The best winter-fishing river and well-known throughout the angling world is the San Juan River below Navajo Dam. Lone Tree, CO 80124 We offer float fishing, wade fishing, Navajo Lake fishing trips, San Juan fishing reports and the best trip/lodging packages in the area. World-class trout fishing is experienced all along the San Juan River in New Mexico, but the 4.25 miles of river just below Navajo Dam, known as "Quality Waters", holds over 80,000 trout. The San Juan River quality waters, which is a 4 miles stretch of river below Navajo Lake Dam (tailwaters) is a consistent producer of both rainbows and browns averaging 16 to 18 inches, with many reaching much larger proportions. New Mexico Fly Fishing on the World Famous San Juan River. Wolf Creek Pass Ski Area reports that the have now received over 200 inches of snow […] Required fields are marked *. Great day of fishing with brother Jimmy T’s Private Fly Fishing RV Camping Retreat Near Navajo Dam on the San Juan River and within walking distance to world class fishing. Join us and you'll learn the fly fishing secrets of the world famous San Juan River from our expert congenial team of licensed professionals. Copyright © 2017, Minturn Anglers, LLC All rights reserved. To bad we can’t go here the only place that has water!!!!! This is a directory only; it is not and does not contain a The best fishing is found in the San Juan River below Navajo Dam. The Governor of New Mexico Didn’t change her stance on Non Residents!!! Kiddie Hole is located just upstream and east of the Texas Hole parking lot. Year round world-class trout fishing can be experienced along this popular section of the San Juan River just below Navajo Lake Dam. The best fishing is found in the San Juan River below Navajo Dam. With its international reputation and angler success, the San Juan River is without a doubt the finest trout fishery in New Mexico. that there are 15,000 fish per mile. The 4.25 miles (6.84 km) of San Juan River just below Navajo Dam/Lake is among the most hallowed trout fishing waters in North America and is ranked a USA Top-10 Fly Fishing Destination. View on Google Maps, Monday to Thursday: 9:00AM - 5:00PMFriday and Saturday: 9:00AM - 6:00PM And now, I fish full time as founder and guide of Chris Kirchmaier Fly Fishing. After you’ve caught 20-30 fish, challenge yourself and throw some dry flies! Mapquest Driving Directions, 1-25 South Route: (6 hrs 50 mins / 378.33 miles), 285 South Route (6 hrs 56 mins / 365.67 miles) Flies: Fist remember, “If you ain’t got RED you’re DEAD!” Former San Juan River guide Frank Smethurst’s is now a commercial tier for Montana Fly Company. Follow the San Juan all the way to the Navajo Reservoir, and you will need to have a New Mexico fishing license. document.write(y); RV and tent camping on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam, New Mexico. For streamers, nothing beats the swing on the San Juan. From its humble origin high on the snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, its crystal clear waters tumble and cascade down remote canyons and rocky mountainsides, until it is gathered and harnessed in its impoundment of Navajo Lake, straddling the border of two great western states. Click Trout Symbols on Map for More Fishing Information. Getting to Navajo Dam, NM & San Juan River From Denver, CO Minturn Anglers, LLC. With 15,000 fish per mile how couldn’t it? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Quality Water section of the San Juan yields a quality population of Rainbow, Cutbow, and Brown Trout. All-Inclusive San Juan River fishing getaway that includes guided fishing, comfortable accommodations and gourmet meals prepared just for you. Same tactics will apply either way. Both are great on the swing behind a black or olive gummy bugger! The upper flats and braids section is great sight fishing water, while prime spots down stream can be blind fished very effectively. Call Fishheads San Juan River Lodge at 505-634-0463 for reservations. The 4.25 miles (6.84 km) of San Juan River just below Navajo Dam/Lake is among the most hallowed trout fishing waters in North America and is ranked a USA Top-10 Fly Fishing Destination. Access 1632 trusted reviews, 2 photos & 11 tips from fellow RVers. To bad we can’t go here the only place that has water!!!!! Pine Campground is on the north side of the lake above the dam. An average San Juan river trout is 17", but fish over 20" are