Hello everyone,
Reminder: The mini monsoon season is here so don't forget to pack your rain jacket and insect repellent. The rates went up a little - $5.00 for half day trips, $10.00 for the full day trips.
Flow is steady around 500 cfs, visibility is 2 1/2 -3 feet and fishing has been good to excellent depending on where we have fished. There were good baetis (around 2 to 5 pm, sunset) and midge hatches (9 am till dark) last couple of weeks so dry fly fishing has been good. We are still catching a lot more than anyone around us; not hard to do though because most fishermen aren't catching any.
Paul Q who is a client from TX told me over dinner that he met one S.J. veteran fisherman from 27 yrs ago that got skunked for the first time a few days ago. It's not easy to catch S.J. trout now a days because they are more educated than other river trout so you have to think like them (use right fly/techniques). Due to slow fishing condition for others, lots of other fishermen are closing in on us just about every time I guide because they think fish are only feeding where we are. They are the ones who have the honey holes. I don't start early like other guides so by the time we get to the river all the honey holes are taken but we still catch a lot more and could catch more if people upstream didn't do the San Juan Shuffle.
For those of you who don't know about the S.J. Shuffle - when you move your feet around while you fish, trout will gather below you, where the disturbed water is flowing and line up to feed. Some fishermen do this because they don't have the right flies. Next, they align themselves with the congregated feeding fish downstream and try to catch them. I see more people doing the S.J. Shuffle below the dam area. This includes some other guides which makes me sick. They set up their clients on either side of the main channel and then the guide wades across to take care of the other client. The trout then line up in that area where he or she was wading. Then they move their clients to the area and toss their lines there. Most S.J. Shufflers use at least one big fly (San Juan worm, bunny leech, etc) and others perhaps the same size or smaller on the line. They mostly snag fish by setting the hook by swiping hard at the end of the drift. The health of the trout has deteriorated since the end of the spring run off last June. Thus you'll see trout missing one eye, have dark spots (black head, tail), scar marks, broken jaws, etc due to many having been snagged. I've been retrieving lots of flies broken off on the fish. They have been snagged along the belly, tail and fins. This is occurring from the dam all the way downstream to Baetis Bend.
Furthermore, we had a flash flood about 10 days ago. This contributed to a heavy silt deposit in the TX Hole downstream all the way to bait fishing section. Fishing down stream is slowing down, thus more people are gathering from the TX Hole upstream to below the dam. I wish I were a NM Fish & Game authority then I could talk to BOR to release 5000 cfs couple of nights to clear up recent silt deposit to make fishing better down stream but I'm not. We need someone in that Fish & Game department who cares about this precious river!!!!
The best flies were: Andy's Candy midge and mayfly> Yong Special> Yong Wings> AK-47> Yong Blondie (maroon)> AK-Salad in order.
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Here are few recent emails:
Dear Andy:
Thank you very, very much for taking the boys fly fishing. It was truly the highlight of their trip. We can not thank you enough for your generosity. It was a pleasure to meet you!
Jonathan and Lauren
Hi Andy,
I want to thank you for a wonderful experience that day. We had a blast. My son and I really like you and we are looking forward to our next day on the river with you. Thanks,
Ken
Hi Andy,
Thanks for the photos and I am glad you are feeling better. I did catch a couple fish on your dry fly. Regards,
Mike
Hi Andy,
I am so glad I met your guide Jerry and he was able to introduce me to you. I have fished the San Juan 6 times and have had ok fishing and got skunked a couple times. The flies I bought from you and the advice you gave me was just the ticket. The next two days I caught more fish per day that I have could possibly have imagined. I had 2 guides around me and I caught more fish than their clients with your flies. You know the river so well and I will always contact you to buy flies before I go to the San Juan. I have a friend that wants to be guided and you will be the one I will contact for him. Thank you,
Alan Aragon
Mr. Kim,
Thank you for all your help and teaching me to fly fish. Sincerely,
Ryan Ulrich
Hi Andy,
Do you have any photos to share? It was a great trip, thanks. Cheers,
Chuck
Hi Andy,
Hope you are well. Dad and I enjoyed our weekend on the San Juan. It was a pleasure meeting you. Hope to see you soon. Best,
Marc M. Rose
Hello everyone,
The ant fall finally happened yesterday (July 14th) and my first time clients (father and son) had a blast using AK-47 fly in addition Ken (father) landed back to back 20" plus fat bow middle of it. This ant fall happens once every year and may last up to 2 days (mostly one day) and very hard to predict exact time of occurrence but safe for me to say around mid June-mid July right after heavy rain storm.
