The San Juan River, which flows through portions of Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, is one of the premier fishing destinations in the western United States. Originating in the Colorado high country near Wolf Creek Pass, the river meanders through Pagosa Springs before entering Navajo Reservoir. Below the dam, the famous tailwater section in New Mexico boasts an incredible population of trout, with estimates of 10,000-15,000 fish per mile in some sections. The clear, cold, nutrient-rich water released from Navajo Dam creates ideal conditions for aquatic insects and trout to thrive. The river's consistent temperature (42-45°F year-round) makes it fishable throughout all seasons, even in winter. With various sections offering different fishing experiences from mountain stream fishing in the headwaters to technical tailwater fishing below the dam, the San Juan River provides anglers with world-class fishing opportunities regardless of skill level.
Learn what type of fish are at San Juan River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Esox lucius
Sander vitreus
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Ameiurus melas
Lepomis macrochirus
Lota lota
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Lepomis cyanellus
Carpiodes carpio
Oncorhynchus nerka
Morone saxatilis
Pomoxis annularis
Catostomus commersonii
Ameiurus natalis
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on San Juan River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat San Juan River, and when to apply.
South bank (Navajo Nation)
Boater pass · All boaters · Required year-round
San Juan River boaters need a Navajo Nation permit to camp, hike or stop on the south bank, which also has year-round camping closures.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Navajo Parks and Recreation
Navajo Nation reaches in New Mexico
Boater pass · All boaters · Required year-round
Operating any watercraft on Navajo Nation waters needs a Navajo Nation watercraft permit and decal, valid January 1 to December 31.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife
Montezuma Creek to Clay Hills
Lottery permit · Private trips · Required year-round
Every trip between Montezuma Creek and Clay Hills needs a permit, and high-season launches are drawn in a lottery.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with BLM Monticello Field Office
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
While fishing in New Mexico, anglers 12 years and older must possess a valid New Mexico Fishing License or Game-hunting & Fishing License. Licenses are valid April 1 through March 31 of the following year. A New Mexico Fishing License is not required on tribal reservations and private Class-A lakes.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Criminal trespass consists of knowingly entering or remaining upon posted private property without possessing written permission from the owner or person in control of the land. The provisions of this subsection do not apply if: 1) the owner or person in control of the land has entered into an agreement with NMDGF granting access to the land to the general public for the purpose of taking any game animals, birds or fish by hunting or fishing; or 2) a person is in possession of a landowner license given to him by the owner or person in control of the land that grants access to that particular private land for the purpose of taking any game animals, birds or fish by hunting or fishing. It is unlawful to knowingly enter upon any private property to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish without possessing written permission from the landowner or person in control of the land or trespass rights unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around San Juan River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for San Juan River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish San Juan River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on San Juan River.
San Juan River · Below Navajo Dam · U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
250 cfs now
Forecast updated today at 3:23 PM MST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.
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