Dry fly action in the San Juan Mountains.
Capt. Scott Taylor
July 19, 2010
Pagosa Springs - Freshwater Fishing Report
With all the hot weather lately (95 –98 degrees) we have been fishing the small streams that are the tributaries to the San Juan, they have been much cooler than the Juan through Pagosa. The small streams have been producing lots of action, on a variety of dries. Pop's has a Hi – Vis Never Sink Caddis that has been very effective, and easy for beginner anglers to see. His Hi – Vis ants, and Parachute Adams have been my top 3 flies.
The trips that we have had on the San Juan have been best with some clouds. If it wasn't cloudy, we took them to the smaller streams. When if was cloudy we had several days with great action between 12 and 3 pm on black stones. They were just free floating down the river and getting caught in the eddies. On the inside bend of the head gate hole on the ranch, there were at least 30 black stones, some were curled up in little balls. This only lasted for 3 or 4 days, but it was great while it lasted.
The only day it rained in the last two weeks, and we were still all smiles!
We had a couple real good days on the lake. 20 – 30 fish days. Most of the action was on crank baits, with crawfish colors being the best. The pike mauled a few spinner baits, and jerk baits. The biggest bass of the week ate a Senko fished wacky.
Jack Taylor with a nice pike.
Don't forget all of our new areas that we are fishing in the San Juan National Forest.
The streams of the upper San Juan are not at ALL like the San Juan in New Mexico. These unspoiled rivers and creeks start just miles above where we will be fishing. The 10,000-foot peaks that are still packed with snow in July feed these intimate rivers on their way to the Navajo Reservoir and then the Tail water section of the San Juan that everyone knows. Some of the many streams that we are permitted on through the San Juan National Forest are the West Fork and East Fork of the San Juan, Quartz Creek, Wolf Creek, Turkey Creek, The Upper Piedra, and the Rio Blanco. These streams are great for beginners and experienced anglers alike. We will access most of the fishing areas on foot or on a 4 wheeler. The fish average 8 – 15 inches and are eager for dry flies and dropper rigs. Small steams will often give the beginner fly fisherman many more opportunities to hook fish on the dry fly.
Scott Taylor
http://highcountrycharters.com
970-946-5229
While you are in town make sure that you visit the following businesses!
Need Fly Fishing gear? See Pop's
Let it Fly
Located on Put hill, just West of Downtown Pagosa Springs.
970-264-3189
http://www.flyfishpagosa.com
Hungry for Adventure?
Pagosa Outside Adventures - Rafting, Biking, Kayaking, Tubing
Downtown Pagosa Springs
970-264-4202
http://www.pagosaoutside.com
Pagosa Springs Fishing Forecast:
Cloudy days and rain showers should make for some more great dry fly action.
Target Species:
trout, bass, pike
More Fishing Reports:
