New Mexico Fly Fishing: The San Juan River

The San Juan River
The San Juan River

Headed to the San Juan River with my friends Jason and Kristen for a 3 day fly fishing trip. After the recent cold snaps here in the Southwest, we were happy to see the temperatures climbing back up. The first day was a gorgeous blue bird day with plenty of sunshine. We worked our way through the Braids and up to the Upper Flats. Fish came on red annelids, KF Emergers, eggs, and other various midge patterns. There were many small fish due to the recent stocking overload, but I think by next season, there should be a plethora of really good fish.

Day 2 found us checking out a lower section of river, and while my friends were landing several good fish, I struggled to find my rhythm through the day. Although a few tugs on the line, I could not get anything going. Jason and Kristen both landed several beautiful rainbows and even a couple of browns. I finally got on the board later in the day, and towards dusk, found a couple rising fish to cast dries to.

We woke early on the final day and were on the water by eight. Although we still had a long drive back to AZ, we could not pull ourselves away from the water. I worked one deep run in the Braids for a good while and pulled many respectable fish to the net. I tangoed with two really big fish. One broke me off after a short run, and the other, in a heartbreaking series of events, slipped the hook on a shoddy net job by myself.

The whole weekend was a success and I had a great time with Jason and Kristen, who both are fantastic anglers. I ate my weight in beef jerky and had one of the best green chili burgers at Fisheads Cafe. If you get the chance, it is well worth the time to go over and fly fish the San Juan River.

San Juan Rainbow
San Juan Rainbow
San Juan Rainbow
San Juan Rainbow
Aztec Anglers
San Juan Flies
San Juan River
San Juan River

 

San Juan Rainbow on a Zebra Midge
San Juan Rainbow on a Zebra Midge
Orvis
Vintage Orvis
San Juan Rainbow
Jason with a beautiful San Juan Rainbow
San Juan Fly Tying
San Juan Fly Tying
San Juan Rainbow
San Juan Rainbow
Release
Release
Abes Motel and Fly Shop
Abe’s Motel and Fly Shop
Abe's Motel and Fly Shop
Abe’s Motel and Fly Shop

18 Responses to “New Mexico Fly Fishing: The San Juan River”

  1. Mike

    Ah, some schweet fish in that mix. Glad to hear you we’re patient in the braids, those big fish are still in there. Just getting bigger! Mike

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks Mike. The Braids are sweet and I enjoyed working some of those deeper runs. Looking forward to getting back there and tackling those bigger fish.

      Ben

      Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks Mike. I think if you shoot an email to the guys over at AA, they would help you out. I don’t know if they have a page to buy them from. I know Paul pretty well and he’s a class act.

      Ben

      Reply
  2. Sleep When You're Dead

    Been looking forward to this report Ben. Thanks for sharing, nice big fish for everyone. I’m jealous of those warm temps in the high 20*s. haha I think 18 was our high a month ago there.
    Kyle

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks Kyle. You’re much more manly than I am for sticking it out in that cold weather. We were lucky to have such nice weather.

      Ben

      Reply
  3. Kirk

    Good times and nice photos. We were there a couple weeks ago and had the same experience – lots of little fish in the braids until we found the run full of nice ones. What a cool river!

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks Kirk. It’s a great river for sure with tons of opportunity. I look forward to heading back.

      Ben

      Reply
  4. walt franklin

    Having fished the San Juan only in the summertime, I especially enjoyed the winter photographs and casting accounts. They make me long for an “off season” visit one of these months or years. Thanks!

    Reply
    • azwanderings

      It’s definitely worth the wintertime trip Walt. Best of luck if you make it out there.

      Ben

      Reply
    • azwanderings

      Thanks Chris. I’ll be ordering another green chili burger when I come back, no matter how bad my buddies complain.

      Ben

      Reply

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