San Juan River Fishing Report – Mid-November

The San Juan River below Navajo Dam is sliding into its late-fall pattern, and while the lake has started to turn over—putting a little color into the river—fishing remains consistently productive. The slight stain can actually work in an angler’s favor right now, giving you a little more forgiveness on approach and drift.

Current Conditions

• Water clarity: Off-color but very fishable

• Flow: Stable tailwater release

• Temps: Cooling, but still excellent for active trout

What the Trout Are Eating

Morning:

Larvae have been the ticket early in the day. Red, cream, and black larva patterns continue to produce in softer seams and along the slow, even glides. The low light makes these fish comfortable, and long, clean drifts matter most.

Midday:

Midge life is heavy right now, especially in the skinny slack water. We’re seeing clouds of midges hovering over soft edges and back eddies. Small emergers, black/gray midges, and cluster patterns are all in play.

Mayflies:

Even with cooling temps, we’re still seeing a surprising number of tiny mayflies between early afternoon and dusk.

• Size 24–26 BWOs and tiny mayfly adults

• RS2s and WD-40s (sz 24–26) have been extremely effective when fish slide into the shallows to pick off emergers.

Afternoon:

There are still opportunities to fish dries. Calm days produce subtle rises in the slicks and slower tailouts. Size 24–26 midge adults and tiny mayflies are getting honest eats when presented delicately.

Overall Bite

Trout remain active throughout the day despite the turnover stain. Cooler weather pushes fish into softer water, and the bug life remains steady enough to keep them feeding. Matching the natural size—very small—makes a big difference right now.

If you’re planning a guided fly fishing trip in Durango or on the San Juan, conditions are ideal for technical but rewarding fishing.