FISHABLE
Ideal winter flows, excellent midge activitySan Juan River
Current Hatch Activity
Reliable midge hatches mid-morning and afternoon daily. BWOs sporadically on overcast days. Fish small—#22-24 is standard here.
FISHABLE
San Juan Worm + Midge dropper (#22-24) or sight-nymph with Scuds
Quick Reference
300-500 CFS typical releases. 500-1,000 CFS optimal for fishing. Spring environmental releases can spike to 5,000 CFS for up to 60 days.
44-54°F year-round. Tailwater temps stay remarkably stable from Navajo Dam releases. No thermal stress concerns.
Classic tailwater with exceptional stability. Flows rarely fluctuate daily like other tailwaters. Spring releases (March-May) for native fish can run high but are predictable.
Crystal clear year-round. Visibility often exceeds 8 feet. Sight fishing is the norm. The San Juan demands light tippet and precise presentations.
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 lock in around 300 CFS. Fish concentrate in quality water. Midges hatch reliably every day. Fewer anglers, excellent fishing for those willing to brave the cold.
Alerts
Resources
River Intel Weekly
Weekly flow updates and fishing intel.
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