San Juan Getaway | 2025
In September, women from around the country met up in beautiful Northern New Mexico for the third annual Women’s Fly Fishing San Juan Getaway. A mother/daughter duo flew down from Alaska, best friends from Tennessee ventured West on an epic road trip, and others from California, Colorado, North Carolina and Arizona joined the Adventure. We were blessed with picture perfect fall weather, cozy accommodations, delicious meals cooked and served up by Joe “Dad” Gill and his family, excellent guided fishing, and best of all, new friendships to last a lifetime.
The San Juan River Quality Waters is a world-class, world-renowned tailwater that holds about 15,000 fish per mile. Most of us were blessed with catching 20-inch plus fish, and some participants caught fish that were closer in size to 30 inches than 20! At times “The Juan” was a very technical river, such as when we were sight fishing for 24 inch fish with size 24 flies. At other times, she was also beginner friendly, as “Big Fish Izzy” could attest to! Participants tried their hand at dry fly and streamer fishing. Some explored other sections of the river nicknamed the “Quantity Water” and learned new skills, including how to double haul. Some focused on searching for larger fish, which er all know can result in a mixed bag. And six die-hard participants were so excited about the trip that they added a wade day before the “official” trip began! It was an excellent way to warm up to the very specific style of fishing light tippets and small flies to larger fish that the Juan can demand.
A favorite part of each day was the nightly round of “apps, drinks and lies”, where we enjoyed the appetizer of the day while sipping on our beverages of choice, trading pictures and stories of the bounty of the day. Rainbow Lodge Owner, Head Guide, Chef and Wrangler of All Things, Steve Gill, would often join in on the story-telling. His easy going approach and wealth of information created a very friendly atmosphere where each of us instantly felt a part of the Rainbow family! With three consecutive guided float days, participants were able to build upon new skills learned each day. This year’s trip reached a crescendo on day three, with most boats landing more and larger trout than any of the days before!
“Epic” is a word that is often overused, but in the case of this year’s Womens Fly Fishing San Juan Getaway, its use is totally apropos! The fishing lived up to its world class reputation both in quantity and size of beautiful brown and rainbow trout. Big Fish Izzy got the crown for longest fish, landing a 28” rainbow! The crown for beefiest fish went to Barbara with her super girthy 25” rainbow. Our guides produced epic results, the Family Gill served up epic food and hospitality, and our 2025 participants went home with epic memories and epic new friendships that will last for years to come. Hearing some say that their expectations for their San Juan Getaway experience were greatly exceeded made my day epic, for sure!
Some of this year‘s attendees were excited to come back again, and this trip has sold out every year. We already have participants committed for 2026, so do consider signing up now if you would like to guarantee your spot and join us. I think you’ll be glad you did. If you have any questions, please contact Women’s Fly Fishing or browse their Facebook, Instagram, and website. As your trip host, I am always here and available to answer your questions as well. Happy winter and I hope to see you on the water next fall, fishing the mighty San Juan.
Hosted by Pauline Ellis | September 22-26 , 2025