Besides that fishing is still excellent for us just about everywhere from below the dam all the down to bait fishing section although many other fishermen are struggling. There was a prolific baetis hatch on past Sunday afternoon and dry fly fishing was fantastic from Texas Hole to downstream below. I'm predicting this can happen for next few weeks under overcast afternoon condition so have some Andy's Candy mayfly and Yong Wings on you.
Most trout are still very healthy but few of them are starting to show signs of hook marks on lips and also snagging marks. Remember, the new rule is now you can only use 2 flies (make sure pinch the barb) or less, which I have been advocate for before even started guiding 14 yrs ago by watching many fishermen including few guides damaging trout by snagging them using 3 to 5 flies on the line. It is quite easy to spot someone is trying to snagging fish, just watch someone shuffles (toss the line forward and walk backward) and fish below chum line or someone swipe the line downstream very hard to snag anything where flies are drifting. To help quality of the San Juan trout year-round I don't mind if they decide to go with one fly only rule!
The flow is steady and visibility is still around 2 1/2 -3'.
The best flies were: Yong Flash> AK-47> Andy's Candy (both midge/ mayfly)> Yong Wings> Yong Special in order.
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Here are few recent email:
Dear Andy:
Thank you again. Rebecca had a great time and improved her fishing skills. You keep getting better and better at your abilities to catch fish and teach clients what they need to know to follow in your footsteps. We had a great weekend and look forward to seeing you the next time you are up here or we can make it down there. Please send the fiber material to the address below.
Best regards,
Marc C. Patoile
Hi Andy,
You don't know me and hopefully, some day, I will get the chance to meet you and have you guide me on the San Juan. I just want to take a minute and thank you for sharing your midge patterns using the C "&" C thread and twisting techniques on both your larvae and pupae patterns.
I'm from SW Pennsylvania and fish mostly on a couple streams that are know for some very large, picky and well educated trout that get lots of fishing pressure. Using your larvae and pupae designs, I have guys following me around trying to figure out the secret on my success. I hand out a lot of flies and try to help them with the techniques, but few have the success that I do, especially in landing a good many nice size browns and rainbows.
What made me write this note was that I gave some flies to a guy a few weeks ago, and he replied, those are Andy Kim's flies. As it turned out, you guided him a couple years ago and he could not say enough about you. Just wanted to pass that on. Can't recall his name, but he said the next time you guide for him, he will tell you about the guy from Pa he ran into that "cleans up" using your flies.
Take care, good luck and wish you many happy days of fishing,
Hugh Shearer
Andy,
I received the video yesterday and popped it into the VCR immediately. It was fun to watch, you definitely catch a lot of fish. It really got me pumped up to go to the San Juan, and hopefully we can be as successful as you were on the video, it would be nice to catch some better quality fish!!!
Thanks,
Kirk Colburn
Andy,
I was able to receive but not send emails in Durango. Thanks for a great time on the San Juan. I learned a lot and now I have to break several bad habits that I should not even have and practice casting. I look forward to receiving the video. I asked my wife what she wanted to do today, in that I had been fishing twice with you this week and she said, "can we just go home a day early?" She had been in Utah with our daughter who just had a baby a few weeks ago last week so had been gone for two weeks. We came home today and found everything in good order. As I was unpacking my fishing gear, I am already thinking of when I can get back up you way.
Thanks again for the good and patient instruction.
Bill Woolf
Hi Andy,
Again, thank you for the great afternoon. We were just looking at the photos and saying "how wonderful it and you are!!!!!!!!!!. We walked off with your bug repellent, now you have to come for dinner to get it back.