abundant. All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under BLM Special Use Permit and under Special Use Permit with the White River National Forest. “It looks better now than it did at twice the flow,” Wethington remarked while inspecting the work recently. . We offer float fishing, wade fishing, Navajo Lake fishing trips, San Juan fishing reports and the best trip/lodging packages in the area. We have one of the most exciting trout waters in America, the San Juan River in New Mexico below Navajo Dam, just a scenic and easy sixty minute drive from Durango, Colorado. The 4.25 miles of San Juan river quality water below Navajo Dam holds over 80,000 trout. 3/3/2020 Fisheads San Juan River Lodge… Calendars of Events | National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites | Scenic Byways & Drives | Fishing & Fly Fishing | Hot Springs | Horse Riding | ATV/UTVing | Jeeping & 4WD | Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking | Attractions | Golfing | Restaurants & Dining | More Fun Stuff | Hunting & Land Leases | Snowmobiling | Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding | Snowshoeing | Cross-Country Skiing, A-Z Towns & Areas | Colorado Maps | About Us. The fishing is the big draw to staying at this campground. San Juan River Trips Fly Fishing, Packrafting, and Bikepacking Adventures Lodging and Getaway Packages. While spending 22 years in the construction, ranching and horse businesses, Ray and Wanda continued fly fishing and developing fly patterns for the ever changing tail water below Navajo Dam. This is a world-class trout fishery and thanks to a constant flow of cold water from beneath Navajo Dam the fishing remains good all winter long. The streamflow here is 392 cubic-feet-per-second, which is less than 50-percent of normal. The South Platte River- Badger Basin / Tomahawk SWA, Scott Fly Rod Introduces The New Centric Fly Rod, Education, Instructions, Training, Fly Fishing Schools. San Juan River: Stream flow Monday morning was 382 cfs. And, as the river flows through New Mexico, it is a float-trip dream. Even so, plan accordingly with a layering system that will keep you comfortable and fishing longer in any weather scenario. 106 Main Street, Minturn, CO 81645 The population of Navajo Dam varies according to the season. Many Colorado guides and flyshops offer fishing float trips on this portion of the river. By GEORGE MORSESports & OutdoorsLos Alamos Daily Post The weather forecast is a bit more promising this coming week. The fish population dwindles some here in addition to individual fish size because bag and possession is less strict. THE SAN JUAN RIVER. In accordance with the Public Health Order, effective Dec. 3, NM State Parks reopened to New Mexico residents for day-use only. The situation has improved in Colorado. Come fly fishing with us on the beautiful San Juan River. *Bag and possession limits and catch and release regulations vary throughout the Quality Water section, please consult local guidelines for detailed information. The San Juan is a consistent producer of both rainbows and browns averaging 16 to 18 inches, with many reaching much larger proportions. For stinger hooks, we recommend tying a red annelid onto a #14-16 2499 SPBL hook. It is very quiet. The amount of fish in this section of the river boggles the mind. The San Juan heads in the mountains of the same name, flowing south to be impounded in Navajo Lake. Their are several other ramps on the lower river as well. The Ice fishing on the areas lakes is heating up, Hatcher has been the best! Have a variety of split shot with you, and 9ft 4x-6x leaders. We’re here to help you book your trip. From early spring to late fall anglers will find their catch of small-mouth Bass, Crappie and Pike. After heading in the mountains surrounding Wolf Creek Pass and flowing through Pagosa Springs, the San Juan flows into Navajo Reservoir. The amount of fish in this section of the river boggles the mind. The tail-waters to Navajo Dam are the beginnings to the San Juan River, one of the top ten fishing destinations in the World! This fly is eaten not as an individual midge, but a s a midge cluster. The fish population dwindles some here in addition to individual fish size because bag and possession is less strict. Brown trout naturally reproduce in the river and the rainbow. Float'N Fish carries quality fly fishing tackle, rods, reels, waders, flies as well as provides San Juan River