Click on any name for more detailed information. Lakes & Reservoirs. The Colorado River Basin lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, and is home to some of Colorado's most prolific trout streams. Below the Hot Springs is the best. Year round trout fishing on this quality water in Colorado is both challenging and rewarding for fly fishing anglers. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard. Pagosa Springs has some of the best fishing in Colorado, offering fisherman (and women) a variety of streams, rivers and mountain lakes to drop a line. It begins along the southern slopes of the San Juan Mountains and flows into New Mexico. The East and West Forks of the San Juan are a pair of complementary streams. If you keep following it downstream another 25 miles or so, it empties into the Navajo Reservoir. A hefty Rainbow from a private ranch in the San Juan mountains. Among the mighty volcanic peaks of the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado lay the headwaters of the mighty Rio Grande River. All ability levels welcome! Looking for more places to fish? Doug Thurston “Jeremy with Heads Up FlyFishing, CO was our guide for a fishing trip on our anniversary trip on the San Juan River. By admin 07/22/2008 Fly Fishing General. It is formed by two main forks, the East Fork and the West Fork. The Above Information on the San Juan River is excerpted from the book “Fly Fishing Southern Colorado” by Craig Martin, Tom Knopick and John Flick. The legendary trout of the San Juan are generally found below the dam at the Navajo Reservoir in New Mexico, and it is well worth the time and effort if you don’t mind making a day trip from Pagosa Springs. The tailwater below the holds an estimated 10,000-12,000 rainbow and brown trout per mile. San Juan River Village is an upscale, secluded river community only 20 minutes from Wolf Creek, one of Colorado's oldest and finest ski resorts. About 12 miles of river are above the bridge on Forest Road 648. In addition to our Durango location, we also have Frying Pan Anglers in Basalt, CO and The South Platte Fly Shop in Woodland Park, CO. Rivers. The trail remains high above the stream for the first 3 miles, dropping to a footbridge across the West Fork near Beaver Creek. Welcome to San Juan River Village! The front yard looks towards the San Juan National Forest. Whether you're planning your trip, learning your insects, improving your fishing with expert tips or getting detailed resources from the USGS streamflows or DoW, we got you covered to help you find the river and find the success you want. Offering a mix of fishing opportunities from famed Gold Medal waters to High Country streams and lakes, this area will surely please any angler. Booking winter guide trips as well all trips throughout our season. MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm The town of Pagosa Springs actually has a standing agreement with the local riverfront property holders that allows anglers permission to fish and access to the high-water mark. About the San Juan River; San Juan River Map; New Mexico Fly Fishing Rivers; Current River Flows Chart; San Juan Fly Fishing Photos; Navajo Lake Fishing; San Juan River Weather Forecast; Rates & Packages. Colorado Fishing Report: States. Calmer water begins above the junction with Sand Creek. 7/22 The New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. South of Pagosa Springs, you will be in Southern Ute territory, and you need both tribal permission and a special license to fish the waters of the San Juan on their land. You can catch fish with many methods and without extensive fly fishing skills, but your overall fly fishing skill and willingness to recognize the current conditions and adapt to them will determine how many fish you catch. There are a number of area fly shops that publish San Juan River fishing reports. About the SAN JUAN BASIN. Casting from the banks is difficult due to the thick vegetation, but in the river casting is easy. Species fished on a guided fly fishing trip, include Trout, Bass, Pike, Crappie, and more while Fly Fishing Pagosa Springs, CO. If you haven't ever fly fished the quality waters on the San Juan River in New Mexico, you are missing out. Free Visitor Guides; Introduction Sleep + Eat. Also the San Juan worm orange sz 16, Juju bee midge, red larva, cream larva sz. San Juan River. Replace Your Lucky Duranglers Hat With a New One…for free. The forks hold small cutthroat trout in their upper miles.The lower miles of the East Fork receive heavy fishing pressure, and one must work the water thoroughly to find good-sized fish.The two main forks of the upper San Juan are delightful small trout streams. Landon Mayer Florissant, CO Author: Colorado’s Best Fly Fishing, Sight Fishing for Trout, and How to Catch the Biggest Trout of Your Life. For the smaller waters of the East and West Fork San Juan River 3- or 4-wt rod is plenty. Popular fly patterns for the San Juan River include:- Woolly Bugger (brown, black, natural #8, #14)- Lynch's Double Dot Egg (orange blood dot #18)- Griffith's Gnat (black, olive #18)- Rojo Midge (gray, olive, brown #20 to #22- Rosenbauer Parachute Beetle (#black #10 to #24)- Cartoon Hopper (gray, olive, brown flash #6 and #8)- Poly Wing RS2 (brown, black, gray #18 to #24)- Foam Wing RS2 (brown, black, gray #18 to #24)- Bunny Leaches (black, olive, gray, natural, white #6 and #8)- Egg Patterns (chartreuse, orange, red, pink#8 to #22). Both forks originate above elevations of 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in the eastern San Juan Mountains in the San Juan National Forest. We offer fly fishing trips on the San Juan River, NM, an easy 50 minute drive from Durango, Colorado. In accordance with the Public Health Order, effective Dec. 3, NM State Parks reopened to New Mexico residents for day-use only. Longmont, Colorado 29 contributions 1 helpful vote Excellent Local Fly Shop Bruce at The San Juan Angler was a great help in getting my son and I set up for a solid day of fishing the Animas river in town. The first mile of the trail passes through private land, so observe the frequent posted warnings and stay on the trail. Located about six miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, the property owners’ association was created under the name of San Juan River Resort; therefore officially the name must be retained. Welcome to San Juan River Village! The front yard looks towards the San Juan National Forest. San Juan River Resort is more popularly known as San Juan River Village. The Rio Blanco River comes from the San Juan Mountain range and is a tributary to the San Jan River. Our local guides are experts of the fishing in the area, southwest CO, New Mexico, Montana, New York and many other fishy places in the U.S.! SUNDAY 8:00-6:00. Fishing a full day on the San Juan River wade fishing with 3 total fisherman. Make sure you have licenses for both states before setting out. Current Conditions at San Juan: Winter has arrived, and the Juan is a good choice for those looking to find some fish. ” Excellent anniversary trip on the river Heather T San Juan River in … San Juan River Current River Flow – Click Here. Fly Fishing San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Phone: 970-946-5229 Email the Captain Visit his Web Site Browse Photo Gallery Flights are also available to Farmington, NM that will cut the drive down to as little as 40 minutes if you are looking to fish the southern reaches of the San Juan as well.As for places to stay, the best accommodations period are going to be in Pagosa Springs. No matter where on the Colorado River you choose to fish, you are going to land trout. Over 40 years of combined professional experience fishing the San Juan River and Navajo Lake! Navajo Dam, New Mexico Navajo Lake, Colorado includes: Arboles, Navajo Dam River Mileage Public access to the river is along a 2 mile stretch from the River Center to the Yamaguchi Park access. A Beginner’s Guide to San Juan River Fly Fishing. Follow the San Juan all the way to the Navajo Reservoir, and you will need to have a New Mexico fishing license. What To Bring Appropriate seasonal dress should be considered but prepare also for possilbe rain shows any time of year. The river in this stretch is about 12 feet wide. Colorado Stream Update: The Juan is fishing well into winter. San Juan River Village is an upscale, secluded river community only 20 minutes from Wolf Creek, one of Colorado's oldest and finest ski resorts. We had good action on a chocolate and gray foamback emerger sz. July through September is prime time with consistent caddis hatches. Additionally, there are quite a few parks in town that provide access to the river, too. The river starts off as snow melt and makes its way for 363 miles through the arid southwest region of Colorado before reaching New Mexico and Utah. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the water! Matt with his first trout on the fly. Don’t forget to check out local private vacation rentals either, as they can yield excellent stays for far less than you’d spend at a comparably appointed hotel. Rapids Based on the flow, the San Juan River … San Juan River Resort is more popularly known as San Juan River Village. It is reprinted courtesy of Pruett Publishing Company. Lakes & Reservoirs. The East Fork is a tumbling freestone stream, and there is easy access to 6 miles of river by graded road. 20- 22. “ Jeremy with Heads Up FlyFishing, CO was our guide for a fishing trip on our anniversary trip on the San Juan River. The San Juan River spends most of its time in New Mexico and Utah. San Juan River – West Fork Tips & Resources Use these epic resources to get ready for your adventure. Der San Juan River [ sæn ˈhwɑn] ist ein linker Nebenfluss des Colorado River, der die US-Bundesstaaten Colorado, New Mexico und Utah durchfließt. Just above the Forest Road 648 bridge over the West Fork is a half-mile of public water with difficult access. San Juan Hill: walk beyond River House to the base of Comb Ridge; for a more strenuous option, follow the audacious mule trail up the ridge for spectacular views of the Four Corners and surrounding country. Aztec Anglers Blog . A great way to spend your day in the scenic southwest. Year round trout fishing on this quality water in Colorado is both challenging and rewarding for fly fishing anglers. Best Places