Wind, wind and more wind has been the fishing forecast of late. Aside from that the fishing has been rather good all winter… Wouldn’t go as far to say it is “DANG” good but rather good is a fair statement. Flows are right at about 400 fps, still plenty high enough to get the drift boat through the shallow areas that have been offering some good sight fishing opportunities with visibility around 24 inches. This water level also offers great wade fishing prospects above and below the Texas hole. That in conjunction with hit or miss weather days leads to lots of solitude and space on the river.
As far as fly choices go, its your usual go to San Juan fly box. Red and cream midge larva, and the usual appetite of small and I mean small (size 26 ) midge pupa with a little flash or “bling- bling” as my daughters like to call it will get the fish count up. Around 11AM we have had good success with a chocolate or black foam wing emerger size 24 with a size 26 disco midge with a little uv as the trailer. If that isn’t working try a little trout crack size 26. As the mornings warm up, more and more fish are rising to a mating midge patterns or adult midges, if that is your thing it can really be a hoot. BWO’s are still on the menu on the lower river and will continue as we see temps rise through winters end and into spring.
There is never a bad time to be on the Juan if you have any questions or want to discuss setting up a trip give me a ring.
-AG