San Juan River Fly Fishing Report - November 8, 2026
SAN JUAN RIVER
ReportNOV 8 — 15, 2026
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Flow
182CFS
SAN JUAN RIVER NEAR ARCHULETA, NM
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Water Temp
51.4°F
Updated 2026-11-07
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Weather
31–60°F
Clear
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
Flow is running at 182 cfs with a gauge height of 3.63 ft — low and crystal clear, demanding precise presentations and fine tippet. Water temperature is 51.4°F, right in the sweet spot for active midges and fall baetis throughout the day.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
22
Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch Barbless #22 - 24
22-24
Olsen's Hare's Ear Blowtorch Barbless #20 - 28
20-22
Black Zebra Midge(TBH) #20
20
Olsen's Quilldigon - Olive - Barbless #22 - 24
22-24
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
22
Egan's CDC Rainbow Warrior #22
22
Pheasant Tail Tungsten #20
20
Roza's World Spain Perdigon Barbless #18 - 32
20-22
Barr's Flashback Emerger - BWO #22
22
Top Secret Baetis #16
16-18
Lil Bit Craven - Dark Olive #22
22
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midge (Chironomid) | 20-24 | Heavy | 10 AM - 3 PM |
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | 20-22 | Moderate | 11 AM - 2 PM |
| Midge Emerger | 22-24 | Heavy | 9 AM - 1 PM |
| Midge Pupa / Larva | 20-24 | Heavy | 7 AM - 11 AM |
| Baetis Nymph | 20-22 | Moderate | 10 AM - 2 PM |
Best Time Window
- 8 AM - 10 AM: Morning midge emergence — fish midge pupa and larva patterns tight to the bottom before the sun hits the water and fish become more selective.
- 10 AM - 1 PM: Prime baetis and midge hatch window — watch for rising fish in the flats and be ready with a dry fly; nymphs in the film also shine during this period.
- 1 PM - 3 PM: Afternoon sun keeps water temps stable and fish active — continue nymphing the main seams with small baetis and midge patterns before temperatures drop as the sun falls behind the canyon walls.
Guide's Tip
From the benchAt 182 cfs the San Juan is running low and gin-clear, so stealth is everything — approach feeding fish from downstream, stay low, and keep your shadow off the water. Set your indicator at roughly 1.5 to 2 feet and fish your midge or baetis nymph tight to the bottom in the main current seams; the fish are stacked in the Texas Hole and Crusher Hole right now. When the sun gets high between 11 AM and 1 PM, watch the slower flats for rising fish and be ready to switch to a dry fly on 6X or 7X fluorocarbon — these tailwater trout are educated and will refuse a dragging fly every time. If nymphing slows, slow down your drift and fish the inside edges of current seams where fish are holding with minimal effort in the cold morning water.
Main Species
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
