San Juan River- Sept. 2013

I don't know what to say about the San Juan river that I haven't said before.  I could talk about the breathtaking beauty of this northern New Mexico river, or about the giant trout that reside in its waters. I could try to describe the peacefulness of the sun rising over the braids, slowly filling up the river with golden rays, but it just wouldn't be the same as being in the river yourself.  There are just so many things that I love about the San Juan, that it is impossible to convey just how much I enjoy fishing this river.

My uncle and his buddy joined us from Michigan for our annual trip to the San Juan this year, and we did our best to convert two more "Fishheads" that share our deep love of this mythical water.  The fishing was absolutely outstanding this year, with literally tons of fat and willing trout in every pool.  I have fished this river many times in the last few years, and I can honestly say this was the best the river has looked.  All of the trout that have been stocked in the last few years have grown fat beyond belief on those little midges, creating a haven for anglers to come and test their skills, with numerous chances at a trophy.  Countless times we had fish peel line off our reels after feeling the sting of the hook, that beautiful sound of screaming reel filling the ear.  The usual assortment of flies did the trick, but the battle tested combination of a red annelid and cream UFO midge still were top producers.  There was also some outstanding midge dry fishing to be had as well.  Nothing like watching large fish rise to size 24 midges on the surface. Wow!

I was very fortunate to hook and land some of the bigger fish that I ever have anywhere, with many 20"+ fish coming to the net.  The entire river is stuffed full of large trout, from Cable Hole down to Crusher Hole, making it a certainty that you'll have a chance to land a fish of a lifetime.  When the fish are this big, the angler truly is at the mercy of the fish.  The only chance of landing them is to allow them to make powerful runs and slowly follow down river, hoping that the small tippet and hooks hold.  Such an adrenaline rush when it finally gets in the net!

Always a let down when the Jeep turns back north, and heads back to Denver, but the memories of the trip will get us through until the next trip south.  This one will go down in the books as one of the best ever.

26" slab from Cable Hole

Brothers on the Juan

Like son, like father??