Fisheads San Juan River Lodge
Fisheads is a full service lodge and the only Orvis-endorsed outfitter on the San Juan river. We’re pretty laid back, but we take some things seriously, including fishing and food.
Fisheads guides understand every tiny detail of the fish, flies and water. We’re on the San Juan river every day, so we know the water like the back of our hand.
Our chef sources local ingredients for our four-course dinners and serves breakfasts that you’ll want the recipe for.
From your first cast of the day to an evening in the lodge, our fish-obsessed guides and friendly staff will give you the trip of a lifetime.
The Fishing
The San Juan River tailwaters are renowned for year-round fly fishing, holding 12,000 to 15,000 trout per mile—massive rainbows and browns feeding in crystal-clear waters. It’s a fly angler’s dream, where every cast could connect with a trophy.
The River
Tucked beneath sandstone cliffs and cottonwood canopies, the San Juan River flows through New Mexico’s Land of Enchantment—where solitude, beauty, and world-class waters converge in a dreamscape for the soul.
The Experience
After a full day on the water, gather with fellow anglers for great food, cold drinks, and plenty of fish stories. Fisheads Lodge serves up hearty meals and laid-back camaraderie, with clean, comfortable rooms just steps away.
What’s a Fishead?
A Fishead is someone who is constantly thinking about, dreaming about or in the pursuit of fish. (Want to hear the full story? Be sure to ask our owner, Chris.)
We live and breathe fishing. Every night, our guides coordinate with each other in preparation for the next day: Weather conditions, what flies they’re going to use, what depth they’ll be at. We prepare the way we do so you catch the most—and the biggest—fish on the river.
When you come to Fisheads, you don’t just get an incredible time on the water, you get an experience that only comes from someone who’s a Fishead.
The San Juan River
The San Juan river is one of the most sought-after tailwaters in the U.S. Several times a year, Fisheads guides will help a customer land a trout over 30 inches.
The river has 12,000–15,000 fish per mile, and the trophy-sized trout that swim its waters eat such small flies that they have to open their mouths to eat 3,000–5,000 times per day. That’s a lot of fish with open mouths and a lot of opportunities for you to make a catch worth bragging about.
All-Inclusive Fishing Trips
You know what makes a great fishing trip even better? A full service lodge and a four-course meal while you’re trading stories with other anglers.
Our all-inclusive packages include a day of guided fishing, three meals a day and lodging. We’re typically the first outfit on the river, so along with a full day of top-notch fishing, you get to experience the serenity of the San Juan river before everyone else.
The Fisheads Back Cast Cafe serves breakfasts and dinners made from scratch, and we provide lunch on the river.
Group Trips
Group trips at Fisheads San Juan River Lodge offer the perfect mix of camaraderie, comfort, and adventure. Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, family reunion, or friends' getaway, Fisheads has you covered. Lodging options like the spacious four-bedroom "Chuck's House" can comfortably host up to ten guests, making it an ideal base for memorable days on the water.
All Skill Levels Welcome
The San Juan River is ideal for fly fishers of all skill levels. Its steady, clear flows and dense trout population—up to 15,000 per mile—make it beginner-friendly, while offering technical challenges that keep seasoned anglers engaged. With wide, accessible waters and expert guides to tailor the experience, it’s a welcoming spot for both men and women to enjoy world-class fly fishing year-round.
Lower River Trips
Lower river trips on the San Juan tailwaters offer a more secluded and scenic fly fishing experience. As you float downstream, you'll find fewer anglers, wild trout in less-pressured waters, and a mix of riffles, pools, and undercut banks. Guided by Fisheads experts, these trips are ideal for anglers looking to explore new water and enjoy the quieter side of the river.
YOU TO CAN BE A FISHEADS
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THE BEST FLY FISHING
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AFFORDABLE PACKAGES
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AMAZING FOOD
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THE BEST GUIDES
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ROOM FOR LARGE GROUPS
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17 MILES OF RIVER TO FISH
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SAN JUAN RIVER FLY FISHING REPORTS
Check out our latest San Juan River New Mexico fly fishing report for up-to-date conditions, hatch info, and expert tips to help you make the most of your time on the water.
You can also read the Fisheads weekly San Juan River fishing report on orvis.com
Lower River Fishing is Great
Mark caught this beautiful Rainbow on the lower portion of the San Juan River. Fishing was great with hatches of caddis and PMD’s. With the rain we had a few days ago, some ants were spotted on the river. The ant hatch is coming just as soon as we get a good rain. If you…
Lower River Fishing is starting to heat up
The river is back to about 500 CFS but increasing to 600 CFS tonight. The lower river is starting to fish well. They have seen cicadas and have had some success with midges and baetis dry fly fishing. The upper river is still fishing good with the usual suspects of larva and eggs. The…
Big Brown Caught on the San Juan River
One of Fisheads Guides, Kevin Coughlin (IG: @ibestrippin_inthe_evenings), had a client catch a 31 3/4 inch ~20lb ish pound Brown Trout. “This fish ate a pearl core braid San Juan worm #12, on 8lb Seaguar fluorocarbon, rigged 10 inches from a 3/0 split shot, 6 feet below the indicator. Flows were at 3000 cfs. Sage…