Fondly
Fran
Hello everyone,
The flow is around 550 cfs and visibility is about 2-3' depends on certain areas.
Fishing has been very good although we didn't catch many 20" plus past week as prior week. Had decent rain storm the other day but no "Ants Fall" occurred perhaps next big thunderstorm will bring them. Last few days I have noticed increasing baetis hatch during overcast hours and some of trout actually taking dun baetis (BWO) on surface. Most of them still taking emerger stage baetis so we have used Yong Wings with full wings on and caught lot.
Note, there are prolific mosquito hatches especially during the evening hours and during the day on some places so make sure carry some insect repellant with you.
The best flies were: Yong Special> Yong Wings> Andy's Candy (both midge/mayfly)> Yong Blondie in order.
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
Fishing is very HOT now. Hope you can get to the river soon!
Finally the flow is back to normal at 500 cfs. The fishing during 4000-3000 cfs was hit and miss because we couldn't get to many places. Still, we did better than other fishermen as usual.
When the flow went down to 1500 cfs a few days ago, we're catching big trout left and right even with 2 beginners. On the same day Dave G who is regular client landed 3 trout in a row over 20-22 1/2" and I tell you that doesn't happen very often. Trout are mostly heavy side, small head but wide body so they fight hard now.
The visibility is about 2 1/2' or better on some places thus we used my sight fishing system to catch most of fish. I do have few cancellations in July and Aug so those who plan last min trip please check with me.
The best flies were: Yong Special (maroon, brown, cream)> Yong Blondie> Yong Wings> Yong Blood> AK-47 in order.
There's baetis hatch around 2-3 PM and also in the evening so have some Yong Wings (size 20-22) handy.
Like to remind you that Ants Fall can occur any day after heavy rain from now on thus make sure carry some AK-47 flies in your fly box.
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
We're having long spring runoff but it is about to end. My prediction for upcoming fishing will be fantastic, trout should be in excellent shape due to very few fish have been caught by others every time I was on the river either guiding or my own fun fishing for last few months. At least I know where few 22" plus trout hanging around currently and they may still be there for next few days. Also within a month or so there will be famous "Ants Fall" thus be prepare to have some AK-47s in your fly box. I'm very anxious to see clear water to target fish again and it already is about 3' visibility so when the flow goes down to 500 cfs fishing will be whole lot easier.
BTW, Jerry's wife Sandy is going thru lung cancer treatment currently thus he has to stand by her most of the time therefore no guiding trips for him rest of the year.
The best flies were:
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
NAVAJO RESERVOIR RELEASE
June 16, 2008
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
As the 2008 Spring Peak Release from Navajo Reservoir comes to an end, the Bureau of Reclamation will begin ramping down the release starting Thursday, June 19, 2008. Please note that the ramp down duration has been slightly modified from the previous schedule distributed on May 8, 2008. The attached chart shows the revised daily release rates. Once the ramp down is complete on June 25, 2008, the release will remain at 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) until further notice.
Releases are made for the authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit, and to attempt to maintain a target base flow through the endangered fish critical habitat reach of the San Juan River (Farmington to Lake Powell). It is likely that increases in the release will be necessary later in the summer in order to maintain the target base flow. The San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program recommends a target base flow of between 500 cfs and 1,000 cfs through the critical habitat area. The target base flow is calculated as the weekly average of gaged flows throughout the critical habitat area.
This scheduled release change is subject to changes in river flows and weather conditions. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at ppage@uc.usbr.gov
Hello everyone,
The river condition (visibility and floating debris) has gotten better during last few days. The visibility is 1 1/2 to 2' range now and it'll get clear soon enough (within a month) in my opinion.
Dave who's new to fly fishing and Bob who's regular client had great time catching bunch including 4 double hookups. We actually did some sight fishing at the MF in the afternoon and one of them was very healthy fat unusual looking 21' rainbow, most of them were 18" though. One of the double hookup, Dave's 16" brown and Bob's 21" will be posted on photo gallery section soon. The KH still producing lots of trout for us (at least couple of dozen) as usual but half of them were under 14". But don't let those small trout to fool you, they fight very hard since they have been eating good and not been caught. All in all, they hooked near 40 and landed more than half.
