Full Day Trout Fishing at Navajo Dam
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday guided float targeting Rainbow and Brown TroutExpert instruction for all skill levels on Red Chile WaterMaximum two anglers with all gear and safety equipment included
The Red Chile Water below Navajo Dam is hands down one of the most consistent trout fisheries in the Southwest. This full-day guided float puts you right in the heart of world-class tailwater fishing, where cold, nutrient-rich releases create perfect conditions for hefty rainbows and browns. You'll spend eight solid hours working through some of the most productive trout water in New Mexico, with a seasoned guide who knows every run, riffle, and holding spot along this legendary stretch. Whether you're new to fly fishing or you've been chasing trout for decades, this trip delivers the kind of steady action and learning opportunities that keep anglers coming back season after season.
This isn't your typical catch-and-pray fishing trip. The Red Chile Water consistently produces because it's a managed tailwater system with stable flows and temperatures that trout absolutely love. You'll launch right below the dam and drift through miles of prime habitat, hitting deep pools where big browns lurk and faster runs where rainbows love to feed. The beauty of this float is the variety - one minute you're working a technical nymph rig through a deep slot, the next you're casting dries to rising fish in a perfect riffle. Your guide handles all the boat work, so you can focus entirely on fishing. With just two anglers max per trip, you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and coaching. The scenery is pretty spectacular too, with red rock canyon walls and high desert landscape, but honestly, you'll probably be too focused on the fishing to notice much else. Plan on being on the water from early morning until late afternoon - this is a full commitment day that serious anglers dream about.
Your guide comes equipped with top-rated rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need for the day. The Red Chile is perfect for practicing different techniques since conditions change as you drift downstream. You'll likely start with tandem nymph rigs - a heavy attractor pattern like a Pat's Rubber Legs with a smaller dropper fly underneath. This setup gets down quick in the deeper holes where the biggest fish hold. As the day progresses and insect activity picks up, you might switch to dry fly fishing or streamer work, depending on what the trout are telling you. The guides here are masters at reading water and adjusting tactics on the fly. They'll teach you proper mending techniques to get natural drifts, show you how to set the hook on subtle takes, and help you fight fish properly in current. The boat allows access to water that wade fishermen can't reach, giving you shots at less pressured fish. All safety gear is provided, including life jackets, but the Red Chile is generally a mellow float with no serious whitewater - just continuous fishing opportunities.
The rainbows in the Red Chile are known for their spectacular fights and beautiful coloration. These aren't your typical stocked fish - they're healthy, wild-acting trout that have been feeding on abundant aquatic insects for years. Most rainbows run between 14 and 18 inches, with plenty of fish pushing into the 20-inch range. They're aggressive feeders and will often take dry flies with confidence when conditions are right. The brown trout are the real prize though - these crafty fish grow big and fat in the nutrient-rich water. Browns over 20 inches are common, and fish approaching 24 inches get caught regularly by anglers who know how to work the deeper holes and undercut banks. These browns have seen plenty of flies, so they can be selective, but that makes landing one even more satisfying. The best part about this fishery is the consistency - you're not gambling on whether the fish will be biting. The cold water releases keep trout active year-round, and the abundant food base means hungry, healthy fish. Most guests land multiple fish throughout the day, with plenty of opportunities for personal bests.
Rainbow trout are the backbone of this fishery and exactly what most anglers picture when they think of perfect trout water. These fish average 15 to 18 inches but don't let that fool you into thinking they're pushovers. Red Chile rainbows fight like fish twice their size, using the current to their advantage and making blistering runs that will test your drag system. They're most active during the morning and evening hours, but the consistent water temperatures mean they feed throughout the day. Spring and fall are peak seasons when these fish are most aggressive, but summer fishing can be phenomenal during mayfly and caddis hatches. What makes catching rainbows here so special is their condition - they're thick, bright, and incredibly strong from feeding on scuds, midges, and aquatic worms year-round.
Brown trout are the graduate-level challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back to the Red Chile. These fish are smart, selective, and grow to impressive sizes in this tailwater system. Most browns caught here range from 16 to 22 inches, with true trophy fish over 24 inches landed several times each season. They're most active during low-light periods and cooler months, making them perfect targets for autumn trips when the crowds thin out. Browns love structure - undercut banks, deep pools, and areas with overhead cover - and your guide knows exactly where to find them. They're notorious for following flies without committing, then striking when you least expect it. Landing a big Red Chile brown is a badge of honor among Southwest anglers because these fish have earned their reputation as some of the most challenging trout you'll encounter in New Mexico waters.
The Red Chile Water below Navajo Dam offers the kind of consistent, high-quality trout fishing that's becoming harder to find. This full-day float gives you maximum time on premium water with expert guidance and all the gear you need for success. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, chase personal bests, or just spend a perfect day on
This classic 2001 Hyde Low Profile drift boat is built for serious trout fishing on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam. At 16 feet, it cuts through the Red Chile Water with the stealth and precision that spooks fewer fish and gets you closer to the action. The low-profile design keeps you stable in technical currents while staying quiet enough not to disturb feeding trout in the crystal-clear tailwater. With oars as your only power, your guide can position the boat perfectly for that ideal drift or hold steady in prime pools where rainbows and browns are holding. The spacious layout comfortably seats two anglers with plenty of room for gear and easy casting from either side. This workhorse has been floating these productive waters for years, giving countless anglers access to some of New Mexico's best trout water with the control and maneuverability that only a quality drift boat can provide.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the crafty veterans of the Red Chile Water, averaging 12-18 inches with some bruisers pushing over 20. These golden-brown beauties with black spots love deeper pools and undercut banks, especially around structure like fallen logs or rocky drop-offs. They're most active during cooler parts of the day - early morning and evening - when they'll move into shallower water to feed. What makes browns special is their wariness and strong fight once hooked. They're incredibly selective, making them a real challenge for fly fishers. The meat is excellent eating too, with firm, flaky texture. My local tip: focus on the foam lines and eddies below the deeper runs. Browns often sit just outside the main current, waiting for food to drift by. A well-presented nymph or streamer in these transition zones can be deadly.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the acrobats of our tailwater, typically running 10-16 inches and known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. You'll find them in faster water than browns - mid-column in runs, behind boulders, and along current seams where food gets concentrated. The cooler water temps below Navajo Dam keep them active most of the day, though they really turn on during mayfly hatches in spring and fall. What guests love about rainbows is their aggressive nature and aerial displays - they'll leap multiple times trying to throw the hook. They're also beautiful fish with that signature pink stripe and spotted tail. The fight is honest and hard, making them perfect for newer anglers who want consistent action. Here's a local secret: when the water's clear, try a small beadhead pheasant tail about 18 inches below a dry fly. Rainbows often follow the dry but take the nymph trailing behind.
San Juan River