san
juan quality waters
Most of our float trips take place just below the reservoir in the quality
water section located in Navajo Lake State Park. This trip covers about
3.5 miles on full and 1/2 days. This section is world renown for technical trout
that eat specific fly patterns often times the size of a pinhead. Size 18 to
30 hooks are common practice on this incredible fishery.
san
juan lower river
Lower river floats cover 14 river miles of public and private water. This section
is perfect for the dry fly enthusiast. Most fish down stream of the public
water are wild and untouched. Angling pressure is low due to limited access
on this mostly private fishery. The absence of people and a good number of
browns to a dry fly make this a wonderful float. Lower river San Juan floats
offer the angler the chance to fish larger fly patterns including hoppers,
caddis and PMDs. Streamer fishing can also be productive on this section in
the spring and fall.
year-round
season
Here at Animas Valley Anglers we believe a little snow and sleet shouldn't
keep one off the water, making the San Juan float season in the Quality
Waters year-round. However, most days in the winter are sunny
and calm with temps in the mid 40's to lower 50's. Summer temps
will be in the 90's, but with a slight breeze off the water it feels
a lot cooler. The lower river fishes
well from March through October.
the
fish
The consistent and stable environment created by the damn make the San
Juan one of the top five tail water fisheries in the country when it
comes to fish-per mile. Each little run, riffle and pool is chalk full
of browns, rainbows and cut-bows. The trout average between 16 and 18
inches and every year the occasional 30 incher makes in to the net. Massive
carp also live in the shallow back waters of the river and can make for
great sport on the fly.
catch
rates
The San Juan is a fish factory. From the dam down through the lower river
one can expect many opportunities at trout on the fly. 20 fish per rod,
per boat is common. Keep in mind however, that these fish are large,
strong fighting fish and they can be a real challenge to land on a #28
midge pupa. Not all of the monsters we hook make it to the net for a
photo!
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