Fishing The San Juan With My Father

San Juan River

Near Farmington, New Mexico

If you have never fished the San Juan river you are missing a real treat. I took my father on a float trip down the San Juan a few weeks ago and he and I had a fabulous time. We caught a ton of fish and our guide, Matthew Cliffton, owner of Tailwaters Anglers, did an outstanding job.

The San Juan River area we fished was directly below the Lake Navajo State Park & Dam. In fact, the most famous section of the river, known as the "Texas Hole," was actually in sight of the dam. The water is crystal clear and the river extremely deep. We could actually see hundreds of huge trout swimming beneath our boat in virtually every section of the river we floated. We fished fast and slow moving sections and did equally well in both. The flys we used were called "Midges." The flys are incredibly small and are set up with barbless hooks. When you first see the flys your initial reaction is I can hardly see the thing, how are the fish going to find it. Don't worry, they will find it and they will bite it!    

Here are more photos of the trip so you can get some perspective on this incredible stream. To see the full gallery from the float trip, click here: (http://flylineusa.com/san-juan-river-float-trip.html).

I have been fishing with my father since I was a little boy. He made sure to introduce me, my brothers and my sister to the mountains and to fishing at a very early age. My dad and my mom both enjoy camping and being in the mountains. Given that dad has trouble wading these days, this float trip seemed like the perfect solution. It was and Dad and I both had a great time! Thank you Lord for giving us this special time together!

 

See a complete photo gallery of the trip, Click Here.

Jackson Lake - Brown Trout, Rainbow, Cutthroat & Grayling

Jackson Lake

Near Jackson Hole, Wyoming


There are some absolutely gorgeous rivers and lakes in and around the Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks. Check out this footage taken at Jackson Lake. The Grand Tetons make an incredible backdrop wouldn't you agree?

Chama River Footage

Chama River in Northern New Mexico

The state of New Mexico offers incredible beauty that is truly unique in our country. While there are plenty of states that can boast to having great trout fishing, New Mexico stands alone in it's blend of red rock mountains, scenic vistas, huge sky, gorgeous trout streams and wild wild west look and feel. That probably explains why so many motion pictures are being filmed in the state these days. The video we have included in this post was taken from a spot where you are about as close to heaven on earth as one can get. Hope you enjoy the footage.

The value of our experience here on earth cannot be measured by how much money we accumulate, how big a house we own, what type of car we drive, nor by how many stocks we own. There are truly more important measurements we should all be considering. Here are 10 things I feel are important enough to share with you.

1) Live by faith each and everyday of your life

2) Take at least a few minutes to pray each day. We truly have much to be thankful for.

3) Enjoy the beauty that is all around us. God created this place for us.

4) Share our faith with others as we take our walk with the Lord.

5) Respect God's creation by leaving this planet a better place than we found it.

6) Take time to fish. It's good for the spirit!

7) Remember to tell those special people in your life that you "Love Them."

8) Share your thoughts and feelings with those around you by taking time to write them down.

9) Spend time in the mountains. They provide a wonderful get away from busy city life. They deliver peace and solitude to the weary and give you time to reflect and time to talk with God!

10) Have fun during your life! It's the only one you or I have! Lets agree that we won't waste our chance to really "Live It!"

May the grace and blessings of our heavenly father be with you all the days of your life! Make the most of your walk with the Lord while you are here!

Yours in Christ,

Mark Lein

                    

Chama River

Chama River, not far from Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico

(Hint - Turn Your Speaker Volume Up and Enjoy The Sounds of the River Flowing By)

If you are looking for some great trout fishing, I suggest you make a visit to New Mexico. There are plenty of great spots, loaded with scrappy Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout, just waiting to meet you. If you've never been to the state, I highly recommend a visit. There is just something about this place that is absolutely magical. For me, it's the majestic mountain ranges, rivers and incredible smell of the sage brush, junipers and river reeds. I can go there and within minutes those wonderful aromas are drifting through my nostrils and I am at peace.

