Fly-Fishing for Carp with dry flies on Navajo Lake.
Sight fishing for Carp on Navajo Lake in NM. Considered fresh water bone fishing, carp fishing with dry flies is an experience for all fly fishers. Fisheads will include all the gear and put you on some monster Navajo Lake carp. You will sight fish for these monsters and once you hook one, watch out they will fight!
Read this article in the New York Times about fly fishing for carp. http://nyti.ms/carponfly
Navajo Lake Fly Fishing Rates
2 people full day - Call for rates
1 person full day - Call for rates
Navajo Lake is nestled in the pinion and cedar covered rim-rock country of northwest New Mexico and southern Colorado. Navajo Lake (The Lake), created by an earthen dam, one of the largest in the world. It is 35 miles long with over 150 miles of public shoreline offering ample opportunity for all boating and fishing enthusiasts. Construction was started in 1958 and concluded in 1962. Navajo Lake is situated at 6100’ elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85 to 100 degrees. Surface water temperatures average 70 to 80 degrees in the middle of the summer. The depth of the lake (396’) also makes this one of the finest fisheries in the Southwest. . Navajo lake was also the host to 2011 Federation Western Division finales. With its clear water and fantastic New Mexico weather the lake has something to offer everyone. Water temperatures and cold fronts play a big part in how the Navajo lake fishes. There are many species to choose from include carp, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, brown and rainbow trout, channel catfish, crappie, kokanee salmon and various sunfish.
Late Feb. - May would be the best time to plan a trip for Northern Pike. Fishing for Northern pike fishing remains good thru October. These ferocious looking fish are known as power fighters that have a nasty disposition. What they lack in beauty they make for with their willingness to devour a fly at a second’s notice. Large streamers of all types work well on rocky wind blown points and main body flats.
Late May-June are the easiest time to catch Carp. July the water temp is higher and it becomes harder to target them during the summer months. And then they return in the Fall. Fly fisherman around the globe are realizing that carp are entertaining to catch. They are spooky ,smart, selective, and put up an exceptional fight when hooked. The best thing about them is that chances are a carp lives in your neighborhood, no need to journey to some foreign destination. The incomparable thing about Navajo Lake, is that 99% of the time the carp fishing is dry fly action!
April-Oct Navajo Lake has one of the best small mouth habits in the south-west. As the water temperatures warm up so does the top water action. Although in the heat of the day hunting with sinking lines and cone head steamers diving deer hair bugs, clowsers works best. Fishing remains good thru October. The larger fish fight great on a 7wt and are almost always more than willing to jump on the hook in the late spring.
Most days we will be on the water by 7a.m.
Sections We Guide
20 Miles of great fly fishing
We guide 20 miles of unique water and the famed quality waters are just the start. We have options for everyone, from first timers to those looking for more streamer or dry fly action. Our guides will work with you to pick the best options for you and your party.
The Quality Waters
Big fish, everywhere
This is the stretch that made the San Juan famous. With an astonishing 12,000 to 15,000 trout per mile, the fish feed nonstop to put on the inches. Trout in the 20-inch range are common and 30-plus-inch catches happen several times a year. It’s a technical section that demands precision but rewards anglers with some of the best tailwater fishing in the country.
The Quantity Waters
Great for beginners
The “Quantity” Waters is a less-pressured stretch where trout bite eagerly and forgive imperfect technique. It holds some monster browns, but generally the fish here often aren't as big as in the quality waters. We often teach first-timers here. It’s also a fun way for advanced anglers to end the day and escape the crowds in busier seasons.
The "Lower River"
An Advanced challenge
Hardly fished, the lower river is a hidden gem that often fishes well with streamers and dry flies. It has a healthy population of brown trout that fight just as hard, if not harder, than the large fish in the quality waters section. To really enjoy this section, anglers should be proficient in long, delicate casts and streamer fishing techniques.
Note: Conditions can vary. Lower-river flows may be limited outside summer. Your guide will work with you to plan the day around what’s fishing best.
Seasons on the San Juan
January - March
mild days, big fish
Our fairly warm and sunny winters give anglers the chance to target trophy trout year-round. During this time we fish large flies and streamers to eager trout. Many people tack on a couple days of fishing to their visits at nearby ski resorts.
- Fishing: Casting high-vis patterns and streamers to large trout.
- Weather: Highs in 50s and 60s. Occasional snow is possible.
- Solitude: Very few people. Get the river to yourself most days.
- Flows: Low flows (~300 cfs) make for easy wading and good floating
April - June
Lots of sunny 70-degree days
While other streams across the country are still blown out and cold, our lower latitude and regulated flows make for great spring days with good consistent fishing. Small midge and mayfly patterns start to come back into play at this time.
- Fishing: Streamers and sub-surface nymphs. Some dry fly action.
- Weather: Highs generally in the 70s and 80s. Windy days in May.
- Solitude: This is a popular time. Expect to see other anglers.
- Flows: There is a chance of high flows from the dam. Fishing remains good regardless.
July and August
peak dry fly fishing
It's summer in the high desert, which means hoppers, ants, baetis, and midge hatches. Sub-surface fishing continues to be productive with small midge and mayfly patterns. Summer is in full swing so dress for sun and be sure to stay hydrated.
- Fishing: Dry fly fishing with ants, hoppers, etc. Nymphing rigs.
- Weather: Highs in the 80s and 90s with afternoon thunderstorms.
- Solitude: A somewhat popular time. You may see a few others.
- Flows: Often 500 cfs to 800 cfs. Great for boats and wading.
September - November
Great weather & foliage draws anglers
While many great trout rivers are winding down their season, the San Juan just begins by delivering near-perfect weather with stunning foliage. This time is very popular, so book many months in advance and arrive with patience to share the river.
- Fishing: Mainly sub-surface with some dry fly activity.
- Weather: Cool starts with highs in 60s and 70s
- Solitude: Most popular time. You will ecounter plenty of anglers.
- Flows: Vary from 300 cfs to 700 cfs. Great for floating and wading.
November - December
mild day with eager trout
One of our guides calls this "the catching season." The pressure subsides from the October visitors and fish become less skittish. They are eager to eat larger flies while above water weather still has numerous nice sunny days. Snow is a possibility.
- Fishing: Subsurface nymps and streamers with some dry fly action
- Weather: Highs in the 50s and 60s. Snow showers possible.
- Solitude: Great! Get the river to yourself most days.
- Flows: Low flows (~300 cfs) makes for easy wading and floating
Ready to Fly Fish the San Juan?
We’d love to host you
Whether you’re party of one, a family of first-timers, or a group of business associates, we're here to make your trip the best it can be. No matter the season, settle in and enjoy legendary fishing with guides who live and breathe this river.
Other Resources
Want to see how the river is fishing or check up the flows? We compile fishing reports that cover the flies and techniques that working best. We also list the latest flows to help guests better understand the wading and floating conditions.