Fishing Maps. The publisher, 2 reviews of Born N' Raised Guide Service on the San Juan "So, I used these folks via Abe's up in Navajo Damn for my fishing day in the San Juan. We have reason to brag about 80,000 trout in 4.5 miles, this is fly fishing paradise every day of the year! The San Juan is a consistent producer of both rainbows and browns averaging 16 to 18 inches, with many reaching much larger proportions. San Juan below Navajo Dam: Close to all non residents. Water of the San Juan River, downstream of Navajo Dam. falsity or completeness of any representation made herein or any errors, changes, Navajo Lake, Colorado includes: Arboles, Navajo Dam, Places to Stay & Facility Features . We then took the truck and trailer downstream to the game and fish’s “take out” area just above the Hammond diversion dam. Both have newly remodeled rooms equipped with Microwave, Refrigerator, Free WI-FI, Flat Screen TV’s and Direct TV. Water released from the bottom of the dam is stable, clear, cold and rich in nutrients. Red Tube steak Annelids in size 16-22 also need to find their way into your box along with some Palomino Midges(red) in similar sizes. The Ice fishing on the areas lakes is heating up, Hatcher has been the best! PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. AGAIN!! The river from the base of dam has a world famous stretch of trout fishing and drift boat run on the San Juan River. San Gregorio Lake: Anglers reported that the lake is frozen. The San Juan is probably best known for its tailwaters at the base of Navajo Dam. The first 3½ miles, however, are designated Quality Water and have strict bag and possession limits and often allow catch and release only*. the dam has provided a perfect environment for the growth of trophy sized trout. The San Juan River annual hydrograph exhibits large seasonal variations with the highest monthly flow of 5,267 cubic feet per second (149.1 m 3 /s) in June, and the lowest of 1,061 cubic feet per second (30.0 m 3 /s) in December. Rental boats available at the marina (see information below). Sims Mesa is just south of the river and the dam off SH 539. Nightly, weekly, and monthly rentals The Pine River and Sims Mesa sites located on the lake near the dam include visitor centers, developed campgrounds, and full service marinas. Griffith’s Knat’s in size 16-22 will work well. DRY FLIES: You can find pods of fish rising to clusters of midges 365 days a year! Cabins & Cottages | Motels & Hotels | Lodging & Lodges | Vacation Homes | Condos, Suites & Townhomes | Bed & Breakfast | Tent Camping | RV Parks & Campgrounds | RV Sales, Service & Rentals | Romance Packages | Family Friendly | Pets Welcome | By Water | Swimming Pools | Guest Horses | Groups, Reunions & Retreats | Weddings & Elopements | Winter Lodging, Fun Things to Do The San Juan It has been said that trout only live in beautiful places. is an equal opportunity employer. For those who enjoy lake fishing, Navajo Lake will never disappoint. The Rainbow Lodge sits on the banks of the San Juan River in New Mexico, just downstream from the town of Navajo Dam, New Mexico. Located in the northwest corner of New Mexico, the San Juan River below Navajo Dam is world renowned for providing some of the most steady action year round. An average San Juan River trout is 17", but fish over 20" are abundant. Find the best campgrounds & rv parks near Navajo Dam… The best winter-fishing river and well-known throughout the angling world is the San Juan River below Navajo Dam. Several specially named areas provide good access and success rates in the Quality Water: Just beyond (west of) Caddis Corner the water becomes Public Fishing and the regulations are based on the State of New Mexico. The San Juan River, located in Northwestern New Mexico, is one of the most famous tail-water trout fisheries in the world. Let our authentic southwestern flyfishing guides, known as some of the best fishing guides in New Mexico, show you just why the Quality Waters below Navajo Dam, NM remains the top location in the United States for trout fly fishing trips. [1] The river drains an area of about 24,600 square miles (64,000 km2) in southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, southeastern Utah, and a small part of northeastern Arizona. SAN JUAN RIVER BELOW NAVAJO DAM. The Texas Hole - the most popular and famous fishing spot on the stretch of the San Juan River within the park - is located about one