SAN JUAN RIVER NEAR ARCHULETA, NM

Steady

Fishing Conditions

Inflows to Navajo Reservoir are dirty, and the water is cold.  The cold water is following the old riverbeds at the bottom of the lake straight to the dam.

That being said, fish gotta eat!  Larger midges with a little flash, leeches, annelids, scuds, and worm patterns are good go-to nymphs.  In dirty water, try a streamer.  Watch for hatches of midges and baetis.

There is talk of ramping up flows to 5000 cfs mid to late May for a few weeks.  We will update as we know more, but high water can fish good too.

Patterns/Bug

Midges 18-24: Black Flash Midge Pupa, Disco Midge, Tav’s Big Mac, Bling Midge.Foam Wing RS-2s 20-22, Flashback Pheasant Tails, and Rainbow Warriors 18-22.

Annelids in 18-22.  San Juan Worms, Egg patterns. Grey and White Bunny Leeches, White and Blood Simi Seal Leeches #10s, Mayer’s Mini Leach. White Sparkle Minnow, Olive/White Flatliner, Buggers in black, olive, or white.