This is an excerpt from a document I created several years ago for a group
in my industry who were planning on attending a conference in ABQ. I didn't
get any takers, but I managed to carve out 3 days of fine fishing on the SJ
prior to 4 days of meetings and seminars. Much of this info is either culled
or downright stole from Mike's
www.ifly4trout.com site. You might visit it
for some better info. The formating leaves something to be desired, but I
only had the PDF to copy and paste from. Hope this helps and YMMV, of
course.
About the San Juan River
The San Juan River is a 400 mile long tributary of the Colorado River,
rising in the Rocky
Mountains of Colorado near Wolf Creek. It flows through Colorado, Utah and
into New Mexico
where it meets Navajo Dam. The tail waters of Navajo Dam provide for some of
the best fly
fishing in the United States and should be experienced by anyone who has
ever been tortured by
salmonids of any type. The San Juan flows from Navajo Dam at a constant
temperature of 41
degrees year round, creating an oxygen rich environment for Brown, Rainbow
and Cutthroat
trout to thrive year round. NM Game & Fish reports the average fish size is
a fat 17-18 inches
with fish of 20-24 inches not uncommon. Nearly microscopic midges make up
the majority of a
San Juan trout's diet.
The first 3.75 miles below the dam is designated as special trout water.
Only flies and artificial
lures are allowed with a single barbless hook. The first quarter mile
downstream from the dam to
the cable hole is catch and release (c&r) only. In the remaining 3.5 miles
of the quality section
only 1 fish may be kept if it is over 20 inches long. If you keep a fish
from the quality water and
you want to continue fishing, you must either go to the C&R section, or fish
below the quality
waters where the normal limit of 6 trout over 6 inches applies and bait
fishing is allowed. The
lower sections of the river are known to hold more of the bigger Brown trout
due to the warmer
water temperatures, but fish are everywhere.
Getting to the San Juan River
From the Albuquerque Airport, Navajo Dam is about a 3-3.5 hour drive to the
northwest.
Located 35 miles east of Farmington NM, and 60 miles south of Durango CO,
there are many
options for traveling to the San Juan. Most travelers fly into Albuquerque
and drive via rental car
through the scenic New Mexican landscape to the San Juan. From Albuquerque
go north on I-25
and get off at Exit 242 and turn left (Bernalillo) to Highway 550. Then
continue north on
Highway 550 to Bloomfield. Take a right at the first light and head east on
Highway 64. Follow
64 until you see the turn off at the bottom of a small hill for Route 511.
The turn off is well
marked. Take a left and head north on 511 until you reach the dam (13mi) or
your favorite spot.
If you wish to lessen your drive, both Farmington and Durango have regional
airports. Durango
is serviced by United, America West and Delta. Farmington is serviced by
Mesa Airlines to
Albuquerque, to Denver by Great Lakes Airlines, and to Phoenix by America
West Express and
Great Lakes Airlines. Both airports have car rental services available.
Fishing the San Juan
While there are insect hatches on the San Juan, it is first and foremost a
below-the-surface
fishery. That said, the first 20/20 fish (20" fish on a size 20 fly) I ever
caught was on a size 22
Griffith Gnat in the Kiddie Pool area of the San Juan the last week of July.
The San Juan can be
fished using a variety of hardware, ranging from a one-piece 1wt bamboo to
an 8wt rigged with
sinking tip line. It is all personal preference; nothing is any more 'right'
than anything else.
Personally, I thought I preferred fishing it with a relatively fast 5wt
until I broke my 5wt and had
to break out my relatively slow, 3wt Sage LL rod I had always reserved for
dry-fly fishing.
While I took some time to adjust to throwing the heavy, often clumsy San
Juan rig, I found that I
liked the more delicate rod when fighting fish in the more rapid sections of
the river. I have also
learned that I prefer to go back to the good ol' 5wt when the wind picks up,
or when fishing for
bigger fish in the deeper holes.
