Spring fishing on the San Juan River means dry fly action, and plenty of it, so its time to break out the flies and get after it.
“This can be some of the best fishing of the year,” says Aaron Carithers of Anasazi Angler.”But you can’t be afraid of the weather if you want to be successful.”
Carithers notes that March and April can bring in some of the worst weather of the year with wind, rain, and even snow storms.
“You’ll need to bring all your gear,” he says “Sure there’ll be those days when it’s warm and sunny but then there’s going to be those days when the snow’s blowing sideways. You need to be able to handle that bad weather because that’s where the real action is.”
That nasty weather has a positive effect on fishing on the San Juan River and usually generates prolific hatches that really bring out the trout, he says.
“So you can expect to see great dry fly action when it’s overcast, sprinkling, or even snowing,” Carithers said.
And after spending the winter fishing below the surface with worms, eggs, red larvae and midge pupa, Carithers says he overjoyed to the see the arrival of spring and the return of bigger bugs that entice hungry trout back to the surface.
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| Carithers prepares to close the lid on his winter arsenal of flies. |
“It’s great just to air out some line and see that fly on the surface again,” Carithers says.
San Juan anglers transitioning to springtime dry fly action would be well served to remember some proven dry fly fishing tips and tricks, Carithers says.
Those having a hard time seeing their flies on the water can simply tie on a larger dry fly such as a #16 elk hair caddis or parachute Adams and then attach their primary fly off the back end on a short length of tippet.
The bigger fly serves as a strike indicator for when the intended fly is taken but in many cases will also be taken on its own.
“You'd be surprised how often that’s the case,” Carithers says. “So this is a good technique to remember and employ.”
Anglers should also reacquaint themselves with the differences between rising fish, like those feeding off the top and those just below the surface.
When a trout’s snout breaks the surface it’s generally sipping bugs while when only the tail or the fin can be seen it’s safe to assume the fish is feeding just below the surface.
To catch fish just below the surface Carithers recommends cutting a foot long piece of 6x tippet in half and then tying it back together again using a blood or surgeons knot. Then attach the tippet to the back end of large, durable, high floating fly like a #10 or # 12 stimulator. Next, slide a #9 split shot down the tippet to the knot which will keep it from descending any further and finally, attach the intended fly, typically a grey #22 RS2 Baetis emerger, to the bottom.
Anglers should remember to cast just above a rising fish and arrange it so that the fly passes over the intended spot rather than the leader.
Anglers should wait for the stimulator to stop, twitch or disappear below the surface and then set the hook. They should also be prepared for a strike upon the stimulator too, Carithers says.
And while anglers should always wear polarized sun glasses to protect their eyes and reduce glare off the water, Carithers notes that sometimes it’s even more important to move around to reduce the glare which makes dry fly fishing difficult.
Nowhere is that more evident than in places like the San Juan’s lower flats where by simply moving to the other side of a run can take the glare off the water and give an angler a unhindered look at rising fish and their floating fly, Carithers says.
And lastly, dry fly anglers should consider clipping the hackle on the bottom of some flies such as an elk hair caddis so they float flat on the water, Carithers said.
And while one may not see a lot of Caddis coming off on the upper waters of the San Juan it is a fly that produces strikes time and time again, Carithers notes.
San Juan anglers transitioning to springtime dry fly action would be well served to remember some proven dry fly fishing tips and tricks, Carithers says.
Those having a hard time seeing their flies on the water can simply tie on a larger dry fly such as a #16 elk hair caddis or parachute Adams and then attach their primary fly off the back end on a short length of tippet.
The bigger fly serves as a strike indicator for when the intended fly is taken but in many cases will also be taken on its own.
“You'd be surprised how often that’s the case,” Carithers says. “So this is a good technique to remember and employ.”
Anglers should also reacquaint themselves with the differences between rising fish, like those feeding off the top and those just below the surface.
When a trout’s snout breaks the surface it’s generally sipping bugs while when only the tail or the fin can be seen it’s safe to assume the fish is feeding just below the surface.
