Community Forums

KarenS144 · 05-09-2016, 06:38 PM

Gary is interested in fly fishing the San Juan in New Mexico and Navajo Lake SP is close and has camping. The Cottonwood Campground looks like it may the easiest to get to and right on the river although he's not sure it's safe to wade there.

Has anyone fished and/or camped there and how was it? We'll probably be there towards the end of July so I know it's going to be hot. It doesn't appear like there is a lot of shade in the CG either but it's a dry heat, right?

twogypsies · 05-09-2016, 06:46 PM

We've been at Cottonwood campground for fishing. However, we hired a guide. Fishing right from the campground is not the best. The guides know where to go. We had excellent results and got the biggest trout we've ever caught - catch and release fishing. Absolute beauties.

You can hire a guide nearby at Abe's Tackle. He has a web site with good fishing information which is up-to-date. From the paved road you'll have less than a mile of good gravel road to travel to the campground. There's nothing nearby so load up your refrigerator/pantry before coming. It's definitely a fisherperson's destination.

We went in May and June and the river level was perfect at 500 cfs. July would be hot so better check on fishing at that time. There is a dump station but no water fill although we were allowed to fill from a spigot outside the restroom building.

The best sites for our 40' motorhome with electric were 45, 35, 4, 43, 47, 40, 36 in order of preference.

osok · 05-09-2016, 07:02 PM

Cottonwood CG is in an area with some wading available. Check in with San Juan River Map - Fisheads San Juan River Lodge for information and flies. I take guided trips through Fishheads and use Bubba Smith for guide. Must book early as possible for guides.

I have found the best wading to be above Texas Hole and Kiddie Hole in the Upper Flats. Gary can park at Texas Hole and start fishing there and work his way up to the flats. Texas Hole is where all the guides launch.

I have done best with 16-20 wrapped with red wire or red thread only. Have not RV camped in the area.

KarenS144 · 05-09-2016, 08:17 PM

Looks like Cottonwood site #47 will be our location for a few days! Gary is busy looking at guide services and is happy to know he can wade there, too.

Thanks for the info. iRV2 is da best!