Speaking of the San Juan Rig, nymph fishing on the San Juan requires a very
specific technique:
San Juan Style Nymph Rig (from
www.ifly4trout.com)
Increase your chances of hooking up by fishing with two flies instead of
one:
1. Tie onto your fly line a 9 foot tapered leader ending in 5X.
2. Attach another 12 inches of 5X to the leader with a double surgeon's knot
or your favorite leader-to-tippet
knot.
3. Attach the first fly (I like to use the San Juan Worm or another
attractor type pattern) to the end of the 5X.
4. Tie an 18 inch section of 5X or 6X to the bend or eye of the first fly (I
prefer tying to the bend of the first
fly with a simple clinch or improved clinch knot.
5. Now pick your favorite fly for the conditions you will be fishing in and
attach it to the end.
6. Attach any weight needed 12 inches above the top fly and above the knot
you created when you tied the
first piece of 5X on (this prevents the weight from slipping).
7. Smash the barbs down on both flies.
8. Attach your indicator about 1.5 times the depth of the water you will be
fishing and go fish!
The only adjustment I would make to this would be to suggest 7x Orvis Mirage
tippet, if you can
go to it without breaking off too many fish. I have been outfished on the
San Juan when fishing
side by side with a buddy using identical rods, reels, line, leader, flies
and technique with the
only discerning factor being the Mirage tippet. Being the doubter I am, I
switched to the Mirage
right then and there and started catching more fish. It will matter less
during the time we are
there, as the water should be less than gin-clear due to runoff.
Most insects in this stretch of the San Juan are small. Make that tiny.
Nope, smaller than that. I
have caught many fish bigger than 20" on flies smaller than a size 20. Size
24-28 wire midges
and chocolate foam-wing emergers should be considered required in every
flybox. The RS2 and
Johnny Flash flies you see in the local fly shops were developed on the San
Juan, for the San
Juan by San Juan River guides.
During the middle of April, there are often Blue-Winged Olive hatches during
the middle part of
the day. If you are after the challenge of dry fly fishing, this is a great
opportunity. During the
BWO hatch you can always find current seams or flat water where numerous
trout are
rhythmically sipping duns as they float by. In the flatter and quieter
water, you will have to be
stealthier. 6X or 7X tippets are a must and often a downstream presentation
will bring better
results (fish sees the fly before the line). The fish also will often refuse
a fly if it is presented too
far above the rising trout (too much time to look at it). Presenting a fly
about 2ft above a rising
trout seems to be a good comprise between too close and too far, but make
sure you experiment a
little until you get it right. Also notice that the San Juan trout are lazy
and as a rule, will not
move more than an inch or two to take a fly so precise casting is a must.
Pick a single fish out.
Watch it closely and try and get a feel for the time between rises. When you
are ready, place the
fly 2 ft above and directly in-line with the fish and watch closely for the
take.
Here are some websites to whet your appetite further. If you only read one,
read the first one by
Mike Mora.
http://www.ifly4trout.com/tipsntechniques.htm
Lodging at the San Juan
The prime fishing area of the San Juan is located nearest to the very small
town of Navajo Dam,
NM. While lodging in the area is very limited, what lodging is available is
very much geared
towards the fishing tourist. Below I have copied the best summary for
lodging in the area,
blatantly stolen from Mike Mora's ifly4trout website. I can only vouch for
one of these
establishments personally. I have always stayed at Abe's, primarily because
it is low cost, low
frills and my needs for a home base while fishing are minimal. It is
definitely not a premium
luxury establishment and could best be described as rustic. The TVs get 2
channels of fuzzy
programming and the rooms have a decidedly 1960s roadside motel feel, but it
is comfortable,
clean and definitely not presumptuous. I stay there more out of habit and
tradition than anything
else. I am personally flexible about the central location of this gathering
and since all of the
locations are less than a mile apart, I am not sure it would even be
necessary (or possible) for all
attendees to bunk at the same establishment.
Abe's Motel & Fly Shop, Inc.
P.O. Box 6428
Navajo Dam, NM 87419
Web:
www.sanjuanriver.com
E-mail:
Phone: 505-632-2194
Where the Greatest Fly Fishermen in the world meet. SINCE 1958
Family owned and operated business, established by Abe & Patsy Chavez,
pioneers of the San Juan River.
