San Juan River
FishableNew Mexico
Current Conditions
The San Juan River is running at 821 CFS — fishable but higher than ideal. Nymph rigs will outfish dries today. Streamers may produce.
Last updated: Jul 10, 2026, 8:00 AM from USGS gauge 09365000 (San Juan River at Farmington)
7-Day Flow Trend
Flow thresholds: Optimal 250–500 CFS | Fishable to 1500 CFS | Marginal to 3000 CFS
Water Temperature
Water temperature is in the optimal range for trout. Expect good insect activity and feeding.
About the San Juan River
The San Juan below Navajo Dam is New Mexico's premier tailwater and one of the most productive trout fisheries in the Southwest. The Quality Water section holds 15,000+ trout per mile, mostly rainbows, averaging 16-20 inches.
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Midge Griffith's Gnat #20-26 | ||||||||||||
Blue-Winged Olive BWO Parachute #20-22 | ||||||||||||
San Juan Worm San Juan Worm #12-14 (red/brown/pink) | ||||||||||||
Pale Morning Dun PMD Sparkle Dun #16 |
Active Hatches — July
Patterns: Griffith's Gnat #20-26, Zebra Midge #20-24, Mercury Midge #22, San Juan Midge #22
Patterns: San Juan Worm #12-14 (red/brown/pink), Squirmy Wormy
Patterns: PMD Sparkle Dun #16
River Sections
Quality Water
wade access821 CFS
First 3.5 miles below Navajo Dam. Catch-and-release with barbless hooks. Incredible midge and BWO fishing year-round.
Bait Water to Farmington
wade/float access821 CFS
Below the Quality Water section. All methods permitted with good trout fishing throughout.
Guides on the San Juan River(17)
These fishing guides list the San Juan River as one of their home waters.
Dos Amigos Anglers Fly Shop & Guide Service
Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River, Colorado
Heads Up Fly Fishing
Durango, Colorado
High Country Fishing Charters
Pagosa Spgs, Colorado
Rainbow Lodge & Resolution Guide Service
Colorado
Wolf Creek Anglers Fly Shop
Colorado
Anasazi Angler
Hesperus, Colorado
Animas Valley Anglers
Durango, Colorado
Duranglers
Durango, Colorado
Land of Enchantment Guides
Santa Fe, Colorado
San Juan Angler
Durango, Colorado
Blue Sky Fly Fishing
Navajo Dam, New Mexico
Fisheads San Juan River Lodge
Navajo Dam, New Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to fish the San Juan River?+
The San Juan River fishes well from spring through fall. Peak dry fly season is typically June through September. The best hatches occur during summer months with PMDs and caddis. Fall brings excellent streamer fishing and fewer crowds.
What flies work on the San Juan River in July?+
In July, the San Juan River sees Midge, San Juan Worm, Pale Morning Dun activity. Top patterns include Griffith's Gnat #20-26, San Juan Worm #12-14 (red/brown/pink), PMD Sparkle Dun #16. Always carry a selection of nymphs as well.
How many fishing guides operate on the San Juan River?+
Avonture lists 17 fishing guides who operate on the San Juan River. These guides offer local knowledge of hatches, access points, and current conditions that can significantly improve your experience.
What is the current flow on the San Juan River?+
The San Juan River's flow data is updated every 30 minutes from USGS gauge stations (waterdata.usgs.gov). Check the top of this page for current CFS readings, fishability status, and a 7-day flow trend chart. Optimal fishing flows are 250–500 CFS.
What fish species are in the San Juan River?+
The San Juan River primarily holds wild brown trout and rainbow trout. Fish sizes vary by section, with tailwater reaches typically holding larger fish.
Quick Conditions
Fishability Thresholds