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Equipment List
San Juan
River Trip
2 - 4 October 2009
Norm Mabie prepared the following equipment list several years ago and it is still as relevant as ever.
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Norm Mabie
In view of the upcoming club San Juan trip, I have prepared a check-list of sorts pertaining to equipment recommendations. Included are some pointers to make your experience more enjoyable and to lessen trips to local fly shops to obtain forgotten items after going out on the water. The water temperature is 50 to 52 degrees year round. A pair of dungarees or polar tech underwear that wicks away moisture from the body will do the job. Neoprene waders tend to sweat creating a clammy atmosphere inside your waders. I do not know of any sure fire method of keeping your feet warm in this water and common practice is to head for the bank to warm your feet. Neoprene waders can be folded down to waist level to improve comfort in warm weather.
For those using Cottonwood or Pine Creek campground, be advised that there are hot showers for resident use at Pine Creek Campground. The state parking fee along the river is $5.00 and is included in your campground fee. There are parking fee drop boxes at each well marked authorized parking spot.
Display a copy of your parking slip on the
dash of your vehicle so that it is easily visible from outside the vehicle. There are
numerous commercial RV parks in the vicinity of Abe's motel. It is suggested that
you purchase any food, drinks, and gasoline at Bloomfield before traveling to your final
destination due to limited availability and inflated costs of such items.
The month of October is beautiful and pleasant this time of year. You might consider a
trip above Durango, CO to view the impressive fall colors with snowcap mountains in
the background. There is casino type activity above the San Juan at Ignacio, CO and
the Indian Ruins near Bloomfield, NM.
An active club membership is required to participate in this club subsidized activity, so
check to see that you are current.
The following is a list of recommended equipment:
Flyrod: An 8 1/2 ' or 9'- 5 or 6 weight rod of your choice. Might be advisable to toss in a spare rod as breakage does occur. A graphite flyrod is an excellent electrical conductor, so leave the water immediately during lightning storms.
Reel: A reel capable of holding the recommended line for your rod and 50 yards of 20# line backing. You can expect a few fish to pull the entire line off the reel plus a bit of backing when making a run. The reel should have a decent drag to wear the fish down when making a run. Normally, a right hand person will crank the reel with the left hand and vice versa for a left hand person. Check your reel to be sure it is setup properly.
Net: A large cotton bag net is essential because many of these fish are too large and difficult to handle without a net. The cotton netting is much easier on the fish than the plastic or poly netting. The use of magnetic net releases are the most popular and are less frustrating than most of the ones that are available. The magnet on the end of the net can also be used to retrieve metal objects dropped into the water.
Waders: The neoprene or breathable type chest waders are most popular. Wear a wading belt at waist level to slow down water entry should you fall. The rubberized waders with a large opening at the top are not at all recommended because of rapid water entry when a fall occurs. All waders should be turned inside out to insure that they will be dry for the next day of fishing. Gravel Guards installed around the boot at ankle level to prevent gravel entry into you wading boots which will cause irreparable wader damage, not to mention the ensuing discomfort.
Wade Boots: Prefer felt sole or
carbide spiked boots because of the ever present moss covered rocks on the San Juan.
Even the use of these type boots do not entirely eliminate an occasional fall, so extreme
caution is in order. A wading staff made from an old broomstick handle will greatly
increase safety. Didn't forget a wader patch kit, did you?
Polarized Glasses: You should always wear glasses while flyfishing. The
polarized types are highly recommended so that you can see the stream bottom when wading.
The San Juan is a very wide river, so constant wading is the norm. You can
easily see the fly or strike indicator, and of course, the fish. Glare coming off
the water is also greatly reduced.
Rain Jacket: Be sure to pack a light weight rain jacket in your fly vest
because they have some very heavy and cold rain showers up there.
Fly Vest: You will be carrying a multitude of items essential for fly fishing or are otherwise required to make your outing more comfortable. You want to carry sufficient water or beverages out on the water and these items should be the plastic container type so that you are not injured if you fall. A retractable retrieve reel should be employed to hold all the tools normally used in fly fishing because most flyfishers are reluctant to reach down into a couple feet of icy water to retrieve tools that are dropped. And no flyfisher worth his salt would forget to put some toilet paper in his vest for unplanned events
Wide Brim Hat: Essential to prevent sunburn. The hat should have some sort of laces to secure the hat during windy conditions.
Long Sleeve Shirt: Prevents sunburn on the arms and neck. Might place a bandanna around your neck to further prevent sunburn. In addition, a temperature drop occurs toward evening which can make for chilly fishing.
Light Wind Breaker: For chilly evenings on the water or around camp.
Special Fingerless Gloves: These are special fingerless gloves to prevent sunburn on the back of your hands. This can occur very quickly because the sun block is washed off after frequently immersing your hands in the water. These are not the heavyweight fingerless gloves normally associated with winter type fishing.
Sun Screen
Insect Repellent: The most effective repellents contain DEET. The higher the percentage, the higher the effectiveness. You should be aware, however, that DEET will ruin the finish on most flylines, so if you apply repellent containing DEET be sure and wash your hands good before handling your line.
Chap Stick
Dry Fly Floatant and Strike Indicators: Use before using a dry fly, each time after catching a fish, or when you notice that the fly is not floating very well. Floatant is also used on polypro strike indicators and I frequently see the averse affects of this problem while out on the water. The polypro strike indicators should be removed during windy conditions as they will create unwanted drag during your cast. I take along the yellow foam indicators for use during windy conditions.
Split Shot Sinkers: Size #6 or #8.
Leaders and Tippet: At least two leaders in 4X and 6X with matching tippet in both sizes.
Leader and Tippet Nippers: For clipping both items.
Hemostat or Needle Nose Pliers: For removing hooks imbedded in the fish and bending down the hook barbs since we will be fishing in a barbless only environment. Use a hemostat with very fine jaws to prevent small hook damage.
Snacks and Sandwiches: Toss these in your fly vest for consumption out on the water. You are reminded that you will furnish your own lunch during the guided portion of your trip. We normally do not leave the water to go back for lunch.
Recommended Flies: There are a number of flies that produce well on the San Juan at any given time, but the following patterns have produced well over a lengthy period of time. If you inquire about fly patterns which are producing well, don't forget to ask what area and time of day that the fly was used.
Pale Morning Dun or Light Cahill-Para type-Size 18
Adams-Size 18, 22
Blue Wing Olive-Size 18, 22 (May be used as a substitute for Adams)
San Juan Worms-Red, Orange, and Earthworm Brown
Egg Patterns-Orange, Chartreuse, Red, Oregon Cheese
Sidewinder Midge-Size 22-One of the very best over many years
Midge Emergers-Size 22
Out of the Blue-Size 20
RS-2 mergers-Olive, Grey, Dark Brown-Size 22
Chocolate Midge Emerger-Size 22
Red Midge Larva-Size 20 long shank-Called Annelids, Blood Worms,
Chironomids, Yong Specials, etc.
Pheasant Tail Nymphs-Size 20
Chamois Leeches-Tan, White
Miracle Nymph-Size 22-Also called UFO, Yong Special, Caddis Pupa
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Point of Contact: Tom Wobbe 575-522-5437 membership@mvff.org