New Mexico Fly Fishing Guides » NM Fishing Reports

San Juan fishing Report

sanjuanguide — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:54:21 +0000

The river is down to 1600cfs which allows us to get to all those fish that have been hiding during the higher flows. The fish today were still adjusting to the change, I suspect they will settle into there new situation over the next few days. The fish are all in great shape from the high flows, I haven’t seen such fat fish in years.

Find the places where shelves and holes would hold fish when the water was higher. These fish have not seen any artificial flies for months and should be more than happy to give yours a try. The water is still off color so the brighter flies that get there attention are still the way to go. Eggs and San Juan worms are still good upper flies. Scuds, red and orange larve and disco midges will all work as your second fly. You will still need some stout weight to get your flies in front of the fish. Try different weights and leader lengths until you get it right.

Good luck and enjoy the lower flows while we have them, Chris

Tight Lines, Chris
ORVIS Endorsed San Juan River Guide Service
New Mexico Fly Fishing
www.fisheadsofthesanjuan.com

April 2008 San Juan River fishing report

sanjuanguide — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:24:41 +0000

“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

San Juan River Fishing Report

sanjuanguide — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 17:55:35 +0000

Well it is fall on the San Juan, the cotton woods are a bright yellow, and as usual the fishing is great. I have been having good success on gray and cream midges in the morning. After lunch chocolate baetis have been the best. I have caught some fish on gray and olive but most fish are looking for the darker mayflies. If dry fly fishing is your thing this is a great time of year. The midges have been clustering. For some reason they do this more in the fall than any other time of year and the fish know it. A midge cluster pattern will work well. You can also do well in the afternoon with blue winged olives. The mayflies have started and the fish are looking for them. You will do the best around 1:30pm anywhere from t-hole down.

Good luck, Chris
ORVIS Endorsed San Juan River Guide Service
New Mexico Fly Fishing
www.fisheadsofthesanjuan.com