Still, all other fishermen I talked either at the parking lot and whom gathered around us told me that fishing's been very slow, catching nothing to couple of trout all day. They don't believe how many fish we catch so had to show photos I took to prove our success.
The best flies were: Yong Blood> IMP Yong Special> Reg Yong Special> Yong Blondie> Yong Wings in order
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
I can sum up the last guide trip by email I received:
Dave and I had a blast!
bob barrali
Hi
We were watching you fish the other day on the San Juan River. My wife was saying it was better than the Movies. We were very impressed. We would like a copy of your tape if it will show how to roll cast? I would like to get the right tackle before we come back to go fishing next time? Hopefully this summer. About the Roll Casting you were doing, were you using a W.F. floating line, or a D.T. floating line? What line weight, and Brand should I buy? Do you like the easy loop-type line/leader connection, or a nail knot? I have a 5-6 line weight Fennwick 81/2 ft. rod. Will this roll cast OK? Or what Rod should I get and how long? How long should my Tippets be and what strength is best for the San Juan? When you use a Strike Indicator what is best for roll casting? What size fly fishing shot should I use, and how far in front of my fly should it be? Should I use 2 Fly's or 1? And how far apart should they be? When We plan a trip we will get back in touch with you and book a guided fishing day with you on the San Juan.
Thanks
Marty Smith
Hello everyone,
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
NAVAJO RESERVOIR
SPRING PEAK RELEASE SCHEDULE
May 8, 2008
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
Due to decreasing inflow forecasts and after conferring with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the release pattern and duration of the spring peak release has been modified.
In the last Navajo Release Notification (dated May 5, 2008), we announced that the Bureau of Reclamation would begin ramping up the release from Navajo Reservoir beginning May 9, 2008. That scheduled change has been cancelled. Releases will continue at the present rate of 2,200 cubic feet per second (cfs) through the weekend of May 9th, 10th and 11th.
The release will be decreased from 2,200 cfs to 1,000 cfs on Monday, May 12th. The release will remain at 1,000 cfs until Monday, May 19th, when it will be increased to 2,000 cfs. The release will remain at 2,000 cfs until Friday, May 23rd, when it will be increased to 3,000 cfs. The release will remain at 3,000 cfs through Monday, May 26th. On Tuesday, May 27th, releases will be increased to 4,000 cfs and the following day, Wednesday, May 28th, releases will be increased to 5,000 cfs. Beginning on Thursday, June 19th, the release will begin to be gradually decreased until it reaches 500 cfs on Wednesday, July 2nd. The attached chart shows the daily release rates throughout the spring peak release period.
At various times throughout the spring peak release, the release will be temporarily reduced in order to accommodate required inspections of the outlet works. These inspections are tentatively planned to occur on June 10th, and the week of June 23rd. Additional notices will be provided in advance of each of these inspections.
Adjustments may be made to the spring peak release duration if the inflow forecasts change. Reclamation will provide updates to the release schedule if any changes occur. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at ppage@uc.usbr.gov.
The best flies were:
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 5:01 PM
Subject: Navajo Spring Release
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
NAVAJO RESERVOIR
SPRING PEAK RELEASE SCHEDULE
May 5, 2008
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
The Bureau of Reclamation will begin ramping up the release from Navajo Reservoir beginning May 9, 2008. The release pattern, duration, and magnitude for the spring peak release will follow operating criteria contained in the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program (SJRIP) Flow Recommendations for Endangered Fish.
The release will be increased from 2,200 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 3,000 cfs on May 9th. The release will remain at 3,000 cfs until Friday, May 16th, when it will be increased to 4,000 cfs. The release will remain at 4,000 cfs until Friday, May 23rd, when it will be increased to 5,000 cfs. The release will remain at 5,000 cfs through Sunday, June 8th. Beginning on Monday, June 9th, the release will begin to be gradually decreased until it reaches 500 cfs on Friday, June 27th. The attached chart shows the daily release rates throughout the spring peak release period.
