THE SAN JUAN RIVER

Navajo Dam was constructed in 1963 and regulations evolved over the years to the current "Special Trout Waters" (Quality Water). The first quarter-mile is flies and lures only, barbless hooks, and catch and release only. The next three and one half miles are the same with a one fish limit provided they are twenty inch minimum in length. Average fish size is around 17 inches. Seaonal flows can fluctuate between 5000 cfs in the spring to a low of 500 cfs in the winter. While power generation is one Navajo Dam's uses, it is mostly for irrigation and therefore daily fluctuations of the flow does not generally occur, as is the case with many other tailwater fisheries. The San Juan has an extremely consistent flow.

Discharge water is for the most part a constant 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to this, the cold water fishery extends downstream for about twenty miles.The first three and three-quarter miles are of course the Quality Waters, below that public water extends a little below the bridge on New Mexico Hwy 173, which is about another three miles. This public access section below the Quality Waters is referred to as the "Bait Water" and no special regulations exist here.

The regulated or Quality Waters is considered the best fishing, but the bait water has some very good fishing as well. In fact many of the hatches are stronger. Especially Caddis and PMD's. There are good numbers of fish here, but the average size goes down to about 12 inches. Although scattered big fish can be found and Brown trout are more plentiful.

Fees:
All these sections are within Navajo State Park and use fees are collected with self pay units at each parking area. Currently fees are four dollars per day or twenty dollars for a season pass. Of course, a New Mexico fishing license is required, currently ten dollars per day or forty dollars for a season license for out of state persons.

Hatches:
Daily hatches occur on the San Juan River however, the species are dependent on the time of year. Hatches are normally midday usually between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Even though these midge and/or mayfly hatches can be enormous at times, the fish prefer to feed on the nymph rather than the dry, unless conditions are perfect. The best days to fish midges and Baetis on the surface are the windless and overcast ones. Add a little drizzle and things could be perfect. For the PMD's, a nice bright sunshiny day with a tiny breeze is the best.

When to Fish:
The San Juan below Navajo is one of the best year round fisheries in the country. With constant 42F water temps the fish continue to feed all year, at an elevation of just under 6000 feet, the climate tends to be less severe than many trout waters. Most springs see increased flows and somewhat off color water conditions. Even at peak flows of 5000 cfs the river can fish well. With high water conditions floating is always a good option, but wade fishing is still possible in some areas. Summer and fall tend to be very consistent, with good insect activity and moderate to low flows.Although weather in the winter can be severe at times, it's amazing how many comfortable days there are for those properly prepared for these conditions.

Seasons and limits
There is no closed season to the fishing on the San Juan. Below the Quality Water standard NM state regulations apply.

Nearby Fly Fishing