We are an Orvis Dealer featuring a full service fly shop that fills ALL
angling needs including fishing
licenses. The helpful & friendly staff fishes the river and shares up to the
minute fishing information and
river conditions. The San Juan River has constant water temperature offering
year round fishing
unequalled in the US. Hefty Rainbows, Browns and Cutthroats are common. We
are Open sunup to
sundown, 364 days of the year. Great restaurant & lounge. We have an RV
Park-with full hookups, handy
Grocery store, Gas Station, and Boat Storage Facilities too.
Lodging: Anglers' favorite lodging facility on the San Juan River.
Comfortable rooms with convenient
housekeeping amenities within walking distance of river & hungry trout! The
rooms are spacious and most
include 2 double beds and a kitchenette.
Restaurant: El Pescador Restaurant is open early for a hearty breakfast
before heading to the fabulous San
Juan. Full menu, specializing in New Mexican Cuisine, plus other delicious
entrées, steaks, burgers & daily
specials. Picnic lunches are available for daylong fishing. We can
accommodate special fly fishing clubs
&/or group needs.
Guide Service: Born-n-Raised on the San Juan River, Inc. Guide Service.
Since 1986. Tim Chavez,
Outfitter for Born-n-Raised, Inc. was in fact, born & raised on the San Juan
River & fished it since he was a
kid. Featuring full day wade &/or float trips in McKenzie river dories.
Includes helpful fly-fishing tips &
techniques, aquatic life information and knowledge of ideal areas to access
on your own. Provides many
fond memories of one of the top ten trout rivers in the world. Easily
accommodates one-on-one instruction
or grand fishing groups with the largest guiding staff on the San Juan.
Whether you are a beginner,
intermediate or advanced fly-fisher, you can be sure our skilled and
hospitable guides will personalize your
fly-fishing adventure on the San Juan.
Rainbow Lodge & Resolution Guide
Service
Web: www.sanjuanfishing.com
www.sanjuanworm.com
Email:
Toll Free: 1-888-328-1858 or
Alternate: 1-505-632-5717
P/O Box 6488
Navajo Dam, NM 87419
Rainbow Lodge and Resolution Guide Service owned and operated by Chris and
Karin Guikema is
located on the banks of the San Juan River, just downstream from the town of
Navajo Dam, New Mexico.
We are the only lodge on the banks of the river in the public water area.
From our lodge you can walk out
the back gate and have access to over 6 miles of the San Juan River with
uninterrupted access and no rod
fees. What could be better than a little dry fly action out your back door
after a memorable dinner? We are
also the only lodge in the area offering an extensive choice of other rivers
and creeks in the area to fish as
well as Navajo Lake for bass, pike and carp. We are the only lodge in the
area to have a professionally
trained Chef on property. Put all this together with one of the most
experienced guide staffs on the river and
you'll see why we are the only call you want to make.
LODGING: One of the newest lodges on the banks of the San Juan River and
completely re-done in Jan
'03. We offer wonderful accommodations, each suite has two bedrooms, private
bath, couches and recliner
chairs, satellite television, dry bar, minifridge and in-room phones. Each
suite sleeps four people very
comfortably, they are easily the nicest rooms on the river.
MEALS: Enjoy the culinary wizardry of Executive Chef John Arpin!
Quail quesadilla w/ fontana, camembert and grilled peach salsa Baby greens
w/warm wild mushrooms and
4 herb vinaigrette Poached chicken breast stuffed with spinach and goat
cheese w/ a light saffron sauce
accompanied by roasted butternut squash risotto and seasonal vegetable
Chocolate bread pudding w/cream
anglaise
Hand tossed baby pizza w/caramelized onions and brie Mixed wild greens
w/tequila and chili smoked
pacific salmon and strawberry vinaigrette Hand cut rib eye w/sauce
béarnaise, whipped Yukon gold
potatoes and a grilled vegetable tart Flourless chocolate ganache cake
w/port wine infused chantilly cream
Why do we put such an emphasis on our food? Simple, no one else does and
because the fishing is just part
of your over all experience!