At various times throughout the spring peak release, the release will be temporarily reduced in order to accommodate required inspections of the outlet works. These inspections are tentatively planned to occur on May 29th, the week of June 9th, and on June 26th. Additional notices will be provided in advance of each of these inspections.
Adjustments may be made to the spring peak release duration if the inflow forecasts change. Reclamation will provide updates to the release schedule if any changes occur. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at ppage@uc.usbr.gov.
The best flies were:
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
This is preliminary flow info that I got it from BOR today, they'll send me finalized email next week.
May 9th - 3000 cfs
May 16th-4000 cfs
May 23rd-5000 cfs then back down to normal flow July 6th
The condition ( visibility/ dead algae drift) of the river has improved bit now. The flow has been around 2,200 cfs, which is safe flow to wade most places.
Had couple of new clients from TX last weekend and they had a great time while everyone try to fish right next to us because we're the ones catching. While we're taking photos at the bank some of them moved right in without asking us where we have been fishing, they were getting desperate to catch anything. That didn't matter though, we're catching fish all day, around 35 hooked landed 20 including 2 brown trout. The fishing has been tough for others because even in this murky water condition SJ trout still feed on right kind of flies and we have them.
The best flies were: IMP Yong Special> Reg Yong Special> Yong Blood> Yong Flash in order
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
It was great to meet you and thanks for a great day on the river! I will definitely use you again. Would you please email me the photos? Also, you should form a guide profile on my website. Here is a guide profile of one of your competitors which I am sure you are much better than:
Thanks again!
Jeff
Hello everyone,
I'll start taking reservation for guide trips since the flow is down to safe level for wade fishing for everyone!
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION NAVAJO RESERVOIR RELEASES April 8, 2008
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
As a result of a drier than average March, and based on the April 1st inflow forecast, the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center is now predicting an inflow of 1,220,000 acre-feet (af) into Navajo Reservoir, which is a decrease of 180,000 af from the previous forecast. As a result, when the ongoing inspections to the outlet works are completed this week, the Bureau of Reclamation will only be increasing the release from the reservoir to 2,200 cfs rather than the 4,000 cfs originally scheduled. The release will be gradually increased from 1,600 cfs beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2008, until it reaches 2,200 cfs by 11:00 am later that morning.
Subject to updated forecasts and changing hydrological and weather conditions, the release will remain at 2,200 cfs until the middle of May, at which time the release will be increased to 5,000 cfs where it will remain until approximately the end of June. More detailed information will be provided on the timing and duration of the 5,000 cfs release as forecasts are updated.
Releases are made for the authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit, and to attempt to meet flow recommendations for the endangered fish in the San Juan River. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at ppage@uc.usbr.gov.
The best flies were:
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION NAVAJO RESERVOIR RELEASES March 21, 2008
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
The Bureau of Reclamation will be temporarily decreasing the release from Navajo Reservoir on Monday, March 24, 2008. The release will be decreased by 600 cubic feet per second (cfs) (making the total release 3,400 cfs) beginning at 7:00 am. The decrease is necessary in order to accommodate a required inspection of the auxiliary outlet works. The release will be increased back to 4,000 cfs on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, beginning at 7:00 am.
If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at ppage@uc.usbr.gov.
The best flies were:
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION NAVAJO RESERVOIR RELEASES March 6, 2008
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
Based on its March 1st forecast, the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center is predicting an inflow of 1,400,000 acre-feet (af) into Navajo Reservoir this spring/early summer. This is an increase of approximately 100,000 af over the previous (mid-February) forecast, and correlates to 181% of the average inflow. As a result, the Bureau of Reclamation will be increasing the release from Navajo Reservoir to 4,000 cfs on Monday, March 10, 2008. The release will likely remain at 4,000 cfs until late May, at which time the release will be increased to 5,000 cfs where it will remain until approximately mid- to late-July. More information will be provided on the timing and duration of the 5,000 cfs release as we get closer to May.
Releases are made for the authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit, and to attempt to meet flow recommendations for the endangered fish in the San Juan River. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at ppage@uc.usbr.gov.
