Guided Fly Fishing Trips on The San Juan River

Float or Wade The Quality Waters of the San Juan

Book A Guided Trip on The San Juan

World Class Fly Fishing in New Mexico

Learn About The Fishing & The River - Navajo Dam, NM

The San Juan River Quality Waters is a world-class tailwater fishery. The desert oasis of Northern New Mexico hides the San Juan River, a trout nirvana if you will.

The San Juan is great for beginners and anglers looking to expand their skills to more technical fly fishing. The first 4 miles of the San Juan is designated the quality waters. This section of the river is artificial flies and lures only. Single barbless hooks also apply to this section. There is an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 fish per mile in the first 4 miles of the San Juan, hence the title Quality Waters.

The river consists of rainbow and brown trout. The New Mexico Game and Fish regularly stocks rainbows periodically throughout the year. The brown trout have not been stocked since the mid-1980s. So any brown trout that is caught is a wild fish

Large brown trout caught on a guided fly fishing trip down the San Juan river in northern New Mexico.

Fish range in size from 10 inches all the way to 24 inches. The average size is between 14 and 16 inches.

The San Juan offers some awesome BWO hatches in the afternoon, but the predominant food source for these fish are midges. You can expect to fish midge larva and pupa stages in the 20 to 26 hook size. BWO’s range in size from 18 to 24 hook sizes.

The San Juan River is a great fishery for any angler looking for a fun-filled day. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced angler, the San Juan offers something for every skill level.

Book A Guided Trip on The San Juan

What to Expect

Included In The Trip

  • All Fly Fishing Equipment: Rod, Reel, Tackle.
  • You can rent Waders for $25 per person for wade trips (No blue jeans. Denim and snaps will create extra wear on the waders and weaken the fabric).
  • Lunch Included on Full Day Fishing Trips
  • Water is included on every trip
  • A cooler is available for personal refreshments and nutritional needs
  • Please contact Patrick with any special dietary requirements

What To Bring

  • New Mexico Fishing License With a Habitat Stamp
  • Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses
  • Raingear – monsoonal weather in July and August.
  • Check the weather and dress accordingly. Summer air temperatures are 90-100F, but the water temperature is always around 42°F.

Down Payment

  • A 50% Deposit Is Required At The Time Of Booking

Cancellations

  • Cancellations and requests to reschedule must be made at least a full week prior to the charter date to receive a full refund or date change
  • Cancellations due to bad weather are at the guide’s discretion and will receive a full refund or may be rescheduled
  • Cancellations that are made within 48 hours of the trip will be charged the full price of the trip

 

Pricing Info

Wade Fishing Trips

  • One Person $500 Per Day
  • Two People $550 Per Day
  • Three People $675 Per Day

Float Fishing Trips

  • One Person $500 Per Day
  • Two People $550 Per Day

Lower River Trips

  • One or Two People $600 Per Day
 

(Guided trips in New Mexico are subject to New Mexico Sales Tax)

**Gratuity is not included in the price. Industry-standard is 20% of the trip cost.

Quick Take

The San Juan River is Located in Northern New Mexico. Roughly 1 Hour South of Durango, Colorado, and 30 Minutes North of Aztec, New Mexico.

The River Consists of Rainbow and Brown Trout Ranging in Size From 10 Inches to Over 2 Feet (14-16 Inch Average).

Midges Size 20-26 and BWO’s  Size 18-24 are the staples on the San Juan. Worms, Eggs, and Other Attractors Should Not be Overlooked.

The San Juan Caters to New and Experienced Anglers Alike. The Volume of Fish Per Mile Allows Beginer Anglers The Experience to Expand Their Skillset to More Technical Tailwater Fly Fishing. The Diversity of Opportunity Within One River Can Satisfy Even The Most Seasoned Angler.

Real Time River Data

USGS Water Resources

NM Fishing License

Buy One Online
Book A Guided Trip on The San Juan

Send Patrick A Message

Please Call or Text For The Fastest Possible Response

Call To Book: 1-575-993-1603

    Testimonials

    "This was my second trip with Pat. I first met him a year ago, which was my first venture into Fly Fishing. On my first trip with Pat It was an amazing day. Prior to my trip he contacted me and we put together a plan for the next day. I was catching fish within 15 minutes of being in the water!"
    Gary W.
    I recently signed up for my first float fishing trip on the San Juan River. My guide Patrick Garland was very patient and a real confidence builder!!! I'm a beginner and almost gave up on fly fishing but Patrick provided me the tools to be successful. It was the most educational and enjoyable day on the water for me. Highly recommend Patrick as a guide!!!"
    Angela
    Patrick was so laid back and easy to talk to I felt right at home. As we waded into the spot, he coached me step by step and I was hooked up in no time. I ended up doing a half day float with Patrick in 2019, but this time my 9 year old son tagged along. I was nervous since he had never fly fished before. Patrick did a heck of a job coaching him through it all and put Hunter on his first fish early in the morning. We had such a blast, we are coming back again with the wife and kid.
    Efren L.

    Photo Gallery

    Take a Look At The Typical Day on The Water With Time Flies Angling