San Juan 28-30

[Hopper]

First time to the San Juan for my dad and I, stayed at Rizuto's lodge, the owner Chuck very nice guy with unlimited knowledge of the river. Hired a guide on second day (Aaron Hyder)fantastic young man, and guide, never seemed to be a slow moment the entire day. Fished the upper flats on the last day on the advice of Aaron, again lots of big fish. On the guide trip we were set up with #8 bunny leach with a #20 red midge dropper between 7-10 ft deep. At the upper flats I fished a #16 egg pattern with a #22 brown crystal flash wing midge dropper. Both rigs were dead drifted under a indicator. This river will definately spoil a person with the ammount of big fish you can catch. Will definately be back. The weather was not for the light hearted 35 deg. was the warmest it got and light snow most of the time, but it was worth it.

Gregg

[Hopper]

More San Juan Pics.

[dgames]

SJ is a cool river to fish! I went about 4 or 5 times back in the mid 90s. It is amazing that you can catch big fish on 22s.

[DaddyO]

Gregg,

It looks like you and your Dad had a great time. Thanks for posting the pics. I was about a week away from going there earlier in the year and had to cancel because of work.

[flyfishmaster]

Hopper,

I have not been to the SJ yet. From what you have experienced, is a boat required or can to wade fish the stream?

Later,

FFM

[dgames]

Hopper,

I have not been to the SJ yet. From what you have experienced, is a boat required or can to wade fish the stream?

Later,

FFM

Unless they have drastically changed the Dam's flow regimes since I was going there in the 90s it is definitely wadeable. The lower flats & upper flats areas he talked about are both areas I used to fish and I always waded there.

[Thom]

More San Juan Pics.

I agree on the fishing there. Spent some time there a few years back fishing out of a Klack. Fish under 2# are unusual. I couldn't bleieve the size and stamina of the fish there.

Looking at the background of the brush at the streams edge got my juices flowing. Great habitat to fish either out of a boat or wading. Lots of room to fish. we were having lots of action at one pod area and a guide moved in with his clients. I just moved down and out from them and it started back again. I am sure that my offerings were different to what the usual fare was there and that made it more interesting to the bows that were used to seeing the same o same o from the locals.

BTW one fish is all that can be kept there and I never saw anyone keep one. YOu must leave the stream if you keep a fish.

And yes wading is very possible there just a little walk to the stream and usually have to go up and out of the stream to walk down to the next spot but it is well worth the walk

If it is your first time there I would recommend a guide t o make it a great outing. Reasonable and well worth the money.

Thom

[localwaters]

Summer is now upon us here on the San Juan. Temps. are nearing the 90's again and fish are eating very well. The morings have been fishing good to excellent with red larvae and midge pupae, with the afternoons fishing well with midge emergers and believe it or not, large ant patterns fished solo on the surface! If anyone is looking for more information concerning the San Juan River or any body of water in the Durango, CO area, give me a shout and I'll be more than happy to let you know where and what is hot.

Aaron Hyder

Local Waters Guide Service, San Juan River, N.M.

(970) 946-5671