The best flies were:
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
It's been cold and getting lots of snow every few days but the SJ River still runs through it. BTW, I was gone for few days to visit my family in CA so no fishing report but I'm planning to check out the river this afternoon.
Many of you are wondering what will happen when the flow goes up to 3000 cfs so here I can clear up few things.
First, it can be harder to wade on certain places meaning that any fishing holes deeper than 3' now may not be able to wade across safely thus highly recommend to bring wading staff and I do carry many extras for my clients. Second, trout will move to new areas, for instance in the Kiddie Hole fish will move from deeper water to currently shallower water area and this will be the case everywhere. Third, the fish will hit harder when you use right flies meaning that not much subtle strikes as low flow. Fourth, the higher the flow the conditioning of trout will be at best so they will fight much harder. Lastly, make sure help elders or kids you bring wade together to get to point A to B and here's how: strong person stay upstream to break the current and others wade right below downstream side.
If you never fished the high flow then make sure go out with me on your first part of your trip then you'll learn where to fish safely and have much better success.
If you have any questions feel free to email me or call me in the evening at 505-334-0909.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION NAVAJO RESERVOIR RELEASES February 6, 2008
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
The recent snowstorm in the Four Corners Area resulted in an increase in the current snowpack in the San Juan Mountains to 169% of average and the current forecast calls for an estimated 1,300,000 acre-feet inflow into Navajo Reservoir this spring/early summer, which is 168% of average. As a result, and following discussions with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation will be increasing the release from Navajo Reservoir to 3,000 cfs beginning Monday, February 11, 2008. The release will be increased by approximately 1,000 cfs per day, which will result in the release reaching 3,000 cfs on Wednesday, February 13, 2008. Subject to a dramatic change in the basin hydrology and forecasted inflow estimates, the release will likely remain at 3,000 cfs until May, at which time the release will be ramped up to 5,000 cfs where it will remain for approximately 30 days. More information will be provided on the timing and duration of the 5,000 cfs release as we get closer to May.
Releases are made for the authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit, and to attempt to meet flow recommendations for the endangered fish in the San Juan River. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at ppage@uc.usbr.gov.
The best flies were: Yong Blood> Yong Special> AK-Salad> Yong Blondie>
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
Currently the visibility is around 10-12" and average flow at 710 cfs.
Fishing has been good for us but not to others still, most people I talked on the river and parking lot, very few caught more than 3 per day and at least 50% of them got skunked. It's a fact that SJ trout are well educated fish thus you must use right kind of flies even in this murky water condition. Majority of fishermen on the river are locals (from Durango, Farmington, ABQ, Santa Fe) but they can't figure out what to use and ask me for advise.
I noticed many smaller size trout (under 15") are above Cable Hole now but they were in great shape, almost look like silvery steelhead. Had hotter fishing below Texas Hole lately though and most of them were 17" plus. There have been midge hatch throughout the day also sporadic baetis hatch during mid day and their size varies from size 20-30.
The best flies were: AK-Salad> Yong Blondie> Yong Wings> Yong Special> Yong Blood in order
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
The river got murkier now than last report, about 10" visibility now and I don't think it'll get any worse. Although you can hardly see any trout but fishing is still very good for us. Believe it or not I like fishing in this kind of condition time to time because less people are on the river and never know the size of fish you'll get.
They are still feeding in normal areas and every once in awhile you may see few trout rises. Chris Richards who is Jerry's son landed big 25" bow from Kiddy Hole on Christmas, see 2005-current photo section.
It's been very cold but as long as dress yourself warm then you can still have lots of fun. One thing I do recommend you is that get few disposable handwarmer, they claim each pack will last up to 8 hours but sometimes it can get wet so carry extras.
Please avoid spawning trout and their bed at all cost on shallow riffle waters (less than 1' deep mostly) this winter, they are the ones you can see nowadays and usually paired up 2 or 3 showing fins and tails. I know few locals going after them this time of the year but they are not in feeding mood thus get ended up snagged which throw them off spawning activity.
