New high water release schedule, Best fishing of the year
Capt. Mark Nesbit
June 16, 2008
San Juan River - Freshwater Fishing Report
release_chart_6-16-08.jpg (292 KB)
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
NAVAJO RESERVOIR RELEASES
June 16, 2008
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
As the 2008 Spring Peak Release from Navajo Reservoir comes to an end,
the Bureau of Reclamation will begin ramping down the release starting
Thursday, June 19, 2008. Please note that the ramp down duration has
been slightly modified from the previous schedule distributed on May 8,
2008. The attached chart shows the revised daily release rates. Once
the ramp down is complete on June 25, 2008, the release will remain at
500 cubic feet per second (cfs) until further notice.
Releases are made for the authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit, and
to attempt to maintain a target base flow through the endangered fish
critical habitat reach of the San Juan River (Farmington to Lake
Powell). It is likely that increases in the release will be necessary
later in the summer in order to maintain the target base flow. The San
Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program recommends a target
base flow of between 500 cfs and 1,000 cfs through the critical habitat
area. The target base flow is calculated as the weekly average of gaged
flows throughout the critical habitat area.
This scheduled release change is subject to changes in river flows and
weather conditions. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page
at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at [email protected]
Fishing has been good from the boats. Lots of good size trout eating mainly midges of different flavors. Lots of gray or black midges in am with the large brown to olive midges in the pm. Small black or gray/black #22-24 midge pupa's. Cream and olive or red midge larva #16-22. Princesses #16-20.
Big macs gray/red or gray/black #18-22. The back channels are producing good #s of large fish. High water will be over soon, and the best wade fishing is about to start. The first week or two of low water will be some of the best fishing the river will offer this season. Call and and check for dates available. The best wading will start 06/20/08, and be at it's best around 06/25 The water will be at 500cfs on Whensday the 06/25.
San Juan River Fishing Forecast:
The San Juan River is going to fish better and better for the next month, as the water levels drop.
The lake is fishing good for 2-3 lb small mouth bass, and the pike bite is still happening. The top water bite is good early am. Closers and and a large oliver diver has been the ticket on the lake. Mark's carp candy is taking carp and bass.
Tight lines,
Capt. Mark Nesbit
Target Species:
Rainbow and Brown Trout, Small Mouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Carp
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