Soaring Eagle Lodge

San Juan River Fishing

The San Juan River below Navajo Dam is one of the most famous tailwater trout fisheries in the world. Quality Waters begin just below the spillway and flow nearly 4 river miles, with Soaring Eagle Lodge providing access to an additional 2 miles of private waters downstream.

The Water

Quality Waters: Nearly 4 river miles below Navajo Dam, managed for trophy trout with special regulations

Private Waters: 2 river miles of Soaring Eagle Lodge private access for floating, anchoring, and wading

The San Juan's consistent flows from Navajo Dam create ideal year-round conditions for large trout populations.

The Fishing

The San Juan's legendary trout take tiny flies on light tippet, demanding precise presentations and excellent rod control. Floating in drift boats is preferred in Quality Waters, allowing guides to maneuver the boat and angler during the fight—giving you the advantage over powerful fish testing light tippet. Static wading positions give trout the advantage in challenging that delicate connection.

Guides provide expert positioning, fly selection, and technique coaching. Riverbank lunches and instructional tips included when requested.

Target Species

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The infamous rainbows of the San Juan.

● Size: Large fish common in Quality Waters
● Season: Year-round
● Techniques: Nymphing with tiny flies, light tippet (6X-7X)
● Behavior: Selective feeders, demand precise presentations
● Notes: Legendary San Juan rainbows test your skills

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Wild big browns in the San Juan.

● Size: Trophy fish present
● Season: Year-round
● Techniques: Nymphing with small patterns, light tippet
● Behavior: Wary, selective
● Notes: The San Juan's wild browns are prized catches

Soaring Eagle Lodge

Tucked behind a mesa on the southern bank of the San Juan River, Soaring Eagle Lodge is the premier riverside fly fishing lodge offering refined accommodations and exceptional dining.

Location

Three miles downstream of Navajo Dam village, the lodge sits along private waters with access to both Quality Waters and lodge stretches of the San Juan.

Cabins

"Angler friendly" accommodations within casting distance of the river:

● Incredible river views
● Kitchenettes with full-size refrigerator
● Microwave and coffee pot
● Dishes and utensils
● Satellite television
● Redwood patio furniture
● Indoor and outdoor rod and wader racks
● Comfortable, charming interiors

Dining

The San Juan River's only restaurant with two professional chefs.

Cuisine: Distinctive American regional flavors incorporating continental techniques

Breakfast: Popular breakfast buffet to start your day

Lunch: Riverbank lunch provided by guides during fishing

Hospitality Hour: Signature gathering before dinner

Dinner: Three-course dinners at 7:00 PM sharp—the famous evening meal sets Soaring Eagle apart

Quality: First-rate meals year-round that exceed expectations

Common Areas

● Restaurant and dining room
● Hospitality hour gathering space
● Riverside patios
● Gear prep areas

Lodge Culture

Refined fly fishing experience combining exceptional fishing access, comfortable accommodations, and outstanding cuisine in a charming riverside setting.

Travel to Soaring Eagle Lodge

Airports

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), Colorado (Recommended)
● Approximately 1 hour drive to lodge
● Closest major airport

Four Corners Regional Airport (FRM), Farmington, New Mexico
● Approximately 35 minutes to lodge
● Smaller airport, fewer flights

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), New Mexico
● Approximately 3 hours to lodge
● Largest airport with most flight options

Driving to the Lodge

The closest Interstate is 150 miles away. Driving involves scenic two-lane roadways with enchanting views and wildlife. Rental car recommended for flexibility.

Arrival & Departure Times

Arrival: Coordinate travel to arrive for evening dinner at 7:00 PM sharp on arrival date

Departure: Breakfast served at 7:00 AM on departure day—plan flights accordingly

Location

Navajo Dam, New Mexico—remote setting with stunning mesa and river views.

Package Itineraries

4 Night / 3 Day Hosted Trip

Day 1 – Arrival

● Arrive Soaring Eagle Lodge (in time for 7:00 PM dinner)
● Settle into riverside cabin
● Welcome dinner (three-course meal)
● Trip orientation and San Juan River briefing

Days 2-4 – Fishing Days

● Breakfast buffet
● Depart with guide for full day on San Juan River
● Fish Quality Waters or private lodge waters
● Drift boat fishing preferred for optimal positioning
● Riverbank lunch provided
● Return to lodge
● Signature hospitality hour
● Three-course dinner at 7:00 PM
● Evening at leisure

Day 5 – Departure

● Breakfast at 7:00 AM
● Depart for airport

7 Night / 6 Day Package

Same daily structure with six full days of guided fishing, providing extensive time to explore all stretches of the San Juan River from Quality Waters to private lodge access.

