Warm Weather, Great Fishing (And Yeah… the Skiing Isn’t It)

Flows are steady, the crowds are gone, and this year January on the San Juan feels more like March. We’ve been getting unseasonably warm weather, which has kept water temps stable, stretched the feeding windows, and made winter fishing way more comfortable than normal.

And let’s be honest—the skiing kind of sucks right now. If you’re staring at thin coverage, brown runs, and icy patches, this is your sign: skip the lift line and come put a bend in the rod instead.

Why January is underrated on the San Juan

January is typically the quietest month of the year on the Juan. That’s a gift. Fewer boats, fewer waders, less pressure—and more opportunities to fish prime water without feeling rushed.

This winter’s warmer stretch is stacking the deck even more:

• More consistent feeding windows
• Less brutal mornings
• Better overall comfort for wade trips
• And a better chance to find active fish throughout the day

If you want a real tailwater experience without peak-season crowds, January is it.

Current conditions & what to expect

Even with the mild weather, winter trout still behave like winter trout—meaning they’re not sprinting. The key is fishing smart water and staying disciplined.

Best bite window: late morning through mid-afternoon (11am–3pm is the sweet spot)
Where to focus: slow buckets, inside seams, tailouts, and soft edges next to depth
How fish are eating: subtle takes, tight lanes, and they reward clean drifts

What’s working right now

Nymphing is the main event

If you only do one thing on the San Juan in January, nymph well. Get down, stay down, and don’t be shy about weight.

Winter nymph staples:

1. Red Larva #16-22
2. Eggs #12-18
3. Leeches #10-#14 Olive, Natural, Black
4. Pig Stickers #10-#14 Honey Brown, Red, Purple
5. Tav’s Big Mac #18-#22
6. Tav’s Fluff Baetis #18-#22 Gray, Brown

Guide tip: If you’re not ticking bottom occasionally, you’re probably not deep enough. Adjust weight before you change flies.

Streamers: doable, not easy (but worth it)

The streamer bite can happen—especially with cloud cover—but it’s not a “chuck and strip” deal in January.

If you commit to streamers:

• Fish slow and deep
• Use short strips + long pauses
• Target soft edges next to drop-offs
• Overcast afternoons give you the best odds

Dry flies: possible on the warmest afternoons

Dry fly fishing isn’t an all-day play in January, but with this warmer weather, you can absolutely stumble into a fun window.

Where to look: slower slicks and soft seams
What to watch for: midges + light sipping behavior
Think of it as a bonus round—not the plan—but it’s very real on calm, mild afternoons.

January is for solitude (and getting better)

If you’re trying to:

• learn the San Juan without crowds,
• dial your nymph rig,
• or just have a peaceful day on a world-class tailwater…

January is one of the best months to do it—especially when winter sports aren’t delivering.

Book a January or spring trip with About Trout

If you want to fish it right, we’ll get you dialed with the right water, the right rig, and the right game plan for the day.

Ready to book? Hit our Book Now button or reply with a few date options and we’ll get you on the calendar.

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