San Juan River
Navajo Dam · Quality Water Tailwater
NW New Mexico, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
Stream gauge: 09355500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The San Juan is running 870 cfs at 43.3°F — higher flow than typical June levels but still very fishable in the Quality Waters. Water temp is holding back the PMD emergence that should define this month, keeping midges as the primary game. Williams Creek notes midday baetis action and caddis patterns producing. Focus subsurface with midge clusters and scud patterns until afternoon air temps push water past 50°F to trigger caddis and eventual PMDs.
- Flow: 870 cfs — elevated but manageable. Quality Waters section fishing well with good structure definition and holding water.
- Hatches: Midges dominant with water at 43°F. Caddis emergence possible midday as air hits 90°F. PMDs waiting for 52°F threshold.
- Water Temp: 43.3°F — cool for June. Needs 7-8° rise to trigger peak PMD activity that should define this month on the San Juan.
- Best Window: Midday warming 11am-3pm for any surface activity. Early morning and evening for consistent nymph fishing.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; peak Mar–May & Sept–Nov
The San Juan River below Navajo Dam in northwestern New Mexico is one of America's most consistent tailwater fisheries. The 'Quality Waters' section — the 3.75 miles immediately below the dam — produces extraordinary numbers of large rainbow and brown trout in cold, clear, year-round flows. The Texas Hole, Kiddie Pool, Cable Hole, and Lower Flats are among the most-photographed runs in fly fishing. The fishery is famous for its midge fishing — size 22 to 26 patterns that demand precision presentations to selective fish — and is the birthplace of the San Juan Worm, the simple red annelid pattern named for this river.
NM Game and Fish surveys put the Quality Waters section at roughly 15,000 trout per mile with fish averaging 17 inches — among the highest documented trout densities of any tailwater in the United States. The river also gave the sport its namesake fly: the San Juan Worm.
January Outlook
The San Juan below Navajo Reservoir is one of the most consistent tailwater fisheries in the world. Midge fishing year-round with truly large trout.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Top Secret Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
Tips
The Quality Waters section from the dam to the cable is the most heavily fished but most productive stretch. Size 22–26 midge patterns are standard. 6X or 7X tippet essential.
Water Notes
Regulated 500–700 cfs year-round. Water 46–52°F. Desert tailwater — consistent regardless of weather or season.
February Outlook
February on the San Juan below Navajo Dam is excellent year-round tailwater fishing. Cold desert temperatures but consistent midge hatches on mild afternoons. One of New Mexico's finest winter tailwaters.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- Juju Baetis
Tips
The quality water from the Kiddie Pool to Texas Hole fishes well year-round. February midging requires 6X tippet and precise presentations. The desert canyon is uniquely atmospheric in winter.
Water Notes
Regulated 300–1,200 cfs. Water 42–50°F. Stable tailwater conditions. Very little winter pressure.
March Outlook
BWO activity begins in March on the San Juan. The desert setting means spring arrives early.
Productive Patterns
- Sparkle Dun #20
- RS2
- CDC BWO
- Zebra Midge
Tips
The BWO hatch on the San Juan begins earlier than most Western rivers due to the desert climate. March afternoons can produce excellent dry fly fishing.
Water Notes
500–700 cfs. Water 48–54°F. The desert setting moderates spring temperatures.
April Outlook
April on the San Juan is transitional — midging continues and PMDs begin appearing. The desert is warming and wildflowers bloom on the canyon rim. One of the finest April tailwaters in the Southwest.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- RS2
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Zebra Midge
Tips
April produces consistent PMD hatches in the quality water sections. Fewer crowds than May. The fishing is excellent and the desert canyon is beautiful in bloom.
Water Notes
Regulated flows 600–1,500 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Excellent spring conditions.
May Outlook
Excellent spring fishing with PMDs and Caddis joining the midge and BWO program.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
May is one of the San Juan's finest months with consistent multiple hatches. The Quality Waters section is at its most productive.
Water Notes
500–700 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Protected from runoff by Navajo Reservoir. Prime conditions.
