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Step 1
Choose your season. You can fish the San Juan River all year with certain seasons being better for certain things than others. In spring from April through June, you can find nice fishing access with good flows. Summer months often have daily hatches and high fish activity but also tend to draw very, very large crowds as a result. Fall and winter are generally good when the weather is nice as the crowds tend to thin out as the year wanes.
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Step 2
Choose your fishing style and guide. Guide services are available for a fee from a number of reputable companies in and around all areas of the San Juan River. Also be aware that the river can be either waded or floated, so plan accordingly.
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Step 3
Choose your equipment. Chest waders are essential for full access to the San Juan River. Neoprene waders are recommended as a better all-year alternative. Also be aware that this river poses the challenges of windier days. As a result, a 9 foot, 5 weight rod with a line that has its weight forward is a good option, although fly fishers have used a variety of equipment to varying degrees of success.
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Step 4
Get a New Mexico fishing license. You must have a New Mexico fishing license if you're over 12 years old. They must be renewed each year starting on April 1 and can cost anywhere from $20 to $40 depending on residency status and miscellaneous fees. They can be purchased online, at various retailers in Albuquerque, or at a few locations on the river itself.
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Step 5
Acquire some of the San Juan worm. This worm imitates a sort of skinny earthworm and is a year-round pattern. Leech and scud imitations work well in the San Juan as well.
