San Juan River NM fishing forecast
San Juan River NM is a freshwater fishing spot in New Mexico, United States. Anglers here target Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout. The most productive months are typically January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 22.7 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 19 km/h from WSW |
| Pressure | 1007 hPa |
| Cloud cover | 0% |
The water is running true to season — within a few tenths of the July average of 22.7 °C for this location. The water is mixed to about 26.7 m, with the thermocline below that.
Last updated Jul 28, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
What the score means at San Juan River NM
San Juan River NM currently scores 60 out of 100 (Good). Water temperature is 22.7 °C. 6 forecast signals are active in this score. As a rough guide, a score above ~65 reflects conditions experienced anglers would typically fish; below ~45, consider waiting for a better window or targeting different species. The score blends live weather and ocean signals and can change through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for San Juan River NM:
About this spot
Rivers are flow-driven. Fish the seams, eddies, and structure where current breaks, where fish hold to conserve energy and ambush bait.
What you can catch
-
Oncorhynchus mykiss
-
Salmo trutta
-
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Best months by species at San Juan River NM
| Rainbow TroutOncorhynchus mykiss | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown TroutSalmo trutta | ||||||||||||
| Cutthroat TroutOncorhynchus clarkii |
Months reflect typical catchability by species at this latitude; local seasons and closures apply.
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow TroutCold Water Regulations — Bag Limits for Trout and Kokanee Salmon | 5/day, 10 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Five fish is a COMBINED limit across brown, brook, rainbow and Gila trout and kokanee salmon — not five of each — and no more than 2 lake trout and/or 2 cutthroat may be inside it. Special Trout Waters are stricter: on the San Juan River from Navajo Dam downstream 3.75 miles to the Crusher Hole Day Use Area, it is illegal to fish with more than 2 flies or lures on a single line, and Special Trout Water bag limits apply. | |||
| Brown TroutCold Water Regulations — Bag Limits for Trout and Kokanee Salmon | 5/day, 10 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Five fish COMBINED across brown, brook, rainbow and Gila trout and kokanee salmon, with no more than 2 lake trout and/or 2 cutthroat inside that limit. Special Trout Water rules apply on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam. | |||
| Cutthroat TroutCold Water Regulations — Bag Limits for Trout and Kokanee Salmon | 2/day, 4 in possession | — | Jan 1 – Dec 31 |
| Cutthroat carry their own lower limit of 2, and they also count inside the combined 5-fish trout limit. The regulation adds a practical identification rule: "Any trout with red slash marks below the jaw is considered a cutthroat." | |||
Licensing:
- freshwater-recreational — residents Resident annual fishing $35.00. Junior annual (12–17) $5.00. Senior annual (65–69) $8.00. Age 70 and older free. One-day $12.00, five-day $30.00., non-residents Non-resident annual fishing $90.00. Junior annual (12–17) $20.00. One-day $12.00, five-day $30.00.
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. New Mexico layers Special Trout Waters, Trophy Bass Waters and Special Summer Catfish Waters over the statewide limits shown here, and several of them apply to waters on this site. Always check the water-specific pages of the current New Mexico Fishing Rules & Information before you fish.
Check San Juan River NM before you go
Live scores update through the day. Get the full forecast, bite windows, and your own saved spots in the FishRadar app.
Download on the App Store Google PlayNearby spots
Explore 5 more fishing spots within 294 km of San Juan River NM.
-
Blue Mesa Reservoir CO
Gunnison River Colorado
Roaring Fork Colorado
Roaring Fork River CO
Fryingpan River CO
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at San Juan River NM?
Anglers at San Juan River NM target Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
When is the best time to fish San Juan River NM?
The most productive months at San Juan River NM are typically January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
What is the fishing forecast for San Juan River NM right now?
San Juan River NM currently scores 60 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish San Juan River NM?
Fishing at San Juan River NM follows the local rules for New Mexico, United States. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Fishing guides for this spot
- How to Catch Rainbow Trout in Stocked Lakes and PondsHow to Catch TroutBest Time of Day to Fish
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.