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I am planning a trip to the San Juan in a couple of weeks and was hoping that some of you would be willing to share some tips and advice on patterns, techniques, access points for wading, where to stay and where to eat. Any advice that you have for a first timer on the San Juan would be welcome.
Thanks

Been a few years since I was in that area, but I can provide some information. First, when it comes to flies--think small; #20 and smaller midges, tippet to go with the small flies, and a rod that will handle large trout. I always used a 5 wt on that river. If you google San Juan flies, you'll likely get a lot of sites pop up that give you more info on patterns and such.

Places to stay: All I know is Abe's. Clean, reasonably priced, and a fly shop on the grounds. They can provide good info on flies also. Might be wise to make reservations, as those places on the river are usually pretty busy. Eating opportunities are fairly limited. Pretty much eat where you can. Abe's used to have an on-site restaurant that was pretty good. Abe's has some rooms with kitchenettes, so if you get one of those rooms, and want to bring your own food and cooking supplies.......

This time of year, make sure you have some rain gear, though usually rain will be accompanied by lightning, so you likely won't be in the water anyway. Access points are numerous. May have to pay day fees at several of them; I think it's @ 5 bucks? You may want to fish mainly from Cottonwood Campground and up. You also might consider a guide for a half-day or full day. They can teach you a lot about fishing the San Juan--I'm available for transport, room and board! HA! If you do get a guide, there are many options, but Abe's has a guide service on site also--Born n' Raised.

One word of caution for wading the San Juan. Make sure you wear a wading belt if you wear waders (water temp is in the 40's). Do this because falling in this river is common, especially among new visitors. This is the tip: watch out for the tan colored snot-moss. It's slick as snot!

was there in the middle of the week first week of May twenty-five fishermen at Texas Hole at 1100hrs just a great social event, had a great time and had fun watching all the different line riggings and how well they did. Great time just no solitude if that is what your after.

Stop by Abe's fly shop, they have been there since the dam wa built. Wading access is near the dam, you will find two parking areas there. The folks at abe's can tell you everything you need to know including what flies are working and where to wade.

How did the trip go?

I am heading there in a few weeks staying at Abes. I am trying to decide on wade or float guide, never been there so I want to get some local knowledge but not sure which is better.

Abe's is pretty bare bones -- one step above the Cottonwood Campground, but less expensive than elsewhere. I usually visit with my wife, who will not set foot in Abe's, so we stay at the Enchanted Hideaway, up the hill from Abe's. We've also stayed at Soaring Eagle, but found it pricey.

If you want to gain local knowledge, go with a wading guide. The floaters too often fall into the habit of making endless circles through the Lower Flats in a procession of drift boats. It's an area with easy drifts that beginners can handle, but pretty boring for those with experience. It also depends on the flows. A week ago the river was at 1100cfs, last weekend they dropped it to 950cfs, and earlier this week to 600cfs. That makes it much more amendable to wading vs floating. (When I fished it in May three years ago, it was at "flushing flows" of 2000 cfs and wading was not an option.)

I've had good luck with guides from Duranglers (Steve Meyers and Mark Engler are my favorites), and with Rick Hooley of Rocky Mountain Anglers. Steve is a wade only guide, Rick and Mark will do either.

Also check out Mike Mora's website for more detailed and recent information:

http://www.ifly4trout.com/