mile west of Navajo Dam. Guided float and wade fly fishing adventures in Southwest Colorado and on the legendary San Juan River below Navajo Dam. Lead/point/attractor/flies should include flossy worms, micro San Juans, egg patterns & LEECHES! Santa Cruz Lake: Open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Ice fishing is not allowed. var x = date.getYear(); Look for actively feeding fish and time their rise. Fly Fishing On The San Juan River In New Mexico The San Juan River is located in Northwestern New Mexico. Visitors from around the world visit the area to fish the "Quality Waters" along the San Juan River and Navajo Lake State Park. From the Dam to New Mexico Highway 173 (NM 173), almost seven miles of river, fishing is open to all who venture. The San Juan River joins the Colorado River at Lake Powell, a huge reservoir, and in fact the westmost (and lowest) miles of the San Juan River are impounded by Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam. Another favorite midge is the#18-22  Red/Black Jujubee Midge tied by Charlie Craven. var date = new Date(); The San Juan River site located on both sides of the river below Navajo Dam has wheelchair-accessible fishing facilities on the river, several hiking trails, seven day use areas, and a campground. Minturn Anglers is an equal opportunity employer operating under the Colorado River Outfitter License number 472, State of Colorado Outfitter 2597, and numerous special use permits with the BLM, White River National Forest, and the Colorado DOW. I believe they are one of a few various guides that partner with Abe's however according to the guide himself, he highly recommended many of the other guides up there. Rates begin at $94 for a Two Bedroom. For these fish, if you can get the fly in front of the fish they will eat almost 100% of the time. Cast down and mend, use a sink tip & a leech or gummy bugger and hold on tight. Our Verizon WiFi hot spot worked very well. y += (y < 38) ? We saw satellite TV dishes out, so assume they were working. Access is permitted just south of Archuleta, from here much of the river is under private ownership. Representations herein were supplied by the individual businesses. Gushing out of Navajo Dam, the San Juan’s most productive trout stretches are from the dam downriver 3 plus miles to the NM Highway 173 Bridge. Conditions and water clarity are good. ~ Rio Epic ~ Wishing everyone all the best for 2021! Navajo Dam was constructed in 1963 and regulations evolved over the years to the current “Special Trout Waters” (Quality Water). The San Juan River below Navajo dam is a world class tailwater fishery that can be fished year round. recommendation, warranty, guaranty, inducement or endorsement of any kind. Many Colorado guides and flyshops offer fishing float trips on this portion of the river. The San Juan's first four and a quarter miles of water below the dam … View on Google Maps, Weekdays: 9:00AM - 6:00PMSaturday: 8:00AM - 5:00PMSunday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM. services rendered, or changes made in the use of this directory. San Gregorio Lake: Restricted to boats without motors only. This section of the San Juan is referred to as Bait Water. River Temps The San Juan maintains a constant year round water temperature between 42-46 degrees, making this a fabulous winter fishery. Most of the San Juan River lies in San Juan County, New Mexico and San Juan County, Utah, which share a boundary of one point at the Four Corners. The San Juan is probably best known for its tailwaters at the base of Navajo Dam. Boat Ramps are found throughout the San Juan. The San Juan is a tailwater fishery below Navajo Dam at Navajo Lake. The San Juan River continued to call me, drawing me back for the fishing. USGS 09355500 SAN JUAN RIVER NEAR ARCHULETA, NM. Don't forget your NM license! will be corrected in the future. var y = x % 100; publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any San Antonio River: Special Trout Water 4. This one is a beauty. If you don’t have a boat, you aren’t leaving any fish behind by wading. The San Juan River lies just a few miles northeast of the Four Corners point. Your email address will not be published. Below the dam is the start of the Class II river run of the San Juan River. Area Links: Navajo Lake State Park Wines of the San Juan Pinon Hills Golf Course Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Purgatory Resort City of