adjusting tactics throughout the day

The wilderness setting provides:

Extended isolation

Undeveloped river corridors

A quiet, low-traffic fishing environment

location

Camp Location
& Wilderness Setting

Emerald Lake Fishing Camp operates entirely within the Weminuche Wilderness and is subject to federal wilderness regulations. There is no road access, and all travel into and out of camp is by horseback.

 

Horseback rides to camp are planned to balance access with guest comfort and are typically kept under extended, all-day ride lengths when possible.

camps

Camp Setup & Daily Life

Pine River Fishing Camp is an established wilderness camp designed for longer stays and daily fishing access.

Camp typically includes:

The camp serves as a consistent base, allowing guests to fish nearby waters without the need to relocate camp frequently.

food

Food & Meals

Meals at Pine River Fishing Camp are chef-prepared and finished in camp by your guide. This approach allows for quality meals while keeping group sizes small and operations efficient.

 

Meals are designed to support full days on the river and time spent outdoors in variable conditions.

Accessibility

Physical Effort & Accessibility

While Pine River Fishing Camp is suitable for a range of ability levels.

Guests should be comfortable with:

No prior horseback riding experience is required. Horses and mules are selected and trained for mountain travel, and guides assist guests throughout the trip.

season

Seasons & Planning

Fishing at Pine River Camp is dictated by seasonal conditions, snowpack, water flows, and access windows within the Weminuche Wilderness. Timing varies year to year based on environmental conditions.

 

Colorado Wilderness Outfitters works directly with clients to determine appropriate timing based on trip goals and current conditions.

pricing

Pricing and Booking

Pricing for Pine River Fishing Camp varies by trip length and season. Final pricing and availability are confirmed through direct conversation to ensure the trip is a good fit.

Contact

Start Planning a Pine River Fishing Trip

If you’re considering a guided wilderness fishing trip on the Pine River and want to understand logistics, expectations, and timing, we encourage you to reach out.