Stay & Fish at The Trout House, Navajo Dam
Private Trip
River Fishing
Stayandfish experience targeting Rainbow and Brown Trout at Navajo Dam15hour guided fishing adventure with riverside lodging accommodation includedFivestar rated facility with outdoor BBQ and convenient waterfront access
Picture this: you roll out of bed, grab your rod, and within minutes you're casting into some of New Mexico's most productive trout waters. That's exactly what you get with our top-rated stay-and-fish package at The Trout House near Navajo Dam. This isn't your typical day trip – we're talking about a full 15-hour fishing adventure that lets you fish at your own pace while staying steps from the river. Whether you're an early bird who loves dawn fishing or prefer those golden evening hours, you'll have unlimited access to world-class rainbow and brown trout fishing right outside your door.
The Trout House sits perfectly positioned near Navajo Dam's tailwater fishery, where cold, nutrient-rich water creates ideal trout habitat year-round. You're looking at consistent water temperatures and flows that keep these fish active and feeding. The setup here is pretty sweet – you can fish multiple sessions throughout your stay, hitting the prime morning bite, taking a midday break at the house, then getting back out for the evening feed. The river runs clear most of the time, giving you excellent sight fishing opportunities when conditions are right. We've got outdoor BBQ facilities so you can grill up your lunch between fishing sessions, and parking is never an issue with our spacious lot. The whole operation runs smooth as silk, which is why we maintain that customer favorite 5-star rating.
This stretch of river responds well to multiple approaches, and having extended time means you can really dial in what's working. Nymphing is consistently productive here – think size 16-20 midge patterns, small mayfly nymphs, and don't overlook scud patterns in tan and olive. The fish see a lot of pressure, so getting your drift right is crucial. Dry fly fishing can be phenomenal during hatches, particularly with BWO patterns and midges. Streamer fishing works great too, especially for those bigger browns that like to ambush from deeper holes. The beauty of staying multiple days is you can experiment with different techniques and really learn the water. Morning sessions often start best with nymphs, while evenings might fire up with surface action. Having that flexibility to adapt your approach throughout your stay is what separates this experience from rushed day trips.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of this fishery, and they're absolutely gorgeous fish here. These aren't your typical stocked rainbows – they're healthy, wild-looking fish with brilliant colors and plenty of fight. You'll find them averaging 14-18 inches, with some real surprises pushing over 20. They're active feeders and respond well to a variety of presentations. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but don't count out winter fishing when weather permits. What anglers love about these rainbows is their aggressive nature – they'll chase streamers, slam dry flies during hatches, and provide that classic rainbow acrobatics when hooked.
Brown trout are the prize fish that keep anglers coming back season after season. These fish are smart, spooky, and absolutely stunning when you finally connect with one. The browns here tend to run larger on average than the rainbows, with fish in the 16-22 inch range being realistic targets for skilled anglers. They're most active during low-light conditions – early morning and evening sessions are prime time for trophy browns. Fall is particularly exciting as these fish become more aggressive pre-spawn. What makes hooking a quality brown so rewarding is their wariness – they don't give themselves up easily. When you do connect with a good brown, you know you've earned it through skill and patience.
At $125 per night with our two-night minimum stay, you're getting exceptional value for a world-class trout fishing experience. Add in the one-time $30 cleaning fee, and you're looking at premium accommodation and fishing access that beats driving back and forth to distant hotels. The Trout House accommodates up to four anglers, making it perfect for small groups or couples who want to fish together. With that outdoor BBQ and plenty of parking, you've got everything needed for a proper fishing getaway. This renowned fishery produces year-round, but booking ahead is smart – word gets around about quality like this. Whether you're targeting your first 20-inch trout or looking to add some New Mexico browns to your life list, The Trout House gives you the time and access to make it happen. Don't let another season slip by – reserve your dates and get ready for some of the best trout fishing the Southwest has to offer.
The 16-foot 2001 Hyde Low Profile Drift boat is your quiet companion for serious trout fishing on Navajo Dam waters. This man-powered vessel cuts through the current with zero engine noise, keeping you stealthy as you approach those prime fishing holes where rainbow and brown trout hold. Built for two anglers, the low-profile design lets you slip under overhanging branches and navigate technical water that bigger boats can't reach. The stable hull keeps your casting smooth even when the fish are hitting hard, while the comfortable seating means you can focus on reading the water instead of fighting fatigue. Perfect for morning and evening sessions when the trout are most active.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the crafty ones here at Navajo Dam - typically running 12-20 inches with some real bruisers pushing 24+ inches. These golden-brown beauties with black spots love hanging in deeper pools and around structure during the day, becoming way more aggressive at dusk and into the evening. Fall through early spring gives you the best action when they're feeding hard. What makes them special is their wariness - they'll test your skills and fight smart once hooked. The meat is top-notch too, with that firm texture and mild flavor. My go-to tip: focus on the deeper runs with good cover during daylight, then switch to shallower water as the sun drops. They're suckers for a well-presented nymph drifted naturally through their lies.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout around Navajo Dam average 10-16 inches but don't be surprised by some 20+ inch fish. You'll spot that signature pink stripe and those acrobatic jumps that make them so fun to fight. They prefer the faster water and gravelly areas, though they'll move to cooler depths during summer heat. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with morning and evening being prime time. What guests love most is their aggressive take and those aerial shows - they'll jump, run, and keep you honest. Plus they're excellent eating with that pink flesh. Here's a local secret: when the water warms up in summer, look for them holding in the shade of overhanging banks or deeper pockets where spring water keeps things cool.
San Juan River