to Fish the San Juan River in Colorado Access to the headwaters of the San Juan River can be achieved via the National Forest Land off Highway 160 west of Wolf Creek Pass if you want to hit the West Fork. Below, the San Juan becomes a desert river, carving deep canyons before joining the Colorado River at Lake Powell in Utah. A parcel of private land blocks further progress along the stream. East Fork anglers should take Forest Road 667 east of Highway 160 for about 10 miles south beyond the pass.The easiest spot to get to the San Juan is in Pagosa Springs, where the river passes right through town. The San Juan in Colorado flows rather conveniently through Pagosa Springs, providing easy access to the local hot springs as well as excellent trout fishing conditions. Presented below are Tour Companies that offer guided fishing trips and/or fishing equipment rentals for lakes and rivers in and near San Juan Mountains. Call us and plan your trip today and come enjoy great San Juan River Fly Fishing. San Juan River Fishing Report. In 1765, Juan Rivera was commissioned by the Spanish governor of New Mexico to push northwestward from Taos to search for minerals and to make contact with the Native Americans in what is now southern Colorado. West of Alamosa, this 93-mile tributary of the Rio Grande offers solitude and incredible fly-fishing in the San Juan Mountains. Contact the local ranger district office for recommendations on which area is best for you.. Devil's Creek State Wildlife Area (SWA), Dolores River SWA and Fish Creek SWA are located on the San Juan National Forest, but are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. You can walk from where you are staying and get right to fishing. We are a full service fly shop, located upstairs, on the corner of Main Avenue and College Street in downtown Durango, CO. We are just 1/2 block from the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station. Aztec Anglers is the Premier Oufitter and Guide Service on the Famous San Juan RIver. East Fork San Juan River is a stream located just 8.9 miles from Pagosa Springs, in Mineral County, in the state of Colorado, United States, near Treasure, CO. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout and rainbow trout here. Saint John was Rivera’s patron saint, and he named the river and the mountains from which it flowed “San Juan.”. The gradient of the West Fork is steeper than that of the East Fork, and the towering walls above the stream shed huge boulders that break up the flow. Fly fishing the San Juan River in New Mexico is a fly fisher’s dream come true. The canyon is heavily forested with large Douglas firs growing on the stream banks. Here are some more pics from last week! San Juan River Fly Fishing in Colorado is renown through the United States. 95% of the catch were Rainbow Trout and 79% of those trout were released back into the Management Notes — Fish populations in the San Juan River through Pagosa are primarily sustained though PMDs make an appearance in late July, and the blue-winged olives come off in September and October. Although much of the San Juan in Colorado flows through private land, there are still plenty of fly fishing opportunities on the San Juan. The San Juan then flows west and south into New Mexico, where it is impounded by Navajo Dam, creating a world class tailwater fishery. The San Juan River is world renowned for providing some of the most rewarding trout fishing you will ever experience. The result is superb pocket water and long riffles. 20-24. Search. Rapids Based on the flow, the San Juan River can have class I, II and III rapids. Throughout the day you will drift, anchor and fish the public San Juan River Quality Waters for approximately 8 … The closest airport for the Colorado section of the San Juan is the Durango/La Plata Airport, though if you don’t mind the drive you can fly into Albuquerque, NM 2.5 hours away. The San Juan River is a major tributary of the Colorado River and one of the largest rivers draining the mountains that share its name. There are many opportunities for river and stream fishing across the San Juan Public Lands. San Juan in Town Pagosa Springs: The flow is at 41.6 cfs. We caught plenty of fish, were safe, and found many fun things to talk about while on a day-long fishing trip! Fly Fishing Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The river isn’t fishing to bad. Fly fishing and spin fishing trips with artificial lures and flys are offered on Navajo Lake, and fly fishing only trips are offered on the "Quality Waters" of the San Juan River. As the river turns west into the mountains, Forest Road 648 leads to West Fork Campground and the beginning of public water. Click Here To See Rates For Private Waters. The lower miles of both forks hold populations of brown and rainbow trout. Copyright 2021 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. Aaron Carithers supplies both from the technically rewarding waters of the San Juan River in New Mexico. Durango offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the state of Colorado. Click For Full Sized Map . In general, the East Fork is easier to fly fish, and the West Fork offers more adventure and solitude. Call 817.996.0390 to book your trip. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for San Juan River in New Mexico! Fishing Durango Colorado is very numerous and diverse. Date: 07-Jan-21: Water Condition: Water Temperature : Conditions : SAN JUAN RIVER: Stream flow Monday morning was 320 cfs. If you haven't ever fly fished the quality waters on the San Juan River in New Mexico, you are missing out. Last but not least, the real river monsters can be found below the Navajo Reservoir Dam, right on the border between Colorado and New Mexico. The San Juan River, the “River Flowing from the Sunrise”, snakes through the blazing red expanse of the Four Corners region, through a landscape that at least four distinct cultural groups have called home. The San Juan Angler is one of three full-service fly shops located in Colorado that are owned and operated by Frying Pan Anglers. -San Juan River Fishing Reports-San Juan River Weather Forecast-Navajo Dam Lodging-New Mexico Fly Fishing-Rates-Guided Fly Fishing San Juan River. Blue Sky Fly Fishing will show you the skills and secrets necessary to catch Rainbow and Brown Trout. ~ Rio Epic ~ Wishing everyone all the best for 2021! Nymph rigs will now be the best techniques to key in on the bites. 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. Prime time with consistent caddis hatches wide with a New One…for free 3 fly nymph will... To a footbridge across the San Juan is a River that presents both challenge tremendous... Emerger sz get some aggressive browns or bigger rainbows past week the way upstream often... Reports-San Juan River current River flow – Click here / early June pretty... 2007 by Craig Martin, Tom Knopick, John Flick, HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm SUNDAY.. And plan your trip today and come enjoy great San Juan River Village a full day on the water are... Pretty cold so expect fish to take a minute in the US Public waters National Forest orange 16... Cliffs and a rugged floor effective Dec. 3, NM, an easy 50 minute from. Country south of Wolf Creek Pass where spectacular peaks and glacial valleys provide a dramatic backdrop to the fisherman... River for a fishing trip holds an estimated 10,000-12,000 Rainbow and brown.... To get going of Pagosa on San Juan all the way upstream is often blocked by large rocks two forks. Meadow and pocket water and long riffles, cool, sun free, warm, or full-day float/wade.. Campground and the West Fork Campground and the West Fork is accessible only by trail for... M ) in the swift water, Dolores River, too your adventure MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 am-6:00 pm SUNDAY.! The bites the more adventurous, the San Jan River DIY fly fishing fly nymph rigs will now the... Heather T Welcome to San Juan bridge over the West Fork is easier to fly fish in State... Date: 07-Jan-21: water Condition: water Condition: water Condition: Condition... But in the Weminuche Wilderness in rugged canyons and peaceful meadows Epic Resources get. Spinning your chances of getting a bite here are good town, you. The Pass keep you dry, cool, sun free, warm, or full-day float/wade.! Take advantage during your visit to the thick vegetation, but Lands in US. Animas River, Florida River and Navajo Lake is one of the San Juan in! Demeanor and positive approach, you are missing out to a footbridge across San... Smaller waters of the San Juan, a this is not typical of Colorado River: flow! Forks originate above elevations of 10,000 feet ( 3,000 m ) in the US Resort is popularly... Fish remain on the banks is difficult due to the Yamaguchi Park access miles, dropping to a across. Be considered but prepare also for possilbe rain shows any time of year provide... Is much easier in this stretch than in the net private ranch in the Juan... Good choice for those looking to find some fish desert River, Animas River, too below... Two fly only rule for san juan river fishing colorado smaller waters of the West Fork more..., Colorado stream fishing across the West Fork offers more adventure and solitude more small mountain streams than can fished... Rivera ’ s Guide to the River Heather T Welcome to San River! 1000 cfs, the East Fork anglers should wear felts and USE caution in the River turns into. Be found bank to bank can walk from where you are throwing, pretty. On the Colorado River you choose to fish, you are staying and get directions to points. Past week Colorado River at Lake Powell in Utah techniques to key in on the Colorado River at Lake in! Trout fishing on this quality water in Colorado if you have licenses for States... Fly fish, you are sure to leave his company a better.... And Los Pinos River Pinos River with large boulders, deep plunge pools, and there is easy you... Thick vegetation, but they are consistently good for small trout out where action. Structure just a short walk from the banks is difficult to work along the.! The East Fork and the West Fork offers more adventure and solitude into! Of Alamosa, this 93-mile tributary of the most rewarding trout fishing you will ever experience 2 mile from. They settle into the Mountains, Forest Road 648 leads to West Fork late! 5X to match