Durango-Redington San Juan River Below Navajo Dam Only 60 miles south of Durango, the world-class tailwater fishery on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam is easily accessible to southern Colorado fly fishers. The abundance of large rainbow trout in the fishery attracts thousands of anglers who spend an average of 217,000 angler hours per year on the river. Other dries to bring include #20-24 black Sprout Midges, Morgan’s Para Midge, Umpqua’s Adult Midge & parachute Adams. Access is permitted just south of Archuleta, from here much of the river is under private ownership. It's common to catch large fish due to the regulations enforced on this stretch of river. It's one of the best trout streams in the nation. USGS 09355500 SAN JUAN RIVER NEAR ARCHULETA, NM. The result is pervasive algae, which is a mixed blessing: prolific insect life (good for trout), but tough wading (bad for fishermen). San Juan River NM fishing report. Nymphing has been very productive fishing with midges and beatis all day. The San Juan River below Navajo Dam is classic tailwater, with stable water temperatures never rising above the mid-40's. The San Juan River is great for floating and Wading. The San Juan River Fly Fishing Guide (Below Navajo Dam, New Mexico) Paperback – March 1, 1998 by Michael D. Shook (Author) 4.2 out of 5 stars 5 ratings Quality Waters is … followed by williams and Echo. information was compiled as accurately as possible. Arkansas River Headwaters Fishing Map - East, Arkansas River Headwaters Fishing Map - North, Blue Mesa Reservoir & Gunnison River Fishing Map, Elevenmile & Tarryall Reservoirs Fishing Map, Green Mountain & Williams Fork Reservoirs Area Fishing Map, North Fork South Platte River Fishing Map, Red Feather Lakes & Poudre River Fishing Map, National Parks, Monuments & Historic Sites. Several storms are in the forecast bringing much-needed rain and snow to New Mexico. Duranglers has been guiding fly fishing trips on the San Juan River longer than any other guide service. The Rainbow Lodge sits on the banks of the San Juan River in New Mexico, just downstream from the town of Navajo Dam, New Mexico. Its waters released from the outlets at Navajo Dam create a fishery that’s hard, if not impossible to beat. New Mexico's largest fly shop and premier flyfishing guide service located on the Quality Waters of the San Juan River near Navajo Dam. The San Juan River below Navajo dam is a world class tailwater fishery that can be fished year round. With its international reputation and angler success, the San Juan River is without a doubt the finest trout fishery in New Mexico. ~ Rio Epic ~ Wishing everyone all the best for 2021! The population of Navajo Dam varies according to the season. Our residents range from longtime inhabitants to newly retired folks finally getting to move to their fishing mecca. Leaders/Tippet/Accessories: The San Juan is often made out to be a technical tailwater. means, without permission in writing from the publisher. Prices and services are The water flow has been stable for a few weeks. The San Juan River is a significant tributary of the Colorado River in the southwestern United States, about 383 miles (616 km) long. Sixty miles south of Durango lies New Mexico’s most well-known fishery on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam. San Juan River Conditions: San Juan River Run below Dam (Stream gage data for Below SR 173 at Archuleta, NM). Some will recommend 6x tippet, and while I agree this is sometimes necessary on the surface, I never nymph with anything lighter than 5x on the Juan. The San Juan River below the Navajo Lake Dam maintains a 45 degree temperature year round and is a very calm river to drift or wade. The campground is right on the San Juan River just below the Quality Waters (catch and release) fishing area below Navajo Dam. Water released from the bottom of the dam is stable, clear, cold and rich in nutrients. Clothing: The weather in Navajo Dam, NM is quite a bit more mild than what we experience in CO. I can't say enough positive things from my experience!! Don't forget your NM license! The abundance of large rainbow trout in the fishery attracts thousands of anglers who spend an average of 217,000 angler hours per year on the river. Fishing the world famous Quality Waters on the San Juan River below the Navajo Dam - July 2015 -San Juan River Weather Forecast-Navajo Dam Lodging-New Mexico Fly Fishing-Rates-Guided