To catch fish just below the surface Carithers recommends cutting a foot long piece of 6x tippet in half and then tying it back together again using a blood or surgeons knot. Then attach the tippet to the back end of large, durable, high floating fly like a #10 or # 12 stimulator. Next, slide a #9 split shot down the tippet to the knot which will keep it from descending any further and finally, attach the intended fly, typically a grey #22 RS2 Baetis emerger, to the bottom.
Anglers should remember to cast just above a rising fish and arrange it so that the fly passes over the intended spot rather than the leader.
Anglers should wait for the stimulator to stop, twitch or disappear below the surface and then set the hook. They should also be prepared for a strike upon the stimulator too, Carithers says.
And while anglers should always wear polarized sun glasses to protect their eyes and reduce glare off the water, Carithers notes that sometimes it’s even more important to move around to reduce the glare which makes dry fly fishing difficult.
Nowhere is that more evident than in places like the San Juan’s lower flats where by simply moving to the other side of a run can take the glare off the water and give an angler a unhindered look at rising fish and their floating fly, Carithers says.
And lastly, dry fly anglers should consider clipping the hackle on the bottom of some flies such as an elk hair caddis so they float flat on the water, Carithers said.
And while one may not see a lot of Caddis coming off on the upper waters of the San Juan it is a fly that produces strikes time and time again, Carithers notes.
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| The great fishing on the San Juan attracts many including this Bald Eagle. |
Carithers, 42, of Hesperus, owns Anasazi Anglers and has been guiding on the San Juan River for the past 19 years. He is married to Jill, a college administrator, and the couple have 6-year-old son Finnigan and a 5-year-old daughter, Annabel.
Born and brought up in Arvada, Co., Carithers is a sixth generation Coloradan who gave up pursuing a business degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango to take up a classic Colorado seasonal career as ski area worker and fishing guide.
“I think I always knew I was going to be a guide or own a fly shop someday,” he says. For more info about his guide business see his website at http://www.sanjuanguides.com/.
Carithers says he first learned to fish from his grandfather, Art Ohanian, at the age of five with worms on a spin caster. He was pressed into service after his granddad’ favorite fishing partner, an uncle, shipped out to the naval academy. The young Carithers then graduated to fishing on a fly rod with the ever versatile elk hair caddis fly and has been hooked ever since.
His parents are both retired school teachers who still live in Arvada and he has a younger brother, James, who is a trucking fleet service manager and another younger brother, Bevin, who is a senior Park Ranger for the city of Boulder.
Carithers says he loves the San Juan River because of its variety.
“Parts of it fishes like a spring creek, there’s the tail water aspect of it and then there’s fishing from the boat,” Carithers said.
Born and brought up in Arvada, Co., Carithers is a sixth generation Coloradan who gave up pursuing a business degree at Fort Lewis College in Durango to take up a classic Colorado seasonal career as ski area worker and fishing guide.
“I think I always knew I was going to be a guide or own a fly shop someday,” he says. For more info about his guide business see his website at http://www.sanjuanguides.com/.
Carithers says he first learned to fish from his grandfather, Art Ohanian, at the age of five with worms on a spin caster. He was pressed into service after his granddad’ favorite fishing partner, an uncle, shipped out to the naval academy. The young Carithers then graduated to fishing on a fly rod with the ever versatile elk hair caddis fly and has been hooked ever since.
His parents are both retired school teachers who still live in Arvada and he has a younger brother, James, who is a trucking fleet service manager and another younger brother, Bevin, who is a senior Park Ranger for the city of Boulder.
Carithers says he loves the San Juan River because of its variety.
“Parts of it fishes like a spring creek, there’s the tail water aspect of it and then there’s fishing from the boat,” Carithers said.
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| Aaron Carithers fishes from his boat on a beautiful spring day on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam in northwestern New Mexico. |
Carithers prefers using a drift boat for his work rather than wading because it provides clients an excellent platform from which to cast to rising fish or strip streamers while also providing a perfect dead drift for nymphing.
