“What is the fishing like on the San Juan with all this high water?”
I seem to answer this question about a dozen times a day. I personally like high water. It offers a totally different river than you see the rest of the year. Yes, you need to change your tactics but if you take the time to figure things out you will be rewarded with some of the healthiest fish you have ever caught.
Insect selection has not been the problem. Worms and eggs of all types and colors will catch fish all day long. Keep changing until you find the combination that works best. Red and orange larva, size 14 to 18, have been a staple. I have also had success with different colors of disco midges. The river is off color, there is about 2 feet of visibility so you need to fish something they can see.
Weight and depth of your rig is probably more important than fly selection during high water. You need to be on the bottom! If you are not occasionally hanging up on the bottom you will not present your flies to many fish. Stop by Float and Fish and get some BB’s before you get to the water. Don’t hesitate to fish two or three of them if that is what it takes to get your flies down. Fish 3X and 4X tippet to help pull your flies free when you hang up. The fish are not leader shy right now.
Find places along the bank or behind islands that offer protection from the heavy currents. The fish are grouped up in these places so when you catch a fish work that area well. Try different flies and weights if you do not have any more success. You should be able to find more fish if you keep working.
You will probably not catch as many fish as you will during lower flows simply because there is so much water for the fish to hide in. You will however learn something and probably fish the Juan with fewer people than you have ever seen. The fish have been eating very well so expect some great fights. I have not had a disappointed customer through all of high water.
Good luck and let me know how you do.
Tight Lines, Chris
ORVIS Endorsed San Juan River Guide Service
New Mexico Fly Fishing
www.fisheadsofthesanjuan.com