Today
62°F
Mostly Clear
N 0 to 10 mph · 4% precip
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Today’s verdict
Clear — a big 34°F swing through the day.
859 CFSFlow
55°F+4°Water temp
859 CFS is right around its typical level for July — this stretch typically runs 523–965 CFS.
Wading tends to be more manageable at typical flows, but beds shift and cold water saps strength fast — read the water, stay within your limits, and check conditions on-site. You remain responsible for your own safety.
At 55°F, the water is in the prime range for trout — cold enough to fish and to handle fish safely.
Weather
86°FClear
Wind SW 9 mph
Sunrise 6:09 AM · Sunset 8:24 PM
Observed (1 hour ago)
NWS / weather.gov · fetched 18:00
Today
62°F
Mostly Clear
N 0 to 10 mph · 4% precip
Tonight
96°F
Sunny
W 5 to 10 mph · 6% precip
Tomorrow
63°F
Partly Cloudy
NE 5 to 10 mph · 13% precip
Conditions are estimates from USGS data. Always assess on-site conditions and use your own judgment.
The gauge near Archuleta sits just below Navajo Dam at the head of the San Juan's Quality Waters — the cold tailwater with extraordinary trout density that anglers wade and float below the dam. It carries both flow and water temperature, so the conditions reflect that tailwater directly. The fly picture here comes from a single report source, so it's lighter than our better-covered tailwaters.
Location
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New Mexico fishing resources
The San Juan below Navajo Dam is one of the Southwest’s most productive tailwaters, supporting very high numbers of rainbow and brown trout in cold, nutrient-rich water. The Quality Waters near the dam are the principal destination, with well-known access around Texas Hole and additional downstream reaches suited to floating. Fishing is available year-round. Midges form the foundation of the food chain and commonly require size 20–26 imitations, fine tippet and careful presentation. Blue-winged olives are important, especially under clouds, while caddis and PMDs become more relevant farther downstream. Seasonal ant falls and other terrestrials can produce unusual dry-fly opportunities. Tandem nymph rigs are the standard approach, often combining an attractor such as an egg, worm or leech with a small midge or baetis pattern. Sight-fishing dries to sipping trout and streamer fishing in deeper water provide variety. Wading access is good in several Quality Water areas, while a drift boat helps anglers cover the broader lower river. Regulations vary by reach and should be checked carefully.