It also allows him to cover water quickly if he’s headed for someplace specific and also provides easy access to areas of the river that may be difficult to reach on foot.
Carithers favorite stretch of water on the river is from Simon Canyon to the boat take out at the Gravel Pit which is the end of the four miles of catch and release, quality waters, on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam.
Carithers says he enjoys the solitude, the character of the scenery and the quality of the fishing which he says has vastly improved in the past few years due to the addition of habitat improvements.
As far as gear is concerned his favorite fly combo is a # 18 red larva and a #22 grey midge. He likes using a nine foot, four weight for fishing the San Juan and his favorite fishing gadget is a Finnegans fly fishing tool which he helped design and is available from http://indetools.com
Carithers says his number one rule for fishing the San Juan is hire a guide first, then learn to dead drift, leaving more line on the water than you might be used to. And finally, don’t break off the fish! Endeavor to set the hook lightly, let the fish run some, use a light drag and avoid hard, sudden stops.
When Carithers isn’t working he enjoys restoring a vintage travel trailers or going out hunting with his bird dogs.
Tips and Tricks to Spring Camping on the San Juan River.
Mud and Plenty of It: Spring can be the wettest time of year on the San Juan River with snowpack melting and rains turning local, dirt roads into incredibly slick and in some cases, impassable mud bogs.
Even the short stretch of dirt road leading to Cottonwood Campground can be a nightmare to navigate under the worst of conditions but those camping at the end of that same road in Simon Canyon could end up stuck there for the duration.
So those who intend to camp on the San Juan need keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to move on, in a hurry, if need be. Some rains may last an afternoon and do little damage but a heavy, overnight, drenching could spell trouble especially for those camping in the back country somewhere.
Be forewarned, four wheel drive is great stuff but without chains and aggressive off-road tires like the local oil and gas guys have, it may not be enough to deal with what some of these dirt roads serve up when muddy.
That being said, camping on the San Juan in the spring can be great if the weather cooperates just remember to button up your tent upon leaving for the day, just in case. And cover your firewood too.
Food and Coolers: Remember though that with the onset of daylight savings time, the days here grow long and with warmer temps, the fishing starts earlier too. So anglers might want to consider adopting a feeding plan that accommodates their fishing schedule.
Quick and easy foods such as hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks, apples, trail bars, beef jerky, peanuts and trail mix make for good fuel while on the river and can be easily munched on the move early in the day.
But by midday one might want to return to their vehicle or camp and relax while whipping up a real meal and waiting for the last half of the day and early evening to commence.
There are several nice, shady spots along the river at the Cottonwood Campground day use area where one can enjoy a leisurely meal and perhaps take a nap before getting back to fishing.
By bringing a small, portable, gas grill or stove, one can make short work of grilling burgers, chicken, pork which when folded into a tortilla with a dab of refried beans, several slices of avocado, tomato, onion and some green chile or salsa, rivals anything the local restaurants can whip up and is a hell of lot cheaper.
Use doubled up, zip-lock bags when storing food in the cooler to keep them from getting wet or leaking into your ice.
Keeping coolers iced up becomes an issue with the coming of spring so try to keep them out of direct sunlight, anticipate the track of the sun and park accordingly. Crack your vehicle windows to let out the buildup of heat and use sun shades to cover the windows.
Consider keep the cooler wrapped in a back up sleeping bag or blanket for added insulation and don’t dump out the cold water in the bottom of the cooler until absolutely necessary. It’s what’s holding the cold.
The Sun and Lots of It: Don’t go out on the river without sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a good hat and a raincoat. Bring and wear a broad brimmed hat with a chin strap to retain it in the wind. Be prepared for changing weather conditions including wind and rain which can reduce core temperatures quickly.
Water and lots of it: Stay hydrated. Don’t venture out onto the river for any length of time without at least a couple of liters of water. Carry a light weight, water filter if need be but most importantly drink plenty of water and do it before you become thirsty. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake as they contribute to dehydration.
