Private Full Day Float Fishing Trip In New Mexico
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday fly fishing on legendary San Juan River watersOver 10,000 trout per mile in famous Quality Waters sectionAll gear, lunch, and expert guidance included for two guests
Picture this: you're drifting down the San Juan River with Captain Derek Martin, one of the most trusted guides in Farmington, watching your fly line cut through some of the most productive trout water in the Southwest. This isn't just any fishing trip—it's a full 8-hour adventure on legendary waters where trout densities hit over 10,000 fish per mile. The Quality Waters section of the San Juan has earned its reputation as a world-class fishery, and Derek knows every run, eddy, and holding spot like the back of his hand. You'll spend the day in a stable 12-16 foot drift boat, perfect for accessing spots that wade fishermen can only dream about. All your gear, tackle, lunch, and drinks are covered, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the net.
Your day starts early with Derek sizing you up for the right rod and checking your casting stroke—don't worry if you're rusty, he's got you covered. The San Juan runs clear and cold year-round thanks to the Navajo Dam releases, creating perfect conditions for sight fishing to monster rainbows and browns. You'll be floating through some of the most scenic high desert country in New Mexico, with red rock bluffs rising on both sides of the river. Derek's boat setup is dialed in for serious fishing: comfortable swivel seats, multiple rod holders, and a clean casting platform that gives you room to work. The pace is relaxed but focused—plenty of time to work each productive spot without feeling rushed. Between fishing, Derek shares stories about the river's history and points out wildlife like great blue herons, bald eagles, and the occasional elk coming down to drink. This top-rated experience attracts anglers from across the country, and once you see the fish counts, you'll understand why.
The San Juan is primarily a nymphing river, and Derek will have you rigged with the proven patterns that consistently produce: tiny midges, San Juan worms, and various mayfly imitations in sizes 20-24. Don't let the small flies fool you—these micro patterns fool huge fish in crystal-clear water. Derek provides top-shelf gear including 9-foot 4 and 5-weight rods perfectly matched to floating lines and long leaders. You'll learn to read the water like a pro, identifying the subtle current seams and depth changes where trout stage to feed. The drift boat allows Derek to position you perfectly for each cast, holding the boat steady in the current while you work your flies through the zone. Indicator nymphing is the bread and butter technique here, but Derek also knows when to switch to dry flies during hatch periods. The beauty of this fishery is the technical challenge—these fish see a lot of pressure, so presentation and fly selection matter. Derek's hands-on coaching style means you'll leave with skills that translate to any trout stream.
Lake Trout in the San Juan River system represent some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing in the Southwest. While the river is famous for its rainbow and brown trout populations, the occasional lake trout provides an exciting surprise that keeps anglers coming back. These deep-water natives can reach impressive sizes, often exceeding 20 inches and putting up a fight that'll test your drag system and Derek's net. Lake trout in this system are opportunistic feeders, often lurking in the deeper pools and runs where the current slows and smaller fish gather. They're most active during the cooler months from late fall through early spring, when water temperatures drop and their metabolism peaks. What makes hooking a lake trout so special is their unpredictability—they might smash a streamer meant for browns or delicately sip a midge pattern in shallow water. Their silver sides and spotted backs make them beautiful fish to photograph, and their powerful runs toward deep water create heart-stopping moments when you realize what you've hooked. Derek knows the specific spots where these fish cruise, and his experience reading water conditions helps maximize your chances of connecting with one of these prized catches.
The San Juan River delivers consistent fishing action throughout the year, but the best dates fill up fast with repeat customers who know what they've found. Derek's reputation as a customer favorite means his calendar stays busy, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is absolutely on fire. This renowned fishery offers something special that you won't find on crowded public waters—intimate access to premium fishing with personalized instruction that makes every angler better. Whether you're planning your first New Mexico fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking for your next best trip, this full-day float covers all the bases. The combination of Derek's local expertise, top-quality gear, and the legendary San Juan Quality Waters creates an experience that anglers talk about for years. With lunch and drinks included, you can stay focused on fishing from dawn to dusk. Don't wait on this one—the trending destination status of Farmington's fishing scene means the secret is getting out, and prime dates with guides like Derek are becoming harder to secure.
Our 12-16 ft drift boat is perfect for working the San Juan River's famous Quality Waters. This non-motorized craft moves silently through the current, letting you get close to those legendary trout without spooking them. The stable platform gives you and one fishing partner plenty of room to cast with confidence, whether you're sight-fishing to rising browns or drifting nymphs through deep runs. Captain Derek uses this boat to position you perfectly for each spot along the river, from shallow gravel bars to deeper pools where big fish hold. The quiet drift means more fish and better shots at those selective San Juan trout that made this stretch famous among fly fishers.
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