Headwaters to Tailwaters:
The San Juan
by
Karen Christopherson |
Click
Here to read
more "Fish
Tails" |
The San Juan River spends most of
its time in New Mexico and Utah. However, it starts in Colorado high
country, up near Wolf Creek Pass. Its beginnings are in mountain
creeks, but even by the time it reaches Pagosa Springs, it has
grown to be a decent size river. Downstream, another 25 miles or
so, it is even larger as it flows into Navajo Reservoir.
San Juan headwaters from Wolf Creek Pass |
Headwaters
to Pagosa Springs
The
headwaters flow into the East and West Forks of the San Juan.
The West Fork is accessed in National Forest land off of US Hwy
160 (west side of Wolf Creek Pass). The East Fork Can be reached
by taking Forest Rd 667 east of Hwy 160, about 10 miles south of
the pass.
Pagosa
Springs
The
river flows right through Pagosa Springs. The town has a pretty
unusual agreement with the landowners along the river - you can
fish and have access to the high-water mark (this is not normal
Colorado law). There are several parks in town, and it means you
can stay in Pagosa and go fishing whenever you like, maybe go
have a nice lunch or soak in the hot spring pools, and go back
fishing.
South
of Pagosa Springs
Most
of the river's journey after leaving Pagosa is through lands on
the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. This means special regs and
difficult access.
Navajo Reservoir |
Navajo
Reservoir and into New Mexico
The
San Juan is probably best known for its tailwaters at the base of
Navajo Dam. Don't forget your NM license! And, as the
river flows through New Mexico, it is a float-trip dream. Many
Colorado guides and flyshops offer fishing float trips on this
portion of the river. Some good
info about fishing below the dam Visit the website for Navajo
State Park (Colorado portion) or Navajo
State Park (New Mexico portion)
 |
Tailwaters below Navajo Dam.
Photo courtesy Jim Partin |
Our buddy, Jim Partin of
ArkAnglers, enjoying some winter fishing. Jim
normally guides on the Arkansas, but took some time to
fish the San Juan and catch lots of trout. Yes, there
can be hatches when it is snowing out! Photos courtesy Jim
Partin
Other
rivers
This
is great fishing country. There are many other places to fish.
Take your pick of mountain streams and lakes, or fish some of
the other well-known rivers that are only a short drive away -
the Piedra, Animas,
Los Pinos all offer fine fishing.
 |
Just taking pictures - put them back!
Photo courtesy Jim Partin |
Resources/Other Info:
 |
 Click
here to buy topo maps for this area. You need map 140 for the area
near Wolf Creek Pass, northeast of Pagosa. This map
also covers the upper Piedra, Los Pinos, and Animas |
| Visit Pagosa Spring's
website, including info on the springs |
|
See the website for San Juan National
Forest |
|
 Click
here to buy the San Juan River Fly Fishing Guide by
Michael Shook |
How to get there?
| The
San Juan flows next to US Hwy 160 northeast of Pagosa
Springs and into town. South of Pagosa, it is accessed
from Trujillo Road/ 500 Rd. You can also get to Navajo
Reservoir this way, or take Hwy 151 south off of Hwy
160, west of Pagosa Springs. |
Rules for
the San Juan
| From
junction of Hwys 160/184 downstream, through Pagosa
Springs, to Apache Street: Bag and possession is two
trout for all anglers. |
|
State regs on rest of the river in Colorado. Check regs if you head into New
Mexico. |
Where to stay?
There are several forest service campgrounds in the area. There are numerous
motels and private campgrounds in and around Pagosa Springs. And you can stay
right close to the tailwaters below the dam at Navajo Reservoir.
|
