San Juan - Pagosa Springs - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
San Juan – Pagosa Springs - Water Flow Chart
San Juan – Pagosa Springs - Weather report & radar
San Juan – Pagosa Springs - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Afternoon | 22-26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Fuzzball |
| Stoneflies | All Day | 10-14 | Nymphs, Black Stonefly | |
| February | Midge | Afternoon | 22-26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Blood Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-22 | Sparkle Dun, Quill Gordon | |
| March | Midge | Afternoon | 22-26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-22 | Sparkle Dun, Quill Gordon | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| May | Caddis | Evening | 14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Olive Caddis Pupa |
| Stoneflies | All Day | 6-10 | Chubby Chernobyl, Golden Stonefly | |
| June | Stoneflies | All Day | 6-10 | Giant Black Stonefly, Salmonfly |
| Green Drakes | Afternoon | 10-14 | Green Drake Dun, Sparkle Dun | |
| July | Green Drakes | Afternoon | 10-14 | Green Drake Dun, Sparkle Dun |
| Yellow Sallies | All Day | 14-18 | Yellow Sally Dry Fly, Beadhead Yellow Sally | |
| August | Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Terrestrials | All Day | 10-18 | Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns | |
| September | Tricos | Morning | 20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Blue Winged Olives | Evening | 18-22 | Parachute Adams, RS2 | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-22 | Parachute Adams, RS2 |
| Midges | Afternoon | 22-26 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 22-26 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18-22 | Sparkle Dun, Quill Gordon | |
| December | Midge | Afternoon | 22-26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Fuzzball |
| Stoneflies | All Day | 10-14 | Nymphs, Black Stonefly |
San Juan – Pagosa Springs Access Points
The San Juan river surrounding Pagosa Springs offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities. Some of the best access points include:
- East Fork of San Juan: It provides an excellent scenic fly fishing spot with good access points. Easily reached from Highway 160.
- Williams Creek Reservoir: Another amazing fly fishing spot providing good chances to catch cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout. Accessible from Piedra Road.
- Piedra River: This is another excellent place for fly fishing, with good access and the potential to land rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
- Village Pond: Situated within Pagosa Springs, this stocked pond provides easy and convenient access.
- San Juan at Trujillo Road: Offering good wade fishing opportunities, this section of the river can be reached from Trujillo Road.
- Navajo State Park: Located just south of Arboles, the area around the reservoir is home to some fine fishing spots.
San Juan – Pagosa Springs Fishing Spots
- Quality Waters: This 3.75-mile stretch is a designated Special Trout Water with large Rainbow and Brown Trout.
- Baetis Bend Park: Known for its boulder-filled runs and pools, this park is popular among experienced anglers.
- River Point: Offers access to both easy and more challenging waters, making it suitable for all skill levels.
- Two Rivers Crossing: Ideal for wade fishing, this spot boasts stunning surroundings.
- San Juan Campground: Provides access to a slower-paced section of the river, perfect for beginners or relaxed fishing.
San Juan – Pagosa Springs Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout: The San Juan River contains a high population of Rainbow Trout, making them a prime target for local fishermen.
- Brook Trout: Brook Trout are less common in the San Juan River, but still targeted by fly fishermen in the area.
- Brown Trout: Brown Trout are also present in the river and are a favorite among local fly fishermen.
- Cutthroat Trout: The Colorado River Cutthroat Trout is a local favorite, thanks to its beautiful coloring and fight.
- Northern Pike: These are also targeted by anglers, particularly in the lower sections of the river.
- Whitefish: Mountain Whitefish can also be found in the San Juan River and are targeted by some fly fishers.
- Common Carp: This fish is considered a trash fish by some, but is becoming increasingly popular to fly fish for due to their size and strength.
- Channel Catfish: This bottom-dwelling species can be found in the slower sections of the San Juan River and provide a different challenge for fly anglers.
About the San Juan – Pagosa Springs
Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, San Juan and Pagosa Springs are two captivating and historically rich regions. San Juan, popularly known as the “Switzerland of America” because of its picturesque scenery, traces its roots back to the mining era of the late 1800s. The area took its name from the San Juan mountains and river which are in turn named for Saint John the Baptist.
Just a stone’s throw away, you’ll find the delightful town of Pagosa Springs. Known for its therapeutic hot springs, the name Pagosa is believed to be a Ute Indian term for “healing waters”. Historically, soldiers, Native Americans, and settlers alike frequented these waters to soak away their ailments.
Today, these wonderful destinations offer a variety of activities, from hiking magnificent trails, to enjoying the phenomenal hot springs, to exploring the precious remnants of mining ghost towns.
Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, San Juan and Pagosa Springs have something magical to offer everyone.
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