San Juan River - Customflys.com

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World Famous San Juan River

Fall Colors on the San Juan River

Located in Northwestern New Mexico, the San Juan river is widely considered one of the most productive Rainbow Trout fisheries in the West. The San Juan River was impounded in June 1962 by Navajo Dam and has since blossomed with trout. The reasons for the river's success are its constant 40-45 degree temperature and the special regulations placed on 3.75 miles of the river directly below the dam. The San Juan is like a giant spring creek, and the insect growth in the river is phenomenal. The enormous number of midges, blackflies, scuds, mayflies, aquatic worms, and caddis flies (in the lower part of the river) produce an average growth of 6 inches per year in young fish! This means that a stocked Rainbow Trout of 9 inches will be a Trophy Trout in only 2 years! The San Juan is the most popular river in New Mexico for guided trips. With little or no fly fishing experience, our clients have a pretty good chance of landing a prize rainbow. The average size of fish caught on the San Juan is 15 inches! The river is productive all year long. It is not unusual for trips to produce fairly consistent hookups of big trout all day long, so get out here enjoy one of the Best Fly Fishing Rivers in the US!

Mean Looking San Juan Brown Trout

Fishing Seasons on the San Juan River

Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter
Spring on the San Juan is a great time to fish with good midge hatches, and the beginning of the strong baetis hatches. Fishing is done with emerging nymphs, and some dry fly fishing to rising trout. Weather is unpredictable, but usually warm with breezes. ** After May 15th, spring run-off is possible, and may require a float trip	Summer is the most popular season for Guided Trips on the Juan, and the fishing is amazing through August when the hot days slow the fish down a bit. The water is usually really clear and visibility is usually 5ft.	This is my favorite time to fish on the Juan. Fishing is super productive with huge midge hatches, and good Blue Winged Olive mayfly hatches. The weather is usually perfect, the crowds not too heavy, and the leaves of the Cottonwood Trees a crimson yellow!	New Mexico winters are mild, and temps in the 50's are common. The river is a 365 day fishery, and the fishing really never slows down for the winter. When other rivers are iced, the fish on the Juan are biting!

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