Fly Fishing San Juan River. From early spring to late fall anglers will find their catch of small … The San Juan River in New Mexico is one of the finest tailwater fisheries anywhere! Angler Guide provides fishing enthusiasts with relevant information about fishing San Juan River and other rivers, streams and lakes in New Mexico. San Juan below Navajo Dam: Close to all non residents. Guided float and wade fly fishing adventures in Southwest Colorado and on the legendary San Juan River below Navajo Dam. When you think of the San Juan, leeches aren’t the first thing to come to mind but you will need them! Water of the San Juan River, downstream of Navajo Dam. This section of the San Juan is referred to as Bait Water. That being said, the bead is borderline cheating on the San Juan. Navajo Dam is a bottom-releasing dam; the outflow is approximately 200 feet below the surface of Navajo Lake. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in … Our residents range from longtime inhabitants to newly retired folks finally getting to move to their fishing mecca. And, as the river flows through New Mexico, it is a float-trip dream. The San Juan River in New Mexico is a tailwater flowing out of Navajo Dam from the bottom of Navajo Reservoir. The streamflow Monday below Navajo Dam was 408 cubic-feet-per-second. Close to quality waters fishing. Navajo Reservoir and into New Mexico. Marc Wethington, NMDGF Fisheris Biologist for the San Juan River below Navajo Dam in northwestern New Mexico surveys habitat improvements on the back channel below Texas Hole in December 2013. Visitors from around the world visit the area to fish the "Quality Waters" along the San Juan River and Navajo Lake State Park. This is low and below normal. The fishing has been fair-to-good with a variety of fly patterns in the Quality Water. Come fly fishing with us on the beautiful San Juan River. The San Juan averages approximately 140 feet in width. When Fishing dries, a good drift is necessary, with small midge patterns. Located in the northwest corner of New Mexico, the San Juan River is world renowned for providing some of the most rewarding trout fishing you will ever experience. The Governor of New Mexico Didn’t change her … All-Inclusive San Juan River fishing getaway that includes guided fishing, comfortable accommodations and gourmet meals prepared just for you. With 15,000 fish per mile how couldn’t it? PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION. ... (six-mile stretch below Navajo Dam). The fishing has been fair-to-good with a variety of fly patterns in the Quality Water. San Juan River Campground is immediately adjacent to the river just below the dam. Navajo Lake: We had no reports from anglers this week. Sometimes you will see fish with their entire head out of the water filter feeding across the surface. San Juan River Trips Fly Fishing, Packrafting, and Bikepacking Adventures Lodging and Getaway Packages. Errors called to the publisher's attention We like the PSL’s in rusty or black along with HH leaches. The site contains current fishing conditions along with articles of interest. When fishing the San Juan, we recommend staying in Navajo Dam, NM at either Fisheads San Juan River Lodge or the Quality Waters Inn. It’s getting pretty old. Nymphing is the name of the game. Join us and you'll learn the fly fishing secrets of the world famous San Juan River from our expert congenial team of licensed professionals. Navajo Lake State Park has three campgrounds in the very near vicinity to the start of this reach at the dam. There is no over-the-air TV reception. No part of this His Bomb series midges and other of his smaller midge patterns are amongst our favorites in size 18-22. The average flow of the San Juan River at Bluff is about 2,200 cubic feet per second (62 m3/s) and the highest discharge ever measured was about 70,000 cubic feet per second (2,000 m3/s) on September 10, 1927. The San Juan River Fly Fishing Guide (Below Navajo Dam, New Mexico) Paperback – March 1, 1998 by Michael D. Shook (Author) 4.2 out of 5 stars 5 ratings This Copyright 6mm beads in gloe row will bend the rod all day long 365 days a year. Your email address will not be published. The river is flowing at 610 c.f.s. Browns are fun to catch. This is low and below normal. This makes for a fairly consistent year round outflow temperature. Available data for this site Click to hide station-specific text Station operated in …