San Juan During High Flows

[spconnolly]

Hello Everyone! This is my first post to the forum, and I am excited to be a part of this fly fishing community. Ill be making my first trip ever to the San Juan this weekend, for a trip that we have had plans for for months. I was sad to see that it will still be at its peak spring flow (5,000 cfs). Im taking some friends new to fly fishing and know that this water flow will make things exponentially more difficult. Does anyone out there have any helpful information of how we can still have a successful trip during this high flow? Thank you in advance!

[herefishy]

Be careful! Somebody drowns nearly every year during this time. Do not underestimate the power of this much water. Stay on the bank or take a float trip.

[spconnolly]

Thanks! We booked a guide for a half day float trip, but not everyone was willing to pay for it so we will spend the majority of our time wade fishing. Is it easy enough to find side/pocket water that is fishable from the shore?

[SAT]

Originally Posted by spconnolly

Thanks! We booked a guide for a half day float trip, but not everyone was willing to pay for it so we will spend the majority of our time wade fishing. Is it easy enough to find side/pocket water that is fishable from the shore?

Check with the local shops and USE COMMON SENSE when it comes to choosing a spot to fish. As was stated earlier, the water is powerful beyond belief and the bottom is very slick. Experienced wade fishermen need to be extremely cautious and smart and newbies need to stay in water calf deep or less to be safe. The water deserves respect. Have fun and most importantly be safe.

[Mr Blur]

the bottom is very slick. true at every level of flow. I recommend a wading staff.

[SJDrifli]

Anything over 2000cfs, make sure you have a wading staff and a wading buddy. As someone stated, stay out of the braids, there are some deep holes and large rocks and you could get into trouble very fast. Stay on the bands or in pretty shallow water. If the water is cloudy you won't be able to see the bottom and in some places it is deep right up to the bank. Watch other anglers that know the area and watch where they access the water and where they wade.

[SJDrifli]

Just talked to one of my guides and he said the water is still way off color. Said they are eating SJ worms, large eggs and big red larvae, and leeches.

[spconnolly]

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! We had a great trip, unfortunately not much luck wade fishing, but our float trip was fantastic! Thank you again!
Sean

[kad1979]

Nice pics. That bow is a fatty!!

[SAT]

Great fish! Glad it was a success.