Full Day San Juan River Combo Fishing Trip
Shared Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Combined wade fishing and float trip on San Juan RiverLicensed guide provides gear, flies, and riverside lunch includedTailored experience matches individual pace and skill levels
Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in the legendary San Juan River at first light, watching your guide point out the perfect riffle where trophy trout are actively feeding. This shared full-day combo trip gives you the best of both worlds—productive wade fishing in the morning when the fish are most aggressive, followed by a relaxing float through some of New Mexico's most productive trout water. Your licensed guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will adjust the day based on what you want to accomplish, whether that's perfecting your nymphing technique or just soaking up the San Juan's world-class fishing reputation.
Your day kicks off early with a wade session in prime San Juan habitat, where your guide will position you along productive gravel bars and current seams that consistently hold fish. This isn't rushed—you'll have time to work through different runs and adjust your approach based on what the trout are telling you. After a streamside lunch, you'll transition to the float portion, drifting through deeper pools and undercut banks that are tough to reach on foot. The combo format is perfect for anglers who want variety in their day, and since it's a shared trip, you'll split costs while still getting personalized instruction. Your guide provides all the essential tackle, a proven fly selection for current conditions, and lunch, so all you need is your New Mexico fishing license and comfortable waders if you have them.
The San Juan demands finesse, and your guide will dial you into the techniques that produce here. During the wade portion, expect to focus heavily on nymphing—dead-drifting small flies through feeding lanes using indicator rigs or Euro-nymphing methods. The river's consistent flows and rich insect life mean trout feed opportunistically all day, but presentation is everything. You'll learn to read the subtle differences between productive water and dead zones, adjusting your weight and drift length accordingly. The float section opens up opportunities for streamer fishing and reaching water that gets less pressure. Your guide will have you casting to structure, working deeper runs with weighted flies, and timing your presentations to moving fish. All rods, reels, waders, and flies are included, though the guide will match tackle to your experience level and the day's conditions.
Lake trout are the prize species on this stretch, and the San Juan consistently produces some of New Mexico's most impressive specimens. These fish thrive in the river's cold, nutrient-rich waters and can reach impressive sizes—fish in the 20-plus inch range are realistic targets, with some true giants lurking in the deeper pools. Lake trout here are aggressive feeders, especially during the cooler months from October through April when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them so exciting to target is their combination of size and fight—they'll make long, powerful runs and use the current to their advantage. Your guide knows the specific lies where these fish hold, from deep undercut banks to current breaks near structure. The key is getting your presentation down to their level and giving them something they can't refuse, whether that's a perfectly drifted nymph or a streamer stripped through their feeding zone.
This combo trip delivers serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on one of the Southwest's top-rated trout destinations. You're getting expert local knowledge, quality gear, and access to water that produces consistently, all while splitting the cost with another angler. The flexible format means beginners get patient instruction while experienced anglers can focus on advanced techniques and trophy hunting. With only one guest capacity remaining, this trip fills up fast during peak seasons when the fishing is at its best. Your guide will have you dialed into current patterns and productive flies that are working right now, not last month's report. Book your spot on this customer-favorite combo trip and get ready for a full day of quality fishing on the renowned San Juan River.
Our 12-16 ft drift boat is built for serious San Juan River fishing. This non-motorized craft lets you slip quietly through the water without spooking trout, giving you clean drifts over productive runs and deep pools. The stable platform keeps you balanced while casting or fighting fish, and there's plenty of room for tackle and gear. Since it moves with the current, you'll cover prime water that walking anglers can't reach, from undercut banks to mid-river channels where the big browns like to hold. The shallow draft gets you into skinny water spots, while the wide beam keeps things steady when you're netting fish or changing flies. Perfect for accessing those hidden stretches where the fish see fewer lures and stay less spooked.
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