Things to Do on the San Juan

Things to do on the San Juan

Fox	Mountain Ridge	Mule Deer	Native Flower	Bear Track

Fly Fishing the San Juan Quality Water (STW)

Since the 1960's most visitors to the San Juan have been interested in fishing the Quality Water section of the river beginning just below the spillway at Navajo Dam and extending downstream to just above Cottonwood Campground, part of Navajo Lake State Park. The Quality Water (STW) contains large numbers of large trout and regular insect hatches. NM fishing regulations require single barbless hooks in this area and no more than 2 flies/artificials per line. NM Game and Fish estimates about 20,000 trout per mile in this section.

Fishing the Regular Regulations Section of the San Juan

The Regular Regulations section of the San Juan begins below Crusher Hole, just upstream from Cottonwood Campground. This section extends downstream to Gobernador Arroyo and includes public access points. In this section, NM regular regulations apply allowing bait fishing and additional hooks. This section is stocked regularly to maintain the fishery.

Navajo Lake

Navajo Lake is the second largest lake in New Mexico and extends approximately 35 miles from the dam upstream and into Colorado. There are about 250 miles of shoreline along with approximately 15,000 surface acres of water. Navajo Lake provides year round fishing for both warm water and cold water species. The spring, summer and fall are used for boating activities including sailing, boating, houseboating, jetskiing and waterskiing. Elevation at the lake is about 6,085 ft.

Fishing at Navajo Lake provides fishermen the opportunity to catch both warm and coldwater species. These include Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Carp, Crappie, Northern Pike, Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Bluegill and Kokanee Salmon.

Navajo Lake State Park, NM Navajo Lake State Park Website

Navajo Lake State Park provides access to year round camping and fishing activities with access to both Navajo Lake and the San Juan River. A partial map of Navajo Lake State Park is shown below. The State Park features three camping locations with improved sites supporting both tents and RV's. Some sites have electricity and/or RV hookups. There are boat ramps near the Marinas (Pine Site, Sims Mesa Site) and Drift Boat drop off's and take outs on the river. Basic Rest Rooms are provided at several parking locations near the river, at state park campgrounds and near the marinas. To support the services provided by Navajo Lake State Park there are several pay facilities located at parking locations on the river and at the campgrounds.

Pine Site	Reservations available May 15 - Sept 15 1-877-664-7787
	The Pine Site is located just north of the dam on the west shore of Navajo Lake. Access to the site is from Highway 511 just north of the dam. The Pine Site features over 100 camping sites with 57 electric sites and 88 non-electric sites. There are 9 sites with full RV hookups. This site features several loops including the Pine Main, Pinon Loop, Cedar Loop and Juniper Loop. Only the Pine Main site includes electrical connections. The Pine Site also includes a Boat Dock, Marina, Rest Rooms, Parking, Picnic Area, Group Shelter, Dump Station, Pay Stations, and a Park Office/Visitor Center.

Cottonwood Site	Reservations available 1-877-664-7787
	The Cottonwood Site islocated on the north side of the river about 3.5 miles below the dam. Access to the site is by County Road 4280 from Highway 173 just west of Abe's Bridge. The Cottonwood Site includes 23 electric Sites and 22 non-electric sites. Also available are a Pay Station, Rest Rooms, Parking, Dump Station, Large Group Shelter and a non camping day recreation area. This is a popular destination for those who with to fish in the Regular Regulation section of the River. Trails provide upstream access to the lower Quality Water (STW).

Sims Mesa Site	Reservations available 1-877-664-7787
	The Sims Mesa Site is located only about 3 miles NNE of the marina at the Pine Site by boat. By car, the trip is more complicated as Sims Mesa Site is not located near any major highways, although access can be had from the south side of the lake from NM 527. Immediate access to Sims Mesa is from County Road 490. By vehicle it is 15 miles from the Pine Site to the Sims Mesa site through numerous accessory roads around the SE branch of Navajo Lake. The Sims Mesa Site provides camping sites (18 electric and 25 non-electric, 2 RV electric sites), Pay Station, Rest Rooms, Marina, Boat Ramp, Dump Station, Park Office and a large Group Shelter.

Bureau of Land Management Campground

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains a small parking lot/campsite on the north side of the San Juan River at Simon Canyon. This site does not include improved camp sites but does offer a rest room. The site includes a large parking area and supports campers, fishermen/fisherwomen and day hikers.

Access to the site is by County Road 4280 from Highway 173 just west of Abe's Bridge traveling further east from the turn off for the Cottonwood campground.

The parking lot at Simon Canyon serves as a staging area for fishermen/fisherwomen and hikers. From this location you can hike 2.5 miles up the north side of the river to just across from the parking lot at Texas Hole. Along the way you will see indian petroglyphs, and, if you are fishing, you have access to many good fishing locations along the river. Also, from the parking lot at Simon Canyon you can hike north 1 mile up Simon Canyon along the SJRT trail.

Wine Tasting - Visit Wines of the San Juan

Wines of the San Juan is located just 6 miles down the road from Abe's at Turley, NM. This is a local vinyard with a visitor area and wine tasting. From Abe's go east on Hwy 173 to the stop sign (.2 miles), turn right on Hwy 511 and travel 6 miles.