The best flies were: AK-Salad> Yong Blood> Yong OJ> Yong Special in order.
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Merry Christmas everyone!
Went fishing by myself today for couple of hours. It was cold but excellent fishing, met Ken who mail order my flies at the parking lot and fish together for few min at Middle Flats. Noticed the river got bit murky now, about 1 1/2'-2' visibility so had difficulty sight fishing but didn't matter because they were hungry. Ken and I had a double hookup right away and I caught several more on one or two cast there. They were hitting Yong OJ and Yong Blood hard. There was couple of guys upstream from us but they left after I got half dozen quickly. After 2 more trout landed and the last one was 21" bow before I moved down to upper section of Kiddy Hole. Caught 3 more sight fishing there after that moved to Kiddy Hole. Tons of midges were coming off but no rises at the time and that was ideal condtion for Yong Special/ Improved Yong Special combo on AK-Pro Leader without any indicator. I couldn't see any fish there due to murky water condition thus I had to fish blind but found out they also were very hungry because I was catching one every 1-3 cast. The biggest one landed was beautiful male cutbow, just shy of 22" long, couldn't resist taking few photos of him and I'll post one on my Andy's Gallery someday when we finish touch on my website. FYI I didn't see anyone catching except Ken while I was fishing.
Well, it's about that time of the year for lake to turn over. Didn't have a time to go up to reservoir to check the clarity but I'm guessing it should be similar condition like this throughout the winter. This means less dry fly fishing from now on but they will still come up on snowy and overcast days. If you need some flies next year then this is good time to order so stock them up early.
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
The river is going back up to 750 cfs today.
250 cfs flow brought us very good dry fly action for both midge and mayfly (baetis). We mainly fished the dam area to Texas Hole last few weeks and did very well producing few 20 to 22? bows.
The river is still clear and easy to sight fish for larger trout. Still the trout below the dam fight like big steelhead and those who want hard fighting trout should head up there.
Lots of trout were congregated on deep pools and some riffles but noticed couple of fishermen at the Texas Hole was snagging them consistently which made me sad.
Also saw someone cleaned a trout along the KH banks and a fisherman keeping 17-18? bow, as you know it I asked him not to take that trout but he got mad at me cussing and left there with his trout. There were others but none of them supported me on my action; guess they were scared of that guy or something. Over the years I caught many fishermen taking undersize trout (more than one) using bait and talked to them to release the trout and go fish the bait fishing area. I?m here to save your resources and yet getting no support from any other fishermen. Furthermore, the river banks are getting dirty with beer cans and bottles more than ever. I noticed couple of beer cans by Kiddy Hole path few days ago so decide not to pick them up this time and they were still there couple of day ago! Most people don't appreciate how much I care about the river for that I?m not going to pick up any garbage but my own for next few months and see.
Went to visit my folks in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving and had a great time and hope you did too.
My youngest brother wanted to go fishing while I was there so went to Kern River for the first time. He mentioned that fishing was very slow on his last trip and local website BBS also agree on that part. My mother and two nieces tag along to enjoy the scenery. I was surprised by size of the river and its location, only 2 hrs from my brother?s house which is located near Magic Mountain Amusement Park and yet it produced decent size trout up to 17?. Most of them were stockers but at least two I landed weren?t. My mother didn?t feel good after the lunch so we ended up fishing little over an hour but still hooked 14 or 15 and landed 8. They were starting to rise last few min before we left and I could have lot more. All in all, it was fun to fish a new place and I?ll visit Kern again in the future and next time I want to try below the dam area.
The best flies were: Yong Special> Yong Wings> Andy?s Candy (midge and mayfly)> Andy Salad in order.
If any of you are going to fish Kern River next few month try Andy?s Candy midge, Yong Special, Yong Blood, Yong Wings and don?t forget the Salad.
Here?s email from BOR about flow increase:
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION NAVAJO RESERVOIR RELEASES December 5, 2007
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
The Trout Habitat Improvement Project on the San Juan River below Navajo Dam has been completed; therefore, the Bureau of Reclamation will be increasing the release from Navajo Reservoir from 250 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 750 cfs, at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 6, 2007. The release will remain at 750 cfs until further notice. Releases are made for the authorized purposes of the Navajo Unit, and to attempt to maintain a target base flow through the endangered fish critical habitat reach of the San Juan River (Farmington to Lake Powell).