GUIDE SERVICE: We offer some of the rivers top guides! Our guides are all
full time river guides, what
that means to you is you'll get the benefits of fishing with a guide that
fishes local waters 200+ days a year.
We offer guided float and wade trip on the San Juan and lower San Juan. We
are also the only lodge in the
area with permits in Colorado to guide on 9 other rivers and creeks. We also
have the only full time guide
that is a licensed US Coast Guard Captain offering guided fishing on Navajo
Lake for bass, pike and carp.
Day trips to other area rivers and creeks, a chance to hit the lake for
topwater bass and pike action, all are
just a few of your choices as a change of pace from there main attraction,
the San Juan. Great guides, most
river choices, best meals, stream side lodging - pick up the phone for one
stop shopping!
Enchanted HideAway Lodge
P.O. Box 6567
Navajo Dam, NM 87419
Web: www.enchantedhideawaylodge.com
E-mail:
Phone: 505-632-2634
Gretchen McIntyre Lee
A spacious high-desert mesa lodge, comprised of two buildings on a
naturally-landscaped 4+ acre property,
with grape vines and fruit trees strategically located around the lodge,
affording unique privacy, in the
midst of majestic mesas overlooking the great San Juan River Valley.
Surrounded in large part by BLM
(Bureau of Land Management/public land) land, the lodge realized its humble
beginning as a quaint
country home for an early, long-time flyfisherman, here, on the outskirts of
Navajo Dam, NM, in the Land
of Enchantment. If time allows, after fishing the Quality Water, the BLM
land with a nice stretch of the
Acequia (very large irrigation ditch/canal, built in 1907, that originates
from the San Juan River upstream),
is a great challenge with its unique flows and lies, home to wild Browns and
Rainbows that dare to tread
where Browns call home.
The lodge affords a great deal of privacy, with no neighbor's door opening
and closing next to you. Enjoy
the New Mexican, southwestern charm, while we provide all of the comforts of
home for you in a natrual,
private setting.
Four of the five units (suite, condos, house) have fully-equipped kitchens.
Spacious patios surround the
main building with gas grills and chimeneas for outside cooking and
"campfires." The West building which
houses the condos (550 sq. ft. each, with a queen bed in the bedroom and two
twins, plus fully-equipped
kitchens), has grills and a patio and chimenea, as well. There are rod
racks, wader hooks, tying lamps, tying
tables and plenty of room for equipment and boats. HYDE DRIFT BOATS are
available for rent. The lodge
is a fly fisherman's home headquarters at the San Juan River, in a most
convenient location. The "Stone
House" is a 1600 sq. ft. home, in the Main Building., which also houses the
"San Juan Suite" (1300 sq. ft.)
and the "best value at the San Juan River," the "Fly Room." After a long day
on the river, come back and
relax in our 7-person Spa.
IN OUR ON-GOING EFFORT TO PROVIDE OUR GUESTS THE FINEST IN
ACCOMMODATIONS, WE NOW HAVE DIRECT TV IN ALL RENTALS!
Our most CONVENIENT location is only two minutes away from the Community of
Navajo Dam.
We don't want you to have "travel surprises" of the negative type and we
welcome photo requests. We'll
send jpgs of our vacation rentals, both inside and out, upon request, and a
PDF of our brochure with interior
and exterior photos can be email attached and sent to you. We believe that a
family vacation should include
the ENTIRE family, so your canine companions are welcome.
Excellent GUIDE SERVICES/GUIDE referrals are available through the lodge and
they can plan a lower
river float through the many ranches downstream - BROWN TROUT PARADISE. Most
special services
can be arranged for, including courier/errand service, airport shuttles,
etc.
Thanks to everyone for your continued loyalty and wonderful word-of-mouth
referrals!
If we are booked on your dates and must refer you elsewhere, we take no
referral fee for such.
