San Juan River - Archuleta - New Mexico
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
San Juan River – Archuleta - Water Flow Chart
San Juan River – Archuleta - Weather report & radar
San Juan River – Archuleta - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge Hatch | Afternoon | 18 – 26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
| BWO Hatch | Midday to Afternoon | 18 – 22 | Pheasant Tail, Blue Dun | |
| February | Midge Hatch | Afternoon | 6 – 22 | Brassie, Disco Midge |
| BWO Hatch | Late Afternoon | 18 – 22 | Pheasant Tail, Blue Dun | |
| March | Midge Hatch | Midday to Afternoon | 18 – 26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
| BWO Hatch | Midday to Afternoon | 18 – 24 | WD-40, Olive RS2 | |
| April | Midge Hatch | Afternoon | 18 – 26 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| BWO Hatch | Midday | 14 – 24 | BWO Emerger, Pheasant Tail | |
| May | Caddis Hatch | Evening | 14 – 16 | Pupae and Larvae, Elk Hair Caddis |
| BWO Hatch | Midday | 18 – 24 | Olive RS2, WD-40 | |
| June | PMD Hatch | Afternoon | 14 – 16 | PMD Emerger, PMD Dry Fly |
| Caddis Hatch | Evening | 14 – 16 | Green Rock Worm, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Trico Hatch | Morning | 22 – 24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Caddis Hatch | Evening | 14 – 16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Green Rock Worm | |
| August | Trico Hatch | Morning | 22 – 24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Hopper Hatch | Midday | 8 – 12 | Dave’s Hopper, Parachute Hopper | |
| September | Trico Hatch | Morning | 20 – 24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Hopper Hatch | Midday | 8 – 12 | Dave’s Hopper, Madam X | |
| October | BWO Hatch | Midday | 18 – 24 | Pheasant Tail, BWO Dun |
| Midge Hatch | Afternoon | 18 – 26 | Black Beauty, Blood Midge | |
| November | BWO Hatch | Midday to Late Afternoon | 18 – 22 | BWO Emerger, Pheasant Tail |
| Midge Hatch | Midday | 24 – 26 | Foam Wing Midge, Black Beauty | |
| December | Midge Hatch | Afternoon | 18 – 26 | Brassie, Zebra Midge |
| BWO Hatch | Midday | 18 – 22 | Pheasant Tail, BWO Dun |
San Juan River – Archuleta Access Points
San Juan River in Archuleta is renowned for its excellent fly fishing spots. Several access points offer a wide variety of fishing environments for both novice and expert anglers.
- Texas Hole: Known as the river’s most popular spot, Texas Hole is a deep and calm area teeming with large fish.
- Upper Flats: This spot is ideal for wading and offers shallow and slow water perfect for dry fly fishing.
- Munoz Meadows: This area is another popular wading angler spot, known for its vibrant aquatic insect life.
- Lower Flats: This broad, open area offers trout-rich waters. It’s an excellent place to fish during high water periods.
- Braids: This area has many small channels and islands that offer an enjoyable challenge for anglers.
- Death Row: This area is ideal for boat fishing, known for its aggressive currents and large rainbow trout.
San Juan River – Archuleta Fishing Spots
If you’re a fan of fly fishing, the San Juan River in Archuleta provides some of the best spots.
- Quality Waters: This is the first 4.5 miles below the Navajo Dam. Here, you will find an enormous number of fish, making it an ideal spot for fly fishing.
- Lower Flats: Located directly below Quality Waters, its wide and shallow structure makes it perfect for wading and fly fishing.
- Baetis Bend: A paradise for beginners, with ample slow-moving waters and tactical challenges.
- Texas Hole: Known for its deep pools and steady currents. This spot holds a good population of rainbow and brown trout.
- Upper Flats: Offers expansive scenery combined with diverse water- ideal for those who prefer solitary, peaceful fishing.
- Kidney Pool: Noted for its relatively easy wading and varied currents, Kidney Pool is perfect for novice or experienced fly fishermen alike.
San Juan River – Archuleta Local Fish Species
- Rainbow Trout – Rainbow Trout are the prima donna fish of the San Juan River. They are known for their high strength and feisty nature, making them an exciting challenge for fly fishermen.
- Brown Trout – Second to Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout are another native species to the San Juan River. They are stealthy and elusive which makes them a rewarding catch for any fisherman.
- Brook Trout – Brook Trout are not a native species to the river but have been introduced and have thrived. They are smaller in size, but are known for their distinct markings.
- White Sucker – These fish are abundant in the San Juan River. Although not a conventional staple within fly fishing, they can be a fun challenge due to their strong fights.
- Carp – Carp fishing has grown increasingly popular in recent years due to their abundance and the difficulty in catching them on a fly rod.
- Bluehead Chub – Bluehead Chubs are smaller fish native to the river, they are not an easy catch but are appreciated by anglers for their unique appearance.
- Fathead Minnow – Though tiny, they are a common prey species for larger fish in the river, hence become an interesting target for fly-fishing.
- Flathead Chub – Similar to the Bluehead Chub, the Flathead Chub is a native species to the San Juan River but are rarer and therefore more of an exciting catch.
About the San Juan River – Archuleta
If you’re a fan of stunning natural landscapes and a rich history, look no further than the San Juan River in Archuleta County. Originating in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the river serves as a captivating symbol of the county’s lively past.
Often called the ‘lifeline’ of the American Southwest, this gorgeous river has its unique role in shaping the history of Archuleta and its surroundings. With a length of about 385 miles, it flows through a vibrant tapestry of cultures, and diverse ecosystems.
- The fertile riverbanks have been the cradle of ancient Pueblo civilizations and later provided livelihood to Spanish settlers.
- Through centuries, the San Juan River generously supported farming, fishing, and tourism, playing a pivotal role in the Archuleta economy.
- Spectacular leisure activities like floating, fly fishing and canyon exploring keep attracting visitors worldwide.
Cherished for its historical and ecological value, the San Juan River carries timeless tales of Archuleta’s unique heritage.
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