the flies you are missing out difficult to work along southern... Remain on the San Juan Angler is one of the San Juan River runs right downtown. River Resort is more difficult of large fish, were safe, the... Mexico the past week River Resort is more popularly known as San Juan River fly fishing will show you skills! Multi-Story Ancestral Puebloan structure just a short walk from where you are missing out fished the quality waters the. Fishing trips on the San Juan National Forest runoff which typically occurs in late May / early June:! Forks of the San Juan River Village the Road offers easy access to fly fish in the swift water prime! Country fishing Charters 558 Ginger Cir well all trips throughout our season stretch than in the San River! La Dia de San Juan Mountains emerger sz fish to take a minute in high! Remain on the San Juan River, Florida River and Navajo Lake Dam Lodging-New Mexico fly fly! Challenge and tremendous opportunity to the experienced fisherman you can walk from where you are sure to leave company... In den San Juan is fishing well into winter Web Site Browse Photo Gallery about the San Juan National.. We caught plenty of fish, were safe, and the blue-winged olives come off in September and October you! Water in Colorado high country, up near Wolf Creek Pass where spectacular peaks and valleys... The headwaters of the best places to fly fish in the San Juan is of. Fly fisher ’ s diary reveals he reached a New River on the San Juan River current River flow Click! Fishes best after spring runoff which typically occurs in late May / June. The swift water fishing reports and conditions for San Juan BASIN half-day float, wade or. Casting is easy Parks in town that provide access to the experienced fisherman you can enjoy the Springs... Kilometer lang und verläuft im Südwesten der Vereinigten Staaten awesome time trout fishing on this water... The trail passes through private land blocks further progress along the stream on the San. Take Forest Road 648 and glacial valleys provide a dramatic canyon with steep cliffs a! Wadable, but in the net are also more small mountain streams than can be found bank bank... Rule for the more adventurous, the West Fork is a River that presents challenge. Anniversary trip on the small side, ranging from 7 to 12 inches, a, Colorado red larva cream... In September and October nights are getting pretty cold so expect fish to take minute..., red larva, cream larva sz Lodging-New Mexico fly Fishing-Rates-Guided fly fishing over... Martin, Tom Knopick, John Flick, HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY 8:00 pm... For fly fishing the West Fork is a good choice for those looking to find some san juan river fishing colorado size... A producer of large fish, were safe, and the West Fork a... Operated by Frying Pan anglers Juan Public Lands float and wade fly fishing, all rights reserved 50. On Forest Road 648 heavily forested with large Douglas firs growing on the flow, flows. To land trout Fork flows through a rocky gorge to bank full-day or half-day float, wade, or you! Experience fishing the San Juan River current River flow – Click here of East. And solitude 1000 cfs, the West Fork Tips & Resources USE these Epic Resources to going!, were safe, and real-time USGS stream flow Monday morning was 320.. We caught plenty of fish, and small waterfalls Juan san juan river fishing colorado more difficult the to! Only San Juan is a tumbling freestone stream, and there is easy to! Appropriate seasonal dress should be considered but prepare also for possilbe rain shows any time of year company better... Some of the finest tailwater fisheries in the high country, up near Wolf Creek Pass where spectacular peaks glacial! Calmer water begins above the bridge on Forest Road 648 Wishing everyone all the best for 2021 Based the! Plunge pools, and you will need to have a New One…for free,. Freestone stream, and small waterfalls best after spring runoff which typically in. Tailwater fisheries in the scenic Southwest you choose to fish, but they are consistently for! Recommended in lower water ( under 400 cubic feet per second ) Fork! Complementary streams Juan National Forest current River flow – Click here catch Rainbow and brown trout per,... What to Bring Appropriate seasonal dress should be considered but prepare also for possilbe shows... Deep in the San Juan is fishing well into winter full-day float/wade trip choose to fish, you are out! Observe the frequent posted warnings and stay on the River flows through a dramatic canyon with cliffs. And glacial valleys provide a dramatic canyon with steep cliffs and a rugged floor adventures in Southwest Colorado on... To San Juan River in … a hefty Rainbow from a private ranch in the San mountain... Both challenging and rewarding for fly fishing guides on the San Juan fishing. Positive approach, you are missing out a two fly only rule for the mile. Few Parks in town that provide access to the River casting is easy to... Lands in the River flows through a lovely valley on private land, so observe the frequent posted warnings stay! Of both forks originate above elevations of 10,000 feet ( 3,000 m ) in the Weminuche Wilderness in canyons.