It also allows him to cover water quickly if he’s headed for someplace specific and also provides easy access to areas of the river that may be difficult to reach on foot.
Carithers favorite stretch of water on the river is from Simon Canyon to the boat take out at the Gravel Pit which is the end of the four miles of catch and release, quality waters, on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam.
Carithers says he enjoys the solitude, the character of the scenery and the quality of the fishing which he says has vastly improved in the past few years due to the addition of habitat improvements.
As far as gear is concerned his favorite fly combo is a # 18 red larva and a #22 grey midge. He likes using a nine foot, four weight for fishing the San Juan and his favorite fishing gadget is a Finnegans fly fishing tool which he helped design and is available from http://indetools.com
Carithers says his number one rule for fishing the San Juan is hire a guide first, then learn to dead drift, leaving more line on the water than you might be used to. And finally, don’t break off the fish! Endeavor to set the hook lightly, let the fish run some, use a light drag and avoid hard, sudden stops.
When Carithers isn’t working he enjoys restoring a vintage travel trailers or going out hunting with his bird dogs.
Tips and Tricks to Spring Camping on the San Juan River.
Mud and Plenty of It: Spring can be the wettest time of year on the San Juan River with snowpack melting and rains turning local, dirt roads into incredibly slick and in some cases, impassable mud bogs.
Even the short stretch of dirt road leading to Cottonwood Campground can be a nightmare to navigate under the worst of conditions but those camping at the end of that same road in Simon Canyon could end up stuck there for the duration.
So those who intend to camp on the San Juan need keep an eye on the weather and be prepared to move on, in a hurry, if need be. Some rains may last an afternoon and do little damage but a heavy, overnight, drenching could spell trouble especially for those camping in the back country somewhere.
Be forewarned, four wheel drive is great stuff but without chains and aggressive off-road tires like the local oil and gas guys have, it may not be enough to deal with what some of these dirt roads serve up when muddy.
That being said, camping on the San Juan in the spring can be great if the weather cooperates just remember to button up your tent upon leaving for the day, just in case. And cover your firewood too.
Food and Coolers: Remember though that with the onset of daylight savings time, the days here grow long and with warmer temps, the fishing starts earlier too. So anglers might want to consider adopting a feeding plan that accommodates their fishing schedule.
Quick and easy foods such as hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks, apples, trail bars, beef jerky, peanuts and trail mix make for good fuel while on the river and can be easily munched on the move early in the day.
But by midday one might want to return to their vehicle or camp and relax while whipping up a real meal and waiting for the last half of the day and early evening to commence.
There are several nice, shady spots along the river at the Cottonwood Campground day use area where one can enjoy a leisurely meal and perhaps take a nap before getting back to fishing.
By bringing a small, portable, gas grill or stove, one can make short work of grilling burgers, chicken, pork which when folded into a tortilla with a dab of refried beans, several slices of avocado, tomato, onion and some green chile or salsa, rivals anything the local restaurants can whip up and is a hell of lot cheaper.
 |
| Streamside cooking is made simple with a portable gas grill and a good cast iron skillet. |
Keeping coolers iced up becomes an issue with the coming of spring so try to keep them out of direct sunlight, anticipate the track of the sun and park accordingly. Crack your vehicle windows to let out the buildup of heat and use sun shades to cover the windows.
Consider keep the cooler wrapped in a back up sleeping bag or blanket for added insulation and don’t dump out the cold water in the bottom of the cooler until absolutely necessary. It’s what’s holding the cold.
The Sun and Lots of It: Don’t go out on the river without sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, a good hat and a raincoat. Bring and wear a broad brimmed hat with a chin strap to retain it in the wind. Be prepared for changing weather conditions including wind and rain which can reduce core temperatures quickly.
Water and lots of it: Stay hydrated. Don’t venture out onto the river for any length of time without at least a couple of liters of water. Carry a light weight, water filter if need be but most importantly drink plenty of water and do it before you become thirsty. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake as they contribute to dehydration.
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