San Juan County, NM · Inland River
San Juan River below Navajo Dam
A world-class tailwater in New Mexico’s high desert below Navajo Dam, where stable, cold, nutrient-rich releases grow enormous numbers of trophy rainbow and brown trout. The first few miles — the Texas Hole and the Quality Water — fish year-round and rank among the most productive trout water in the Southwest.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Rainbow Trout & Brown Trout — tied at the top (92/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at San Juan River below Navajo Dam.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at San Juan River below Navajo Dam
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Rainbow Trout Drop everything — ideal day for Rainbow Trout. In season 92/100
What's helping
- 53°F water — right in rainbow trout's ideal range
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — The most heavily stocked trout in Maryland. Put-and-take fisheries across the state plus holdover/wild fish in Western MD streams (Savage, Youghiogheny tailwater, Gunpowder). Takes PowerBait, small spinners, and standard dry/nymph patterns.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
New Mexico cold-water limit: 5 trout/salmon per day.
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Brown Trout Drop everything — ideal day for Brown Trout. In season 92/100
What's helping
- 53°F water — right in brown trout's ideal range
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
- Daily creel
- 5
New Mexico cold-water limit: 5 trout/salmon per day.
Source: New Mexico non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
New Mexico non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
The 3.75-mile Special Trout Water below the dam is catch-and-release, single barbless fly or lure. The Quality Water below allows one trout 20"+ per day — confirm your section.
Local reports & rules for San Juan River below Navajo Dam: New Mexico Game & Fish fishing report → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at San Juan River below Navajo Dam?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at San Juan River below Navajo Dam you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at San Juan River below Navajo Dam?
San Juan River below Navajo Dam is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at San Juan River below Navajo Dam?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at San Juan River below Navajo Dam against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does San Juan River below Navajo Dam have?
San Juan River below Navajo Dam has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. The 3.75-mile Special Trout Water below the dam is catch-and-release, single barbless fly or lure. The Quality Water below allows one trout 20"+ per day — confirm your section.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at San Juan River below Navajo Dam?
state agency regulations apply at San Juan River below Navajo Dam. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is San Juan River below Navajo Dam tidal water?
No. San Juan River below Navajo Dam is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.