About the San Juan River
A legendary tailwater, steps from our lodge
The San Juan River below Navajo Dam is one of the most consistent trout fisheries in the country. Cold, clear water flows out of the dam twelve months a year, creating a year-round fishery where trophy-sized trout thrive in remarkable numbers. While other rivers freeze in winter, our mild climate and warm sun make for spectacular fishing November through March. With easy access from the lodge and miles of varied water to explore, the San Juan has something for every angler regardless of age or skill level.
Sections We Guide
20 Miles of great fishing
We guide 20 miles of unique water and the famed quality waters is just the start. We have options for everyone, including first timers and those looking for more streamer or dry fly action. Our guides will work with you to pick the best options for you and your party.
The Quality Waters
Big fish, everywhere
This is the stretch that made the San Juan famous. With an astonishing 12,000 to 15,000 trout per mile, the fish feed nonstop... and it shows. Trout in the 20-inch range are common, and 30-plus-inch catches happen several times a year. It’s a technical section that demands precision but rewards anglers with some of the best tailwater fishing in the country.
The Quantity Waters
Great for beginners
The “Quantity” Waters is a less-pressured stretch where trout bite eagerly and forgive imperfect technique. It holds some monster browns, but generally the fish here often aren't as big as in the quality waters. We often teach fist-timers here, but it's also can be a fun way for advanced anglers to end the days and escape the crowds in busier seasons.
The "Lower River"
An Advanced challenge
Hardly fished, the lower river is a hidden gem that often fishes well with streamers and dry flies. It has a healthy population of brown trout that fight just as hard, if not harder, than the large fish in the quality waters section. To really enjoy this section, anglers should be proficient in long, delicate casts and streamer fishing techniques.
Seasons on the San Juan
January - March
mild days, big fish
This is the season for fishing larger patterns and streamers. Churn in the lake causes the water to go off color and the fish seek bigger stuff. We catch monsters durings time. Cuz monstah!!!
- Fishing: A moderate amount of people.
- Weather: Typically clear with stable flows.
- Solitude: Easy parking and short walks.
- Flows: Cottonwoods, open desert, and big skies.
April - June
mild days, big fish
This is the season for fishing larger patterns and streamers. Churn in the lake causes the water to go off color and the fish seek bigger stuff. We catch monsters durings time. Cuz monstah!!!
- Fishing: A moderate amount of people.
- Weather: Typically clear with stable flows.
- Solitude: Easy parking and short walks.
- Flows: Cottonwoods, open desert, and big skies.
July and August
mild days, big fish
This is the season for fishing larger patterns and streamers. Churn in the lake causes the water to go off color and the fish seek bigger stuff. We catch monsters durings time. Cuz monstah!!!
- Fishing: A moderate amount of people.
- Weather: Typically clear with stable flows.
- Solitude: Easy parking and short walks.
- Flows: Cottonwoods, open desert, and big skies.
January - March
mild days, big fish
This is the season for fishing larger patterns and streamers. Churn in the lake causes the water to go off color and the fish seek bigger stuff. We catch monsters durings time. Cuz monstah!!!
- Fishing: A moderate amount of people.
- Weather: Typically clear with stable flows.
- Solitude: Easy parking and short walks.
- Flows: Cottonwoods, open desert, and big skies.
January - March
mild days, big fish
This is the season for fishing larger patterns and streamers. Churn in the lake causes the water to go off color and the fish seek bigger stuff. We catch monsters durings time. Cuz monstah!!!
- Fishing: A moderate amount of people.
- Weather: Typically clear with stable flows.
- Solitude: Easy parking and short walks.
- Flows: Cottonwoods, open desert, and big skies.
Ready to Fish the Juan?
We’d love to host you
Whether you’re party of one, a family of first-timers, or a group of business associates, we're here to make your trip the best it can be. No matter the season, settle in and enjoy legendary fishing with guides who live and breathe this river.
Other Resources
At fisheads we Lore. No matter the season, settle in and enjoy legendary fishing with guides who live and breathe this river. No matter the season, settle in and enjoy legendary fishing with guides who live and breathe this river.