Photo by Adam Barbour

Joe Delling, an independent guide out of Durango and good friend of Trout's Fly Fishing, does not mince words when he talks about the San Juan River in neighboring New Mexico.

“The fishing on the San Juan should be great this August and September,” said Delling. “The lower the water gets on the Animas here near Durango, the higher the flows get on the San Juan. And we've been getting a bunch of rain as of late. I'm not worried about the flows at all through August and the water temperature will not be an issue – it will stay steady at 42 degrees.”

The San Juan River is one of the most prolific tailwater fisheries in the West and is located roughly seven hours from Downtown Denver. The fish are big and plentiful. The waters below the Navajo Dam spawn abundant flora, which in turn creates a fine environment for insect life, which then supports one of the most consistent trout populations in any large river, both in terms of quantity and average fish size.

“Another thing people should be aware of if they want to fish solo, for whatever reason the wade fishing traffic has been pretty low this year,” said Delling.

Photo by Adam Barbour

Duranglers fly shop and guides service in Durango Colorado is a full service shop and provides guide services as well. They have this to say about the river and their guide service:

“The San Juan River below Navajo Dam has always been our specialty. The San Juan is a very unique fishery and tends to frustrate many fishermen with its very small flies and unusual fish behavior. Our guide staff is very experienced with many years of guiding. A wade or float trip on the San Juan with one of our guides is always an educational experience whether its your first trip to the San Juan or you have been here a number of times before.”

Trout's knows Joe Delling really well and we know that you'll enjoy a day on the water with him. If you want to contact directly about a trip on the San Juan you can contact him at delling@animas.net. His number is 970.946.7657.

If you want to talk to Duranglers their contact information is:

Duranglers Flies and Supplies

923 Main Ave.

Durango, CO 81301

(970) 385-4081

(888) 347-4346 (FISH DGO)

Don't forget to relax and enjoy the scenery - there is still plenty of time this summer for a road trip.