Evening Fishing at Texas Hole, Navajo Dam
Private Trip
River Fishing
Evening trout fishing at Texas Hole with expert guidanceRainbow and Brown Trout targeting during prime lowlight hoursAll gear provided for up to two anglers per trip
When the sun starts dropping behind the canyon walls and most anglers are packing up, that's when the real magic happens at Texas Hole. This world-class stretch of the San Juan River below Navajo Dam transforms into a trout feeding frenzy as evening light fades. You'll fish some of New Mexico's most productive water with an experienced guide who knows every pool, riffle, and undercut bank where big browns and rainbows hold. The crowds thin out, the fish get aggressive, and you'll understand why this evening window is considered prime time by locals and traveling anglers alike.
This top-rated evening trip puts you right in the heart of Texas Hole during the golden hours when trout become most active. The San Juan River's cold, clear water stays consistent year-round thanks to the dam release, creating perfect conditions for both rainbow and brown trout. You'll work methodically through proven runs and pockets, reading water like a pro while your guide positions you for the best drifts. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused – we're here to put fish in the net. Expect to cover water both wading and from strategic bank positions, with your guide constantly adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling us. The river's not huge here, but it's technical, and that's what makes it so rewarding when everything clicks.
We'll run the full playbook depending on what's working best that evening. Nymphing is bread and butter on this stretch – expect to drift everything from small midges and baetis patterns to larger stonefly and worm imitations through the deeper pools and runs. Your guide will set you up with the right rig, whether that's a tight-line European style approach or indicator fishing, depending on the water we're working. As light fades, we'll often switch gears to streamers, swinging articulated patterns and sculpin imitations past undercut banks where big browns ambush prey. Don't be surprised if we finish the evening with dry flies during a hatch – the San Juan's famous for its prolific midge emergences, and when trout start rising consistently, it's game on with size 24 patterns and 6x tippet. All gear is provided, from premium rods and reels to a full selection of flies tied specifically for this water.
Rainbow Trout here are the river's workhorses, averaging 14-18 inches with plenty of chunky 20+ inch fish mixed in. These San Juan rainbows fight like they're twice their size, thanks to the constant current and abundant food supply. They're most active during low-light periods, which is exactly when we'll be on the water. You'll find them in the faster water, around structure, and feeding heavily on midges and small mayflies. What makes these rainbows special is their willingness to eat – they're opportunistic and aggressive, making them perfect targets for anglers looking to stay busy. Spring and fall see the biggest specimens, but even summer evenings produce fish that'll test your drag system.
Brown Trout are the river's ghosts and the prize everyone's after. The San Juan's browns are famous throughout the Southwest, with fish regularly hitting the 20-24 inch range and true monsters lurking in the deeper pools. These fish are cunning, especially the big ones, often feeding only during dawn and dusk periods when they feel secure. Evening is prime time for browns because they'll move into shallower water to hunt, giving you shots at fish that stay hidden during daylight hours. They're suckers for a well-presented streamer stripped past their lies, and when a big brown eats, you'll know it immediately. The fight is bulldogging power combined with head-shaking fury – exactly why brown trout fishing has such a devoted following among serious anglers.
Texas Hole evening trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons when word gets out about the bite. This customer favorite experience accommodates just two anglers, ensuring you get personalized instruction and prime positioning throughout the evening. Whether you're looking to dial in your nymphing technique, learn proper streamer presentation, or just want to hook into some of the Southwest's best trout fishing, this trip delivers. The combination of renowned water, expert guidance, and that magical evening bite makes this a must-do experience for any serious angler. Don't wait – contact Ichthys Guide Service today to secure your dates and get ready for an evening you'll be talking about for years to come.
This 16-foot 2001 Hyde Low Profile Drift boat is built for serious anglers targeting the productive waters around Navajo Dam. The man-powered design keeps things quiet as you drift through the Texas Hole's prime trout zones, giving you the stealth advantage needed when rainbow and brown trout are feeding in the evening hours. With room for two anglers, this stable platform handles shallow runs and technical water with ease, letting you focus on reading the current and placing your flies where the fish are holding. The low-profile hull cuts through the water smoothly while maintaining excellent control for precise positioning during those critical moments when trout are actively feeding. Perfect for working streamers, drifted nymphs, or surface presentations as the light fades and the river comes alive.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wary veterans of these waters, typically running 12-20 inches with occasional trophy fish pushing beyond 24 inches. They love deep pools and undercut banks, especially around structure like fallen logs or boulder fields. These European transplants have golden-brown sides dotted with black spots and that telltale orange adipose fin. Evening trips work perfectly since browns become aggressive feeders as light fades - they'll hammer streamers and nymphs when they won't touch anything during bright daylight. The fight is methodical but strong, with sudden runs that test your drag. They're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Pro tip for the San Juan: focus your presentations along the deeper bank cuts during low light - browns hold tight to cover but will dart out to ambush prey in the current seams.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows here average 14-18 inches and are pure energy when hooked - expect acrobatic jumps and blazing runs that'll test your knots. Look for them in faster water and riffles where they feed actively on drifting insects. The evening bite is prime time since they rise freely as bugs start hatching at dusk. These fish show off those classic pink stripes along silver sides, making them easy to identify. They're less spooky than browns but still selective about flies. The meat is excellent with that distinctive pink flesh that tastes great grilled. Local trick: when you see rises starting, switch to a small dry fly like a size 18 Adams or BWO - but keep your nymph rod rigged since they'll often ignore surface flies and stay feeding subsurface even during a hatch. Watch for subtle takes on the drift.
San Juan River