Soaring Eagle Lodge LLC
P.O. Box 6340
Navajo Dam, NM 87419
Web: www.soaringeaglelodge.net
E-mail:
Phone: 1-800-866-2719
Or: 505-632-3721
Fax: 505-632-5621
Soaring Eagle Lodge is the San Juan's only river front lodge. We provide
first class accommodations,
outstanding meal services, conference rooms, a fly shop, guide service, and
private river access to nearly 2
miles of the world famous San Juan River. Come stay with us at Soaring Eagle
Lodge and let us help
make your trip a truly memorable experience.
Lodging & Dinning: Our Guest House Suites conveniently accommodate the most
serious angler. The
San Juan River is almost within casting distance of our waterfront cabins.
Each guesthouse has wader
racks and rod racks, both indoor and outdoor. The cabins also have Satellite
TV, telephones, kitchenettes
with full size refrigerators, microwaves, cups and drink tumblers, dishes,
lounge chairs, patio with patio
furniture... and a beautiful view of the San Juan River. For your
convenience we have a first class
restaurant and conference center game room. We offer a fantastic meal
service with delicious, gourmet
dining. We serve breakfast and dinner daily and pack lunches may be provided
for your day on the river.
Fly Shop: We have a full line fly shop on the premises for your convenience.
We carry major brands such
as Sage & Winston rods, Ross & Galvan reels. We also have all the technical
clothing you will need to
complete your experience, offering Simms, Patagonia and more. We off course
have all the killer fly
patterns hand tied by our guides. You may also obtain your New Mexico
fishing license right in our fly
shop. We, also have rod, reel and wader rentals available for your
convenience.
Guide Service: Soaring Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has a world class guide
service. The guides have been
selected on fishing ethics, river knowledge and professionalism. The guides
are CPR and First Aid
certified, and are highly experienced. Most have been guiding on the San
Juan River extensively for over
10 years.
Fight Fish, Not People: Soaring Eagle Lodge has special access waterfront
privileges to approximately 2
miles of the San Juan River. The fish in this area are primitive and wild.
Large brown trout are not
uncommon in this section of the river. We limit this fishing to 6 lucky
angler per day. Restriction on the
ranch provides you with solitude so you don't have to fight the crowds of
this world class fishery but prior
reservation is required.
Fishing Guides
There are several outfits that provide guide service on the San Juan. From a
Quick check on the
web, it appears that Born-n-Raised Guides are the most affordable at
$300/day for a two-person
float. Resolution Guide Service is a close second at $325. Having a guide
can really help on this
river. I learned about 2 weeks worth of information from the one day I spent
with a guide the
first time I tried the San Juan. The spring runoff should be just beginning,
so a guide shouldn't be
necessary, I will leave it up to the individual attendees.
San Juan Flies
For those interested in tying their own:
http://www.geocities.com/riverdancesofnm/SJflies1.htm
Remember, small, smaller, smallest. I have caught fish on this river on a
size 28 thread midge.
There is no such thing as too small. This being said, there are plenty of
reasonably priced fly
shops in the area with the knowledge of the river required to fill you fly
box with the necessary
imitations to keep the fish coming all day long.
"Dave LaCourse" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 8 Nov 2007 00:43:54 +0100, "alainL"
wrote:
Hi,
I will be in Albuquerque some weeks in september-october 2008. Where can I
flyfish ? Is there a web site about this ?
I would like to know about rivers, but also rules, equipment ... and fish
!
Thanks
(Sorry for my language ! you can answer in french !!!);
Rent a car at the airport and travel to Farmington, a town in the
north-west corner of New Mexico, then turn right and follow the signs
to Navajo Dam. You can stay at Abe's (on Highway 173 before you get
to the dam. (As I remember, it is about a 3 hour drive, probably less
today because of the new road they were building several years ago
when I was there.)
http://www.sanjuanriver.com/
You will be fishing the famous San Juan River for big rainbows. I am
sure the folks at Abe's can fix you up with flies and where to fish.
Good luck. If you go, let us know how well you did.
Dave
November 7th, 2007, 11:43 PM
posted to rec.outdoors.fishing.fly
where in NM ??
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