Introduction

The San Juan River is a lunker-infested piece of tailwater with an amazing fish density.  Because of this, San Juan River fly fishing is often a crowded experience, despite the distance from any major metropolitan area.  Located in northwestern New Mexico, it holds 10 miles of excellent water.  Rainbows predominate and average 14" - 20", with bigger daddies not hard to find.  The river can be fished year-round.  Want to catch a 10-pound monster?  The San Juan River may be your place.  There's even a stretch called "Lunker Alley."

San Juan

Character

The San Juan River below Navajo Dam is classic tailwater, with stable water temperatures never rising above the mid-40's.  The result is pervasive algae, which is a mixed blessing: prolific insect life (good for trout), but tough wading (bad for fishermen).  Given the numbers and size of trout, the trade-off seems well worth it.  While cold water is a constant, the river's character varies from braided flats, deep pools and riffles which can be waded or floated.  Fluctuating water flows can alter the character significantly.  While the river varies considerably in width, the average is 120 to 150 feet.  The surroundings vary from canyon to wide valley.  Escaping from Navajo Dam, near the town of Aztec, it provides 10 miles of top-notch fishing (quality deteriorates further downstream).  The first 3.75 miles, deemed "Quality Water" by the state, are the most popular and contain nearly all rainbows.  The remaining 6.25 hold some browns.  

Accessibility & Directions (get driving directions)

The quality fly fishing, between Navajo Dam and the bridge near Abe's shop (New Mexico route 173), is on public land and is accessible from highway 511, which parallels the river to the south.  The highway provides pull-offs to numerous public parking areas close to the river.  On the north bank of the river, a smaller road leads from 173 roughly half way up to the dam.  From this road you have access to two public parking areas and Cottonwood Campground.  Camping and parking require a small fee.

Closest facilities (lodging, restaurants) are at Abe's and Rizuto's at the intersection of 173 and 511, right at the river.  Farther from the river, Aztec (20 miles), Bloomfield (20 miles) and Farmington (35 miles) provide more extensive accommodations.  Durango, Colorado, is the closest sizable airport (45 miles away).   Check out our list of San Juan River fly shops.  Click here to get driving directions to Navajo Dam.  

When & How to Fish

The San Juan River can either be waded or floated, and fished year-round.  When wading, be sure to have warm neoprenes and slip-resistant boots (felt and/or cleats).  During run-off in May and June, the channel braids can be waded in addition to other areas which are wadeable throughout the year.  Wading is made convenient by the numerous parking areas close to the river and the fact that the land is public.  If you prefer floating, you can take a 14-mile trip down to the town of Blanco.  Trout feed regularly on leeches and other aquatic worms -- hence the famous San Juan Worm pattern and the popularity of leech and Wooly Bugger imitations.  Trout eggs can also be successful in late fall and winter.  More traditional hatching insects abound as well (mayflies, caddisflies, and particularly midges, which are important year-round).  Hatches to consider fishing are Blue-Winged Olives (spring and fall), Pale Morning Duns (summer to early fall), and Caddisflies (scattered).  Wet fly fishing is outstanding, but numerous hatches also provide excellent surface fishing.  For more advice on when and how to fish, check out the books and fly shops below.  We appreciate your input on this page.  Please e-mail us.