Fly Fishing The San Juan

By Frank Martin

When the weather turns cold, don’t pack away your rod. New Mexico’s San Juan River is just a stone’s throw away, and home to some of the Country’s best trout fishing.

Let’s face it! Colorado fly fishing is hard to beat, even in the Winter. The fish are hearty, the rivers are plentiful, and the scenery is breathtaking. But there are days when the waters run so cold and icy that even the most rugged fishermen run for cover. High altitude fishing can be brutal between November and February. The fishing is still great; you just have to pick your days more carefully.

But that’s no reason to pack your rod away. When the blizzards hit full throttle, why not hop in the truck and drive a few miles south to New Mexico’s San Juan River? If you’ve never been, you don’t know what you’re missing. If you have, then what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and your favorite fishing buddy—preferably a San Juan civilian—and make a weekend of it.

The San Juan is a ten-mile stretch of some of the most lunker-infested tailwaters in the country. Over 80,000 trout reside in the quality water below the Najajo Dam—and that’s just a four-mile section of the river. Rainbows are the most prevalent, but you can also find plenty of Browns, Cutthroats and Cutbows. The average trout is 17”, but fish over 20” are in heavy abundance. It’s a crowded river, even though it’s far from the nearest metropolitan area, but you can always find a good spot to camp out and angle for your ten-pound monster. (If a San Juan Monster is your game, be sure and ask the locals where to find “Lunker Alley.”)

The secret to San Juan’s year-round appeal is its constant and stable water temperature. The river never rises above or falls below the mid-40’s. This creates a pervasive amount of algae—which is really a mixed blessing. The insect life is prolific, but the wading can be tough. Just check the felt on your boots before you go and you should be fine.

The character of the river varies significantly, from braided flats, deep pools, to riffles. You can float, boat, or wade the river in most sections. And the width of the river varies from 120 to 150 feet. Below the Dam is where you’ll find most of the fish—and fishermen—mostly Rainbows. But further down you’ll find more than your fair share of Browns. And the majority of it is public access land, with numerous spots to park and fish along the way.

For a successful day of fishing, make sure you have the right gear. The water is cold—even in the summer—so bring a good pair of thermals with your waders. Last time out I had on a polypropylene liner sock beneath a thick wool blend pair, and my feet stayed fairly comfortable. Wool or neoprene gloves are a must, and headgear doesn’t hurt either. And keep a rain jacket handy, just in case. Above all, make sure you don’t get wet! With all the new gear and clothing on the market, there’s no reason any day of fishing has to be unpleasant—even if the weather turns bitter.

Finding fish on the San Juan is as easy as looking down at your feet! From your first step into the water you begin to understand what makes this river so popular. Catching them is another matter—but even that isn’t terribly difficult with the right gear and advice.

Most San Juan fisherman find nymphing the most productive. During non-hatch periods and early in the morning, try using worms, leeches, midge larva, and baetis. You might try dead drifting with enough weight to get the flies to the bottom. As the fish start to rise in the water to feed, lighten up on your weight and move the indicator down closer to the fly. San Juan fish are notorious for feeding just below the surface. Most area guides will set you up with a two-fly rig—which isn’t a bad approach. It’s a good way to cover all your bases, and help determine what the fish are doing at a given time. And be prepared to tie on a 6x or 7x tippet in order to fool these fisherman-savvy trout!

Like all rivers, hatches vary with the seasons (and the day), so be sure you check with a local shop before heading to the river. You’ll find that the San Juan guides and shop owners love to talk about San Juan fishing, and are usually quick to share a secret or two.

Speaking of guides, it’s a good idea to hire one your first time out—even if you are a seasoned angler. They can teach you more about the river in one day than you could learn in a month of Sundays on your own. We’ve included a short list here to get your started.

Don’t let Colorado winters get you down! Try the San Juan for a change of pace and scenery. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Who to call:

Duranglers: 505-632-2634

Sandstone Anglers: 888-339-9789

Soaring Eagle: 800-866-2719

 

About The Author

Frank Martin is Managing Editor and co-publisher of High Country Angler. He is a freelance writer and author of more than twelve books (none of which are fishing related). You can visit his website at www.frankmmartin.com. Or you can write to Frank at frank@hcangler.com.