Flowing through Pagosa Springs on its way to Navajo Reservoir, the “upper” San Juan is a good freestone river with good caddis and stonefly hatches.

Water Conditions: 

SAN JUAN RIVER AT PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO

• Temperature: 63.86 ° F
• Streamflow: 167 ft³/s
• Gage height: 4.14 ft

USGS

Rising/Falling: Falling

Fishing Conditions: Fishing in Pagosa can be tough this time of year…the rubber hatch is on.  If you want to skip the tubers, go at first light, and then head into the high country once it gets busy.  Plus, temps have been too high to fish in the afternoon.

Patterns/Bug: Nymphs: Prince nymphs 12-16, Pat’s Rubberlegs 4-8 or Jigged Pats 8-12, Black and Copper Copper Johns 12-16,  20 Incher 10-14, Deep Cleaner Nymph 10.

Dries: Parachute Adams 10-16,  Stimulators 10-14, Amy’s Ant 10-14, Chubbies 6-12, Peacock Caddis 14-18, Elk Hair Caddis 14-20, Pink Hackle Stacker PMD 16-18, PMD Vis-a-dun 16-20, Trico Spinner Dry 20-22.