The tailwater below the Navaho Dam provides a variety of fishing opportunities. The upper
stretch below the dam is midge fishing. Often in sizes as small as #26. The middle sections
have an opportunity to warm and are fished with a variety of mayflies. The selection depends
on the time of year. The sections below the “Quality Waters” are often fished with streamers
and other larger flies.
The Cutthroat Chapter fishing trip this year will be from Saturday, October 25 through
Thursday, October 30, 2025. Saturday and Thursday are travel days, but fishing on those days
is possible. The 4 days usually provide enough time to explorer the river. I will attempt to
organize carpools for anyone who wants to ride down with others. The drive to the village of
Navaho Dam, New Mexico usually takes 6.5 hours, depending on weather and road conditions.
I have reserved and paid for lodging in three VRBO rental homes. Each of the homes provides
full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and bedrooms. Everyone will have their own bed and in some
cases their own rooms. I ask for a deposit of $150 to reserve your place on the trip. The
balance will be due on August 15, 2025.The balance of the lodging cost will be determined
when I get a final number of participants. House assignments will be made prior to the trip.
You may view the rental properties using these links.
“Big House” https://www.vrbo.com/3960843ha
“River House” https://www.vrbo.com/221986
“Cliff House” https://www.vrbo.com/499076
It has been a tradition for the crew to eat dinners together. We can enjoy a great meal and
share experiences of the day. Each house will have a night to host, prepare, and clean up a
dinner. This will free up everyone else to sit back and relax after a day of fishing. BBQ grills
and full kitchens are available at all of the houses. Some of our previous dinners have included:
Tri-tip steak, burritos with green chili, lasagna, brats and burgers. Saturday is a travel day and
people will be arriving at different times. That said, you will need to prepare your own or go out
for dinner on Saturday night. Wednesday night’s dinner will be left overs from the previous 3
nights.
The fishing on the San Juan can best be described by some of the local fly shops. Fisheads
has a website and guide service at this link. https://www.fisheadsofthesanjuan.com/san-juanriver-fishing-reports/
Another shop that provides fishing reports is Duranglers. https://duranglers.com/san-juan-riverfishing?srsltid=AfmBOorzS6g0AcTm8vViDlahEytmgS6neiSUSDJ-mW6Lpal2k9YSeiCA
Fishing licenses can be purchased on line. https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us/
If you have any other questions, email me at gsshin51@gmail.com or call me at 303-507-3495
I hope you join us to experience some great and challenging fly fishing.
Jerry Shin