San Juan Fly Fishing Techniques

Fly Fishing Techniques for the San Juan

Tackle

Rods - The most versatile rod for the San Juan is usually considered to be a 9' 5 Weight graphite rod with a Floating Double Taper or Weight Forward fly line. For some conditions or individual preference a shorter or lighter rod may be preferred when dry fly or nymph fishing. Streamer fishermen may choose a longer or heaver rod.

Reels - Most fly fishermen prefer modern single action fly reels either in a mid or large arbor design matching the Rod and Line size that they are using. As the San Juan has large powerful fish, a smooth drag can be important along with sufficient backing (generally considered to be 50 - 100 yards). In general, most trout fishermen prefer 20lb dacron backing.

Fly Line - Double Taper and Weight Forward floating fly lines are preferred for dry fly and nymph fishing. These lines cast and mend well for the short to medium distances recommended for dry and nymph fishing. Sink Tip and other specialty lines may be preferred for streamer fishing.

Leaders - Nymph and dry fly fishing with smaller patterns on the San Juan is generally done with a 7 1/2' to 9' tapered leader, generally ending in a 4x to 7x tippet. For fishing hoppers, larger nymphs (size 18 or larger) or for fishing streamers larger diameter leaders (1x to 4x) may be preferred. The leader is attached to the fly line with a Nail knot or a Loop to Loop connection. Leaders are available in both Nylon monofilament and Fluorocarbon in varying sizes and stiffness, depending on fishing conditions and angler preference. Fluorocarbon is generally considered to be less visible to fish but comes at a higher cost. It is recommended that you carry extra tapered leaders in 2x to 6x to fish most conditions on the San Juan.

Tippet - Tippet is used to attach droppers or to extend a tapered leader after it has been shortened or broken off. As with Leaders, tippet material is available in both Nylon monofilament and Fluorocarbon. It is usually wise to carry extra tippet in the 4x to 7x sizes to be able to adapt to the changing conditions on the San Juan. Lighter leaders (higher x number), help a fly move more naturally in the water, but are more prone to breaking off.

Strike Indicator - Strike Indicators are attached to the leader above the split shot and fly patterns so that the strike indicator will float on the surface allowing the fishermen to detect subsurface fish strikes. Many different types of indicators are available including yarn, foam and "balloons". In general, the strike indicator will be attached to the leader above the split shot about 1 1/2 times the desired fishing depth. If you want to fish at 2' of depth, attach the strike indicator 3' above the split shot. The closer the strike indicator is to the fly the earlier you will be able to detect subtle strikes and set the hook. Delays on fish strikes can often result in the fish spitting out the artificial before the angler can set the hook.

Split Shot - When nymph fishing it is usually necessary to use weight to get the fly patterns to the depth that the fish are feeding at. Most fishermen use lead or tungsten split shot to get the patterns to the appropriate depth. Split Shot are generally attached to the leader about 12" to 18" above the first fly pattern. As split shot can reduce the fly patterns movement in the water you should only use the amount of weight necessary to get the fly patterns to the desired depth.

Net - The San Juan has numerous large and powerful Brown and Rainbow trout. Landing nets used on most smaller streams generally prove inadequate to land these bigger fish. The net material can also make a difference as some net materials can be harsh on the fish's skin. If you're planning on catching larger fish, you may want to consider the size of your landing net.

Polarized Glasses - Eye protection is important both to protect the fisherman from flies when casting or moving but also to reduce eye strain when on the water. Polarized sun glasses have the added benefit of reducing surface glare and allowing the fisherman to see more fish underwater.

Sunscreen - The San Juan is at a high altitude (5,700 ft) which increases exposure to the sun's rays. It is wise to wear sunscreen both to prevent sunburn but also to prevent long term skin damage from unnecessary sun exposure.

Fly Patterns - The STW portion of the San Juan has many different water types including runs, riffles and pools. Different water types may have different natural food available to the trout which can make fly selection important. The upper river, from the dam to Texas Hole, has cooler water and a high percentage of midges available to trout. There are also baetis and other naturals in this section, but in lower percentages than the mid and lower sections of the STW. As you move down river from Texas Hole and below, the percentage of baetis and caddis goes up. In this water midges and baetis patterns can be productive as well as midge patterns. Annelids are present in most of the STW as well as small scuds in the mid and lower STW.

To fish midge and small annelid patterns in the STW you will generally use size 22 - 26 patterns in several colors including black, olive, brown, gray, red and cream fished on light tippets (6x - 7x). Baetis patterns are usually fished in gray or olive and are often in sizes 20 - 24. PMD's are larger and can be fished in sizes up to 16. As San Juan trout often feed selectively, it is wise to carry fly patterns which imitate the size and different stages of the natural that you are fishing. If you are fishing a baetis hatch, and fish are rising to the surface, sometimes you may be better off fishing a baetis emerger in the film or on the surface versus a dry fly.

Nymph Fishing the San Juan - The San Juan STW (Quality Water) allows fishermen to fish up to 2 single barbless hooks. Most nymph fishermen fish 2 flies, generally with an upper fly and a dropper. The upper fly can be an attractor such as a San Juan worm, or a nymph pattern. The lower fly, or Dropper, is usually a nymph pattern. The top fly can be attached either directly to the tapered leader or to a 12" - 18" section of tippet added to the leader using a Double Surgeons Knot or Blood Knot with the fly being attached with a Clinch knot or Improved Clinch knot. The dropper is attached by tying in a small section of tippet (12" - 18") directly to the hook bend or eye of the top fly with a Clinch knot ending in a second fly, or "dropper".

Dry Fly Fishing with 2 Flies - The 2 fly system can also be effective when fishing dry flies. You may want to use a floating fly for the top fly with an emerger just below the surface as the dropper.

2 Fly and 1 Fly Leader setups for Nymph Fishing

New Mexico Fishing License

Fishing Knot Links

NetKnots

Animated Knots

TnOutdoorsmen

There are several knots that fly fishermen should know. Among these are the Nail Knot, Clinch knot, Surgeons Knot and the Blood Knot.