Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I GET A FISHING LICENSE AT ABE'S?

Yes, a resident day license is $17, resident 5 days is $29. A resident annual license is $30 and a non-resident annual is $61. Cash is required for fishing and hunting licenses. Abe's is a complete fly and tackle shop with gear for fishing the San Juan River and Navajo Dam reservoir.

DOES ABE'S HAVE FISHING GUIDES?

Yes, Abe's son, Tim Chavez, started Born "N" Raised guide service on the San Juan in 1988. This is one of the original Guide Services on the San Juan River. Both wade and float trips are available through Born "N" Raised.

DOES ABE'S HAVE THE FACILITIES TO HANDLE CORPORATE OR GROUP TRIPS?

Yes, Abe's hosts many corporate or groups trips every year. To support corporate groups Abe's has 55 guest rooms, a restaurant, lounge and wireless internet services. If your group has special needs contact the management at Abe's to make arrangements.

IS THE RESTAURANT OPEN?

The restaurant is open seasonally, usually sometime in March through mid November. During the season the restaurant is open 5 1/2 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday lunch. You can check the current restaurant schedule and meal specials on the Restaurant page.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO FISH THE SAN JUAN RIVER?

The San Juan is one of the finest Tail Water trout fisheries in the United States. The river is world famous for large, fat and healthy Rainbow and Brown trout which are typically caught on size 22 to 26 size flies. The river features about 6 miles of public water. The upper part of the public water is the Special Trout Water ("Quality Water") which is catch/release using single hook artificials. This section features over 3 miles of wadeable water at most flows. Fly fishing is the preferred option in the STW area with nymph fishing, dry fly fishing and streamer fishing as options. The lower water is open to bait fishing with a 5 fish limit. The climate allows fishing almost any day of the year. Guided Float/Wade trips are available through Born "N" Raised.

WHAT ROD SHOULD I BRING?

The most versatile fly rod for the San Juan is a 9' with a 5 weight floating fly line. If you are on a float trip, it is a good idea to have a second rod rigged for either streamers or dry flies. Most fishermen use 7 1/2' to 9' tapered leaders with 5x or 6x tippet.

WHAT FLIES WORK BEST?

Midges in size 24 or 26 and baetis in size 22 work year round. You would be well served to carry these patterns in nymphs, emerger's and dry's. The best colors are black, chocolate, olive gray, red and cream. During summer months you can also use PMD's, caddis, ants and hoppers. Eggs and San Juan worms work well during certain conditions such as a change in river flow or rain. Streamer fishing can be good at times.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO FISH?

The San Juan is truly a year around fishery, as water temperatures are fairly stable and hatches occur during all months. In general, the best fishing is from the end of the "High Water" sometime in May or June through November. Spring and Winter can have exceptional dry fly fishing. The river is generally wadeable all year except for the "High Water" spring release. During some of the high flows it is recommended that you fish from a drift boat as wading can be dangerous. The water is generally very clear with some off color typically in December and for some spring releases. The river can fish very well during off color water. Winter fishing can be a special treat as there are fewer fishermen and the fish are still catchable.

IS THERE MUCH DRY FLY FISHING ON THE SAN JUAN?

The San Juan has exceptional dry fly fishing using midge clusters and baetis patterns for most of the year. Ants, hoppers, caddis and PMD can be good during summer months.