From Texas Hole to Crusher Hole, the red flies have been working really well, picking up rainbows and browns. In the mornings, we have been fishing the pink eggs to red larvae, even during black midge hatches. (We landed a 22-inch brown trout on a size 26 red annelid during a heavy midge hatch on Saturday.) Alternatively, a red fly with a black midge under it is also effective.
Baetis hatches have been coming off some afternoons. If you happen to be in the middle of a baetis hatch, a red larvae above a fluff baetis, foam wing, or RS2 is a great combination.
Many fish have fallen for griffith’s gnats this week during heavy midge hatches. The water is clearer and the fish can see midge clusters on the surface. We have had a few takes on parachute Adams during baetis hatches too!
Fishing has been really good in the wade-only areas near the dam as well. The upper flats have been giving up some big rainbows, mostly on size 26 red annelids fished about 3 feet deep under a strike indicator and using a small black leech as an attractor pattern. The faster runs such as ESPN Hole are fishing well also.
Again, the red flies are the secret.
San Juan River Fishing Reports