Package Rates

4 Nights / 3 Days (Hosted Trip): $1,755 per angler (double occupancy)

7 Nights / 6 Days: $2,880 per angler (double occupancy)

Contact Front Range Anglers for current availability and hosted trip dates.

What's Included:

● Lodging in riverside cabin
● All meals: breakfast buffet, riverbank lunch, three-course dinner
● Dinner on arrival date
● Breakfast on departure day
● Guided fishing (full days)
● Signature hospitality hour
● Use of drift boats
● Access to Quality Waters and private lodge waters

Not Included:

● Transportation to Soaring Eagle Lodge
● Flights to Durango, Farmington, or Albuquerque
● Rental car
● Beer and sodas at lodge
● New Mexico fishing license
● Gratuities for guides and staff
● Any incidentals purchased at lodge
● Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Deposit & Payment

50% of trip cost due at booking. Remainder plus all taxes due 90 days before trip.

Cancellation Policy

● Cancellation 90+ days before trip: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement angler found)
● Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless qualified replacement angler provided
● No refunds for cancellation due to weather, acts of God, or airline/travel issues

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (we recommend Global Rescue) and HIGHLY recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

For insurance questions, contact: Kim D'Amico – kdamico@globalrescue.com – 617.459.4200

Connect with Our San Juan River Experts

Ready to learn more about fishing the legendary San Juan River at Soaring Eagle Lodge? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and has extensive San Juan River experience. He can provide insights on techniques, fly selection, and what to expect.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail is handled seamlessly from booking to departure.

What We Can Help With:

● San Juan River techniques and tiny fly presentations
● Light tippet strategies (6X-7X)
● Fly selection for Quality Waters
● Gear recommendations for tailwater fishing
● Travel coordination to Durango, Farmington, or Albuquerque
● What to expect at Soaring Eagle Lodge
● Hosted trip details and dates
● Pairing you with compatible trip partners

Contact Us:

Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see San Juan River gear, test cast rods, and talk with our team about Soaring Eagle Lodge.

What to Bring to Soaring Eagle Lodge

Fishing Gear

Rods & Reels:

● 4-5 weight rod for San Juan tailwater fishing
● High-quality reel with smooth drag
● Extra spools with floating line
● Leaders and light tippet (5X-7X)

Flies:

San Juan River patterns (tiny flies essential):

● Midges (sizes 20-26)
● San Juan Worms (red, pink, brown)
● Eggs (sizes 16-20)
● Small nymphs (Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears sizes 18-22)
● Emergers (sizes 18-24)

Terminal Tackle:

● Strike indicators
● Split shot (various sizes)
● Tippet spools (5X-7X fluorocarbon)
● Nippers and forceps

Wading Gear:

● Breathable chest waders
● Wading boots with felt or rubber soles
● Wading belt
● Wading staff (optional)

Clothing for New Mexico Weather

Layers (Year-Round):

● Fleece or insulated jacket
● Long underwear/base layers
● Mid-weight fleece
● Warm socks

Sun Protection:

● Long-sleeve fishing shirt
● Wide-brim hat or cap
● Buff or neck gaiter
● Lightweight rain jacket

Essential Accessories:

● Polarized sunglasses (critical for sight fishing)
● Sunglasses retainer
● Sunscreen SPF 30+
● Lip balm with SPF
● Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

● Valid ID
● New Mexico fishing license (purchase before arrival or in Navajo Dam)
● Credit card for incidentals, beer, sodas

Other Essentials:

● Personal medications
● Basic first aid
● Toiletries
● Camera

Optional:

● Binoculars
● Book or tablet
● Extra beverages (beer/sodas available for purchase at lodge)

Note: Cabins equipped with kitchenettes, so you can bring snacks or beverages to keep in your refrigerator.

Gear Consultation

Front Range Anglers can outfit you with everything you need for San Juan River tailwater fishing. Visit our Boulder shop or contact our team for personalized recommendations.