June Outlook
PMDs and Caddis at peak activity. The San Juan in June is producing fish from early morning to last light.
Productive Patterns
- PMD
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Pale Morning Dun
- Soft Hackle Caddis
Tips
The evening caddis hatch on the San Juan from 6–9pm is one of the finest in the Southwest. The Quality Waters section fish are large — 20-inch fish are common.
Water Notes
500–700 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Outstanding desert tailwater conditions.
July Outlook
July on the San Juan tailwater is consistent despite summer desert heat. The dam-regulated water stays cold year-round — trout don't experience the thermal stress that affects freestone rivers. Midge hatches continue throughout the day.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge #22-24
- RS2
- Scud (pink/olive)
- San Juan Worm
Tips
Start fishing by 7am before desert heat becomes oppressive. The quality water sections (Kiddie Pool, Texas Hole) produce fish throughout the day. The water is always cold even when air temps exceed 95°F.
Water Notes
Regulated 600–1,800 cfs. Water 46–52°F year-round regardless of air temperature. Desert heat on land but cold water.
August Outlook
August on the San Juan. Desert monsoon season brings afternoon thunderstorms but fishing remains excellent in the morning. The cold tailwater provides one of the Southwest's most reliable summer fisheries.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Scud
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Fish early morning before monsoon storms develop. The afternoon storms can be intense but typically clear quickly. The quality water concentrates fish in predictable lies year-round.
Water Notes
600–2,000 cfs. Water 46–52°F constant. Monsoon storms common 2–6pm. Fish early.
September Outlook
Excellent fall fishing with BWO hatches and consistent conditions. The desert setting keeps the San Juan productive late into fall.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- PMD Cripple
- RS2
- Elk Hair Caddis
Tips
September on the San Juan is excellent with fewer crowds than summer. The fall BWO hatch begins on overcast afternoons. The consistent tailwater conditions continue year-round.
Water Notes
500–700 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Consistent year-round conditions continue.
October Outlook
October brings the best dry fly fishing of the year on the San Juan. BWO hatches are prolific and the fish are large and active.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- RS2
- Streamer
Tips
The San Juan's October fishing is world-class. Large rainbows and browns rise freely to BWO patterns on overcast afternoons. One of the finest October tailwaters anywhere.
Water Notes
500–700 cfs. Water 48–56°F. The BWO hatch is most reliable and dense in October.
November Outlook
Excellent November fishing on the San Juan. Cold desert days but the midging is consistent and the crowds have thinned. The quality water sections produce fish reliably from the Kiddie Pool through Texas Hole.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
- Mercury Midge
Tips
November is one of the San Juan's best months — cold, clear days with minimal pressure. The fish are active and the midge hatches are consistent. Desert sunsets in the canyon are extraordinary.
Water Notes
Regulated 600–1,500 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Stable tailwater. Excellent late-season conditions.
December Outlook
Year-round midge fishing on the San Juan. The desert climate makes December fishing comfortable relative to other tailwaters.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Top Secret Midge
- RS2
- WD-40
Tips
The San Juan fishes year-round. December midging in the desert Southwest is comfortable compared to Colorado or Montana tailwaters. The quality waters section produces fish regardless of month.
Water Notes
500–700 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Consistent year-round tailwater. The desert climate provides milder winters.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #22–28 |
|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Jan, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | #20–22 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
Jul, Aug | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #16–18 |
|
| Scud / Sowbug Gammarus / Caecidotea spp. |
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec | #14–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Navajo Dam, NM is the primary base. Wade access throughout the Quality Waters section; pull-offs along NM-511. New Mexico fishing license required. Special regulations: artificial flies/lures with single barbless hooks only, catch-and-release only, no bait or scent. Many guides operate from Abe's, Soaring Eagle, and Sportsman's Inn.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Fisheads of the San Juan
- Duranglers
- Williams Creek Angler
Regulations & License
Fishing in New Mexico requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
New Mexico fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
San Juan River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
San Juan River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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