Get ready - your trip is right around the corner!
The San Juan River below Navajo Dam offers excellent fly fishing in the month of July, which is why every year The Blue Quill Angler hosts a group to experience all the legendary western tailwater has to offer.
Most of the fishing you’ll be doing is nymphing from the drift boats, and the key bugs on the menu will be midges and blue-winged olives. Anglers might get some shots at fish on dry flies or streamers, if conditions allow, but the name of the game on this tailwater is nymph fishing.
On a typical day at Soaring Eagle Lodge, we’ll meet around 7AM for breakfast before meeting our guides at 8AM in the parking lot. Anglers will ride with their guides to the river where your day of fishing will begin. Most boats will launch from the famed Texas Hole below Navajo Dam, but occasionally guides will launch from other put-ins. For lunch, your guide will pull the drift boat over and serve a riverside lunch prepared by Soaring Eagle Lodge’s excellent chefs. We’ll typically return to the lodge around 3PM, giving anglers a few hours to unwind in their cabins, lounge outside with a drink, or keep fishing on the lodge’s private stretch of the river.
One thing to keep in mind: The San Juan is a high-desert river in the Southwest, and you’ll be fishing it in July. That means be ready for the sun and heat! Make sure you don’t forget the sunscreen and bring sun protection gear. See a full recommended packing list below. If you happen to forget something, Soaring Eagle Lodge has a full-service fly shop on site.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
When is check in and check out?
Check in on Sunday is 3pm. Checkout is 10am the day we depart.
What fly rod should I bring?
The majority of the fishing can be done with a 5 wt rod with a floating line. You can bring a 6 or 7 wt for fishing streamers as well. The guides can provide rods on the float trips as well, but we recommend bringing your own in case you want to fish on the property in your spare time. See recommended rods and lines below.
Do I need to bring my own flies and tackle?
Bring flies, leaders and tippet if you plan on fishing from the property. The lodge’s guides will provide flies, leaders, tippet, etc. during the float trips. See recommended flies below.
Where do I get a fishing license?
You can purchase your fishing license at Soaring Eagle’s fly shop when you arrive, or you can buy ahead of time online.
Does Soaring Eagle serve alcohol?
Nope. Given the remoteness of the lodge, we recommend BYOB and purchasing your alcohol before you get to Navajo Dam.
Do the rooms have a fridge?
Yes, every room has a full-size fridge.
Is there a kitchen in the cabins?
Yes, and they have all the kitchen amenities, including utensils and dishes.
Will we have access to ice?
Yes, you can get ice in the fly shop.
Is there Wifi?
Yes
Is there A/C?
Yes, luckily every cabin is air conditioned!
Recommended Gear List
Reminder that you get 15% OFF your next Blue Quill purchase
should you need any new gear for your trip! Use code eagle0725 at checkout.
Fly Rods
A 9 foot, 5 weight standard for nymphing on the San Juan River. Since we'll be fishing from drift boats, longer rods like a 9 foot 6 inch can help with reach and mending line.
Fly Lines
We have a large selection of 5 weight floating lines that will get the job done for you on the San Juan.
Terminal Tackle
We recommend 5x leaders and a tippet selection in 5x and 6x, in both fluorocarbon and nylon. Bringing terminal tackle is only necessary if you plan on fishing on the property.
Apparel
Be prepared for the heat with some gear rated for sun protection. Water-friendly footwear, light pants, sun hats and long-sleeve sun shirts are good to wear. Sun hoodies, sun gloves, and buffs work well too. Polarized sun glasses are also a must have.
Flies
Bare Bones Fly Selection: Midge and BWO nymph patterns ranging from #20,22,24. For dry flies, Parachute Adams is good to have in #18,20,22,24. You'll only need to bring flies if you're planning on fishing on your own.