FISHABLE
Steady winter flows at ~387 CFS, water 42-46°F, slightly off-color from fall rains—fish feeding well on worms and midgesSan Juan River
Current Hatch Activity
Midges hatching reliably mid-morning and afternoon. BWOs showing on mild overcast afternoons. Off-color water favoring worm patterns (San Juan Worm #8-14), egg patterns (#18), and bunny leeches (#6-8) over tiny midges. When nymphing, Rojo Midges (#20-22) and midge larvae (#18-24) still producing. Griffith's Gnat (#18) for surface feeders.
FISHABLE
Vernille San Juan Worm (brown/black, #8-14) + Rojo Midge dropper (#20-22), or egg pattern (Lynch's Double Dot #18) with Black Latex Emerger (#22-26)
Quick Reference
Currently running ~387 CFS below Navajo Dam. 500-1,000 CFS optimal for fishing. Spring environmental releases can spike to 5,000 CFS for up to 60 days.
42-46°F currently. Tailwater temps stay remarkably stable from Navajo Dam releases. No thermal stress concerns.
Steady winter flows in the 300-400 CFS range. Mild winter has kept conditions comfortable. Watch for spring environmental releases starting March-May.
Slightly off-color with grayish-green tint and 1-2 ft visibility from fall rainwater entering Navajo Lake. The turbidity is actually making fish less wary and easier to fool—heavier tippet (4X-5X fluorocarbon) is fine right now.
What "Fishable" Means Here
Fishable year-round except during spring environmental releases. The San Juan is midge water—expect to fish smaller flies here than anywhere else. Two reliable midge hatches daily: mid-morning and afternoon.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
March through May can see high environmental releases (up to 5,000 CFS) for native fish downstream. Check flows before planning a trip. When flows are normal, excellent midge and BWO fishing.
summer
Consistent fishing despite occasional hot weather. Tailwater temps stay cool. Midges remain productive. Early morning and late evening see the best activity. Crowds increase but fish cooperate.
fall
Many consider this prime time. Stable flows, comfortable weather, and aggressive fish. BWOs join the midge parade. October and November are particularly good. Book guides early.
winter
Classic winter tailwater fishing at its finest. Flows steady around 350-400 CFS. Fish concentrate in quality water. Midges hatch reliably every day. Mild winter this year has extended feeding windows and made conditions more comfortable than usual. Fewer anglers, excellent fishing.
Alerts
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