This is the third year for the project that stocks quality fish in the San Juan River, downtown Pagosa Springs. From all measures, the effort is a great success. It creates a superb fishing opportunity for visitors and locals alike and is great promotion for the town.

I have been at the promotion business here for a quarter of a century and can tell you this is great promotion. Last year a fellow caught a “big one” across from Main Street. He was so proud that he paraded up and down in front of the Chamber of Commerce and The Springs Resort’s hot pools along with people across the river in the parking area. Dozens of folks were taking photos and video. Most of them returned home and showed off their vacation pictures and BAM! There is a very special image of Pagosa Springs. The story would go, “We couldn’t believe it, a guy pulled this huge fish out of the river right in front of us and look how beautiful this town is.” Minds are thinking, “Pagosa Springs…Ummmmm…go there…fish…soak in hot tubs…Ummmm…have fun…spend money…next summer…YES.”

Another positive I’ve noticed concerns fisher people and their families. I’ve spent a lot of time in the area of the deck and mineral mound off the downtown parking area handing out my little magazine and talking with tourists. I often see vehicles pull in and stop, the fisher person spies the river and other people fishing and says, “Break time.” As he or she pulls the rod out the family flows across the street, money in hand.  These sorts of things happen all season long. That kind of positive promotion just cannot be purchased, other, of course, than supporting the project that makes it possible.

The Project extends big thanks all the businesses and people who supported the Pagosa Quality Fishing Project for the 2005 fishing season. Fund raising was successful and they were able to stock 159 lbs. of 10-12 lb. cutbows; 502 lbs., 3-5 lb. Rainbows; 450 lbs., 14­ to 18" rainbows and 200 lbs. of 11 to 14" rainbows in the San Juan River throughout town.

One of the indicators of the success of the stocking project and the previous river restoration project is that the fish are being caught all year long.  Because of the habitat created in the river, they aren’t leaving like they did in decades past. This indicates a healthy and thriving fish population in our beautiful river. 

The Pagosa Quality Fishing Project account currently has $643 left from the 2005 season. The total donations for 2005 were $6,123. The account is at Wells Fargo Bank, account #624-5002974 and donations may be made directly or given to Thaddeus Cano at the Ski & Bow Rack in East Pagosa Springs. The Pagosa Quality Fishing Project would like to raise $7,380 for the 2006 season. With the price of gas increasing, the delivery of the fish will be going from $100 to possibility $200. The project would like your input whether to have two 850 lb. deliveries or three 550 lb. deliveries.

The Project is looking for new supporters so greater goals can be achieved. Everyone should twist arms, sweet talk, and beg business owners and fisherman for their support. Pick up a form from Thad so you can choose the size of fish you want stocked. If you have any questions, please call Thad Cano at 264-2370.

For more information on similar subjects, click on any of the following links:

• The River Restoration Project
• San Juan River Primer
• Map of Pagosa Springs and the San Juan River
• Map of the Rivers and Lakes of the Area
• General Area Fishing Information
• Area Fishing Story

Many thanks to last year's 2005 supporters:

• Chamber of Commerce
• Wolf Creek Run
• JJ's Restaurant
• Jackish Drugs
• Ponderosa Do It Best
• The Source
• Citizen's Bank
• Paint Connection Plus
• Pagosa Outside
• Bear Creek Bar & Grill
• Fishheads of the San Juan
• JD's Wholesale Plumbing
• Bootjack Ranch
• Jann C. Pitcher Realty
• Jim Smith Realty
• Let it Fly
• McDonalds
• Mountain Spirits
• Hudd Construction
• Mount-n-Man Taxidermy
• Ramon's
• Super 8 Motel
• David Cammack
• Choke Cherry Tree
• Don & Terri Sullivan
• Ron Tinsely
• Gass Production Products
• Pagosa Nursery
• Trout Worms
• Upscale Resale
• Taco Bell/KFC
• Adventure Real Estate
• Alan Cohen
• Goodman's Department Store
• Mountain States Sports, Inc.
• River Bend Trout Farm