San Juan River

Each spring, say late in February or early in March, OPTU offers its members a fine opportunity to shake the winter induced “TTs” (“Trout Tremors”). Members and their guests can sign up to go on a 4-5 night group trip to the famous San Juan River in northern New Mexico, about thirty miles east of Farmington. The first four miles of the river below Navajo Dam are famous for superb rainbow and brown trout fishing. The fish average 16’- 18’ in size and it is not uncommon to hang one 20’ plus. This is managed quality water with special regulations such as barb-less hooks and no bait. The outing is designed to avoid summer crowds so take heed that it is no wet-wading, sunscreen-sloshing jaunt, although the weather can also be nice. Those that go each year have learned to bring their whole winter fishing regalia with them, fleece, raingear, gloves and plenty of grit.

The 2010 trip is scheduled for February 27th through March 4th. The cost of $400 includes all meals (except in transit) and lodging. This trip is already full (trips usually limit out at about a dozen anglers) but if you want to put your name on a waiting list in case someone drops out, or reserve a place for 2011, contact John Murphy (see below). Full payment is expected in advance, all of which will be refunded if one cancels and a substitute angler can be found. If no substitute can be found, $200 will be refunded. Drivers only pay for the gas to get their group to the event. The member to contact about San Juan trips is John Murphy at 520-250-4083 or jemurphy51@me.com.

See pictures from previous trips.