If you have any questions, please contact Pat Page at (970) 385-6560 or e-mail him at ppage@uc.usbr.gov.
Thank you for your support and tight lines!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION NAVAJO RESERVOIR RELEASES November 8, 2007
SENT VIA FAX AND E-MAIL
The Bureau of Reclamation will be decreasing the release from Navajo Reservoir from 750 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 250 cfs, at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 26, 2007. The release is being reduced to assist in Phase III of a trout habitat improvement project on the San Juan River (Phases I and II were completed the previous two years). The location of the project will be near the Cottonwood Campground area in the quality waters section of the San Juan River downstream of Navajo Dam. The project, a joint effort between several agencies, will encompass approximately 4,900 linear feet of river channel and will include the installation of 17 bank deflectors, 19 rock clusters, 5 log jamb structures, 40 single habitat rocks, and 7 excavated pools. The project is anticipated to be completed in ten days. The release will be increased to 750 cfs on December 7, 2007, or sooner if the project is completed earlier. It is anticipated that releases will remain at 750 cfs throughout the winter.
If you have any questions on the trout habitat improvement project, please contact John Hansen with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Farmington, NM at (505) 599-6325, Marc Wethington with the New Mexico Game & Fish Department at (505) 632 8818, or Steve Mueller with Navajo State Park at (505) 632-2278
The best flies have been Yong Flasher> Andy's Candy Midge> Yong Special> AK-Salad in order.
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
Had another great week, at least half dozen 21" to 23 1/2" landed last week. Steve H who is one of my regular clients landed 23 1/2" when he was fishing with his brother the day after I guided him. The biggest one this fall so far was on the line yesterday by Bob S, from AZ, my estimate was at least 25" below but didn?t bring him in. The trout pulled backing line out several times and ran around big rocks at the bottom then broke loose after about 10 min fight although we chased him downstream. Most trout are very healthy so beware they can give you pleasant pain on your rod holding arm. Dry action is still better than average on sunny days, if you happen to hit SJ on an overcast day within next few weeks then you better prepare for what may be one of your hottest dry fly fishing day and make sure have some Andy's Candy Midge/ Mayfly with you.
The flow is still around 750 cfs and better than average visibility. Fishing has been very good to excellent for us thus most of the time other fishermen moved in on us as have been all these years, couple of weeks ago one of the fishermen got desperate and actually crossed over my clients line several times intentionally. I can't understand why some people do things like that because there are plenty trout on other places.
The best flies have been Yong Flasher> Andy's Candy Midge> Yong Special> AK-Salad in order.
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
Hello everyone,
It has been long time since I have posted?last fishing report. I don't know who was sabotaging my website but this person didn't want to see my customers' happy letters on my fishing report section in my opinion. A while back?I read a posting somewhere saying that I?made up?all the customers' testimonial letters and their fishing success story emails and perhaps that was the person?screwed up my Discussion Board. Anyhow, I have new webmaster who has been my friend and student for few years will be working on my website from now on.
I'm sure many of you heard that fishing on the SJ?has been very slow but not true, fishing has been very hot on dry and nymph both for us as usual. Lots of people told me on the river that they couldn?t catch anything all day and many of them hired us last min during past few months.
We have been catching lots of browns down at Baetis Bend to Lower Flats and healthy fat bows all the way to the Dam area from there. The weather this time of the year can't be hard to predict but I predict more hatches on?both baetis and midges until first part of Dec so those who enjoy dry fly fishing make your time and come on up. The river has been very clear since the spring runoff but lately some dead algae are floating down and it's about that time of the year. About the crowds, maybe couple of times I have seen parking lots got full during some weekend so my guess is many?people have been avoiding fishing the SJ.
The best flies have been Andy's Candy Midge> Yong Special> Yong Flasher> AK Salad in order
Happy fishing!
Andy Kim
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