The San Juan River in Northern New Mexico is a fantastic tailwater perfect for (Honryu) tenkara. The expected fish size at the San Juan is big, an 18" fish is common. Big rods and long lines are good choices here. You can use kebari but it is good practice if you use midges, small streamers and whatever the local knowledge is reporting.
Local maps can be found at this website: San Juan River Maps
You can wade or use a drift boat guide service or packraft.
I wade the river accessing from area parking lots.
BOR and the Braids above Texas Hole as well as the Pumphouse areas are my favorite. In the Munoz area, Frustration Point, Baetis Bend and Lunker Alley will get future attention.
You can wet wade this river however the water temperature is better suited to waders. Fall, winter and early spring conditions are cold, and ice will form at the edges of the river as well as shaded marsh areas.
The bottom is slick, and, in many places, I would call the wading like navigating greased bowling balls. A wading staff really helps in navigating across swift current, slick rock and ice.
Great pictures Adam. And really nice fish.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It was an amazing couple of days for sure.
DeleteWhat was your set up (i.e. type of line, length, tippet size, flies used, etc.)
ReplyDeleteI used the Gamakatsu Suimu 5m rod, a 7m clear line made from Seaguar Inviz and a single bead head zebra midge. I don't use indicators, I use the line, lillian or droplets on the line and where the line enters the water as well as feel for indication of takes. I lost as many big fish as I caught. Hand lining fish on a long line takes practice.
DeleteАдам, фотографии отличные!
ReplyDelete