San Juan Fishing Forecast
Quality tailwater fishing
Open year-round
Quality Waters below Navajo Dam. Year-round. Barbless hooks required in Quality Waters section. One trout over 20in
Today's Fishing Conditions
Good
Updated 7:55 AM
52°F
40 CFS
12 AM - 2 AM
Scud
Free forever • No signup required • Hourly updates
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
tailwater
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for San Juan
Texas Hole
Famous pool below Navajo Dam.
Kiddie Hole
Quality fishing access.
Upper Flats
Technical fishing in flats.
Baetis Bend
Famous for BWO hatches.
How to Fish San Juan: Tips & Tactics
The San Juan River below Navajo Dam is one of the finest tailwaters in the United States, producing trophy rainbow trout in incredible numbers. Fish counts exceed 15,000 trout per mile.
Best Times of Day
Year-round fishing is excellent. Midge and BWO hatches occur daily. Morning hours offer the best surface activity.
Recommended Techniques
Match the prolific midge and mayfly hatches. Sight fishing to specific trout is highly productive. Fine tippets and small flies essential.
Water Conditions
Cold dam releases create exceptional conditions. Water clarity is excellent. Fish are numerous but can be selective.
Fly Selection
Midge patterns in sizes 20-26 essential. BWO patterns for mayflies. San Juan Worms work year-round.
Local Knowledge
The "Quality Waters" section below the dam is the premier fishing. Fish counts are among the highest in the country. The desert setting is beautiful.
Local Tips
Navajo Dam is the destination. The San Juan is among the finest tailwaters anywhere. Expect technical fishing with numerous fish.
When is the Best Time to Fish San Juan?
Spring
Excellent fishing continues. BWO hatches increase.
Summer
Year-round tailwater stays cool. Fish early morning.
Fall
Outstanding conditions. Less crowded.
Winter
Cold water fishery produces. Midge focus.
Recommended Equipment for San Juan
Rod
9-foot, 4 or 5-weight for technical fishing.
Line
Floating line with long leaders.
Leader & Tippet
12-15 foot leaders, 6X-7X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold water year-round.
Essential Flies
San Juan Fishing Regulations
Season
Open year-round.
Limits
One fish over 20 inches in Quality Waters.
Special Regulations
Quality Waters has strict regulations.
Bait Restrictions
Single barbless flies only in Quality Waters.
Notes
New Mexico Game and Fish manages this trophy water.
Always verify current regulations with New Mexico fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near San Juan
Local Fly Shops
- Abe's Motel & Fly Shop - Navajo Dam
- Rizuto's Fly Shop
- San Juan River Lodge
Guide Services
- San Juan River Lodge Guides
- Abe's Guide Service
- Rizuto's Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
500 - 2500 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
42° - 55°F
Ideal for active trout
Ready to Fish the San Juan?
Get real-time forecasts with AI-powered fly recommendations, live water conditions, and hatch predictions.
Get Your Forecast