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 fly fishing destinations in the country. Cold, clear water flows out of the dam twelve months a year, creating a quality 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.

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Sections We Guide

20 Miles of great fly fishing

We guide 20 miles of unique water and the famed quality waters are just the start. We have options for everyone, from first timers to 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 to put on the inches. 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 first-timers here. It’s also a fun way for advanced anglers to end the day 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.

Note: Conditions can vary. Lower-river flows may be limited outside summer. Your guide will work with you to plan the day around what’s fishing best.

Seasons on the San Juan

January - March

mild days, big fish

Our fairly warm and sunny winters give anglers the chance to target trophy trout year-round. During this time we fish large flies and streamers to eager trout. Many people tack on a couple days of fishing to their visits at nearby ski resorts.

Fishing: Casting high-vis patterns and streamers to large trout.
Weather: Highs in 50s and 60s. Occasional snow is possible.
Solitude: Very few people. Get the river to yourself most days.
Flows: Low flows (~300 cfs) make for easy wading and good floating

April - June

Lots of sunny 70-degree days

While other streams across the country are still blown out and cold, our lower latitude and regulated flows make for great spring days with good consistent fishing. Small midge and mayfly patterns start to come back into play at this time.

Fishing: Streamers and sub-surface nymphs. Some dry fly action.
Weather: Highs generally in the 70s and 80s. Windy days in May.
Solitude: This is a popular time. Expect to see other anglers.
Flows: There is a chance of high flows from the dam. Fishing remains good regardless.

July and August

peak dry fly fishing

It's summer in the high desert, which means hoppers, ants, baetis, and midge hatches. Sub-surface fishing continues to be productive with small midge and mayfly patterns. Summer is in full swing so dress for sun and be sure to stay hydrated.

Fishing: Dry fly fishing with ants, hoppers, etc. Nymphing rigs.
Weather: Highs in the 80s and 90s with afternoon thunderstorms.
Solitude: A somewhat popular time. You may see a few others.
Flows: Often 500 cfs to 800 cfs. Great for boats and wading.

September - November

Great weather & foliage draws anglers

While many great trout rivers are winding down their season, the San Juan just begins by delivering near-perfect weather with stunning foliage. This time is very popular, so book many months in advance and arrive with patience to share the river.

Fishing: Mainly sub-surface with some dry fly activity.
Weather: Cool starts with highs in 60s and 70s
Solitude: Most popular time. You will ecounter plenty of anglers.
Flows: Vary from 300 cfs to 700 cfs. Great for floating and wading.

November - December

mild day with eager trout

One of our guides calls this "the catching season." The pressure subsides from the October visitors and fish become less skittish. They are eager to eat larger flies while above water weather still has numerous nice sunny days. Snow is a possibility.

Fishing: Subsurface nymps and streamers with some dry fly action
Weather: Highs in the 50s and 60s. Snow showers possible.
Solitude: Great! Get the river to yourself most days.
Flows: Low flows (~300 cfs) makes for easy wading and floating

Ready to Fly Fish the San 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.