Our Fly Shop

Our lodge’s fly shop is home base to our renowned 25+-year guide service, friendly fishing tips and tricks for the river, and equipment ranging from the latest Orvis rods to flies tied by our own guides. We have everything you need for a successful day on the water and even some extras, like basic drinks, snacks, and convenience items to help guests avoid the 20-minute trip into town.

Sample Of Typical Itinerary

Most guests opt for our 3- or 4-day all-inclusive stays, which include comfortable lodging, hearty meals, and expert guided fly fishing. A typical day starts with a hot, made-to-order breakfast at our Back Cast Café before meeting your guide for a day of fishing for trophy trout. After guiding, our restaurant serves hearty lodge favorites while guests swap stories from the day’s adventure.

What Is Provided

Our guide trips include drinking water, all fly fishing equipment, and flies. Note that for wade trips, we do not provide waders, but they can be rented nearby. Lunch is only provided on full-day trips, since we tend to be off the water at lunchtime.

What To Bring?

If you are on a waded guide trip, bring your waders. Otherwise, if you’re on a float trip, there’s no need to bring any fly fishing equipment, just clothing and sunscreen to guard against the elements. Of course, you’re more than welcome to fish with your own rod! We recommend a 9-foot 5 wt rod or a 10-foot 4 wt with floating line.

Seasons

Unlike many trout rivers, the San Juan fishes great year-round thanks to our constant water temp and consistent flows. Here’s a breakdown of different times of the year:

Jan – Mar: These months are for big fish and quiet waters. You can often get sections of river to yourself while catching large trout on a sunny, mild day. This time is one of our favorites.

Apr – Jun: This is one of the busier times, and people come for good reason: the weather and fishing are excellent while other rivers are either still frozen or blown out.

July – Aug: Days can be hot, but the water stays cool and the trout stay active. Hydrate, wear sun gear, and enjoy reliable fishing with fewer anglers than in spring or fall.

Sep – Oct: Peak season means golden leaves, near-perfect weather, and consistently good fishing. The river can get busy, so solitude seekers often opt for other months.

Nov – Dec: Things start quieting down in November, and the fish eat eagerly with less pressure. The fishing is similar to Jan – Mar, but temps tend to be warmer.

Species

Brown and rainbow trout, typically in the 15- to 28-inch range, with 30+ inch catches occurring several times each year.

Region/Terrain

Tucked into New Mexico’s high desert canyons of the Four Corners area, the San Juan River flows from Navajo Dam and winds through sandstone cliffs, cottonwood groves, and mesas that glow an ochre gold at sunset.

Rich in history, Ancestral Puebloan ruins dot the canyon’s walls, and wildlife like bald eagles, blue herons, and deer can be seen as you drift through canyon bends and cottonwood shadows. It’s trout country, New Mexico style.

Typical Weather

While the fish hungrily feed year-round in perfect water conditions, anglers actually get to experience our different seasons. Spring and fall are favorites for many, offering highs in the 60s°F to 70s°F and cool, crisp mornings. Summer days tend to start in the 50s°F and often peak in the high 80s°F to low 90s°F. Winter daytime highs often reach the 40s°F and 50s°F, with occasional snowfall but also plenty of sunny, calm days. No matter the season, layering is key: temperatures can easily swing 40°F in a single day.

All pricing information can be found at: www.fisheadsofthesanjuan.com

When is the best time to come?

The San Juan fishes so reliably year-round that the “best” time really depends on your preferences. May, September, and October offer gorgeous weather in the 60sºF and 70sºF , but expect crowds. June through August bring warmer temps (often in the 90sºF ) and fewer anglers, plus some of the season’s best dry fly action. For solitude, November through March is your window, with plenty of sunny days in the 40sºF and 50sºF , though the occasional snowstorm and cold front aren’t out of the question.

Is all-inclusive the only option?

Not at all! While people tend to stay all-inclusive, we also offer a lodging + meals package, as well as the option to individually book rooms, order meals, and arrange guide trips. See our website for all of our offerings: www.fisheadsofthesanjuan.com

Do you welcome first-timers?

Absolutely! We love sharing our favorite pastime with everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re 6 or 106. With calmer water and fewer obstacles than many trout rivers, the San Juan is one of the best places to learn.

Which airport should we fly into?

Our two closest airports are Durango (DRO) and Albuquerque (ABQ). Durango is about a 45-minute drive from the lodge, whereas Albuquerque is a 3-hour drive. While Durango is closest, some guests prefer the greater flight and rental car selection of Albuquerque.

Where’s the nearest town / gas station to the lodge?

In a pinch, you can fill a gas can at the marina just 10 minutes up the road. Otherwise, the town of Aztec is the closest with gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. The drive is roughly 20 minutes from the lodge.

Is gratuity included?

Our prices do not include gratuity for our guides and waitstaff.