Healthy rainbows constitute the majority of the trout caught in the San Juan River. Since their original stocking in the early 1960’s, this abundant rainbow population has taken over and multiplied at a phenomenal rate! Due to the proliferation of food constantly flowing down this magnificent river, San Juan rainbows growth rate is impressive, producing small heads and a full-bodied girth. “Bows” in the 4 to 5 lb. range are quite common, with record fish known to reach upwards of 9 to 11 lbs.

The San Juan River originates from the dam at Navajo Lake, which is located in the “Four Corners” area of New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Colorado, about an hour from Durango, CO and 45 minutes from Farmington, NM. This clear, spectacular river is virtually swarming with rainbows & brown trout, as well as a few Snake River cutthroat trout. Four miles of this cold (an almost constant 45 degrees F) river is designated as Trophy water. In this stretch only one fish 20” or longer may be kept. In both the trophy water and the “catch and release” section, only flies with single barbless hooks and artificial lures may be used.

The San Juan River is fishable year round, as the blue skies and warm sunshine of Northern New Mexico provide ideal conditions for both wade fishing and float trips. Fishing on the San Juan River is heavily regulated via the NM Game and Fish Department; thus the quality of fishing these waters shall never deteriorate. In addition, the land on either side of this spectacular river is maintained and administered by the State Land Department in an effort to prevent pollution, ill use and erosion, thus ensuring that the San Juan River shall remain ad infinitum one of the most pristine & protected fisheries in the continental United States!