 

The Chama river is stocked, but, is full of native Browns that are usually in the mood to eat. The best natural baits are worms and salmon eggs. If you are more of a purest, try a number 12 or 14 Elk Hair Caddis or a streamer, such as an olive Woolly Bugger. The bait choice really depends on the time of year that you are fishing this river. There is no shame in using a worm if it's a slow fishing day! Remember, the idea is to catch fish and have a great time on the river. Sometimes, people become so focused on fly fishing they forget that rule! This river can sometimes challenge even the most experienced fisherman. In all my years of fishing the Chama, I have walked past hundreds of decked out fly guys who had empty creels. Not me :-)!

Here are a few more pictures of the area to give you an idea of just how beautiful this place is.

                          

Georgia Trout Fishing - Smithgall Woods Trout Conservation Area

Trout Fishing In Georgia

Smithgall Woods Trout Conservation Area

One of the premier catch and release areas in the state of Georgia is the Smithgall Woods Trout Conservation area. The river is located in the North Georgia mountains, not far from the town of Helen, Georgia. The stream flows through the Smithgall Woods State Park and is absolutely full of small to medium sized rainbows.

There are literally miles and miles of river frontage available to area fisherman. The park is only open to fishing 3 days each week and you must call ahead and secure an appointment. If you go during the week, you will have miles of stream to yourself.

Smithgall Woods - Dukes Creek Trout Conservation Area

Dukes Creek and all tributary streams flowing within the Dukes Creek Conservation Area are open to fishing year round, but, don't forget, this is a by reservation only fishing area. You can make a reservation by contacting the State Park facility at Smithgall Woods by calling 706-878-3087. This area is artificial bait only! You may only use lures or flys with barbless hooks. Rangers patrol the facility so do yourself a favor and leave all other types of baits at home. You literally may not even have other types of bait in your possession while fishing at Smithgall Woods, Dukes Creek and/or it's tributaries.

Any trout you catch while fishing Dukes Creek and its tributaries must be immediately released where you catch them. No trout may be in your possession while fishing the stream in the Conservation Area. If you are looking to catch some larger fish, head down stream several miles. Go past the historical covered bridge (See Photo). Continue walking down the gravel forest service travel for another mile or so and you are going to find some really great trout water.

One thing you will learn quickly when fishing in Georgia. The trees and mountain brush grows right down to the edge of our streams. This can make for some very challenging casting. I strongly recommend that you learn the art of the roll cast. The roll cast is often the only way to work your fly into the
best areas.

                   

Trout Fishing In The Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountains Trout Fishing

Trout streams in the Smoky Mountains are much different from those found in the western United States. Here is a winter time photo of one of hundreds of beautiful, but, small streams located throughout the Appalachian Mountain range. Don't underestimate these trout streams. They are very productive and full of rainbow, brown and brook trout.

 

Fish coming from Smoky Mountain rivers are generally much smaller than you see from the big western streams of California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington State and Wyoming. While Appalachian trout are generally smaller, the challenges of catching them exceed those you encounter out west. First, the terrain in the Smokies can be extremely challenging. You must content with heavy vegetation and trees that grow right down to the waters edge. This combines for some extremely challenging hikes and overnight camping trips. In addition, fly casting is at it's most challenging given the amout of vegetation you generally must contend with. 

Check out this beautiful Appalachian Mountains trout. There are areas with much larger fish, but, generally those are private sections that require daily fees and guides.

                                

New Mexico Trout

New Mexico Produces Incredible Trout

If you haven't fished in Northern New Mexico yet, you are truly missing out. Fly fishing in the region is excellent and virtually can be enjoyed nearly year round. You may find it a tad cold in January and February, but, truth is, you can always wear more cloths to stay warm. I did some fishing in October at Coopers El Vado Ranch, just outside of Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico and the fishing was great.

More photos from the trip 

The Chama River Flows from the mountains above the town of Chama, New Mexico. The river flows through some of the most scenic mountains anywhere in the continental United States. The red rocks, contrasted against the green trees and river plants, along with the distinct river color is an awesome sight.

During the Summer and early Fall months, the river reeds, sage brush and juniper put off some of the most incredibly wonderful smells you could ever imagine. I have been blessed to enjoy that treat for more than 50 years. Hard to describe, but, absolutely wonderful. I promise you won't forget it, ever :-)

There are some monster native brown trout lurking in these waters.