Family Float Trips on the San Juan River

One of the best parts of being a fishing guide is introducing new anglers to fly fishing. Even better is getting to bring families together on the water.

The San Juan River is an excellent place for a family fishing trip. As a tailwater fishery, the river gives us a lot of options. The fish are not always as spooky as they can be on smaller, clearer freestone rivers, which means we can often keep boats close together and keep the family connected throughout the day.

That matters.

A family float is not just about catching fish. It is about spending a day together, learning something new, laughing through the mistakes, and building memories on the river.

At About Trout, most of us are fathers. We have kids of our own, and we understand what comes with taking children fishing. In general, the youngest kids we guide are usually around eight years old, but every kid is different. For younger anglers, a half-day trip on one of the lower sections of the San Juan can be a great option. The fish tend to be a little more willing down there, and the shorter day helps keep things fun instead of overwhelming.

One of the things that makes the San Juan so good for families is the variety of water. We can start in the Quality Waters, where there is a chance at bigger fish and a great opportunity to build skills. Then we can continue downstream into what we like to call the “quantity water,” where the fishing can be more forgiving and better suited for anglers who are still learning.

That mix allows us to match the day to the group.

If you have experienced anglers in the family, we can work on more advanced techniques like streamer fishing, dry fly fishing, or technical nymphing. If someone is brand new, we can slow it down and focus on the basics. The San Juan is a 12-month classroom, and that is one of the reasons we love guiding it.

As of this writing, we had a family group on the water where a mother and son wanted to try streamer fishing. They had fly fished before, and they were able to get it done. That is exactly the kind of thing we love to see: families learning together, trying something new, and walking away with a positive experience.

We get asked all the time if the San Juan is a good place for families or mixed-skill groups.

The answer is yes.

Whether your family is brand new to fly fishing or has been doing it for years, the San Juan gives us the flexibility to create a fun, productive, and memorable day on the water.

So if you are thinking about a family fishing trip, do not forget about the San Juan.

We hope to see you out there.

– James