Wethington said the San Juan experiences some siltation every year because it is a desert river and lacks protection from run-off caused by heavy rains. He said it would take from 7 to 14 days of 5,000 cfs to flush the silt and sand down. We just can't do it.
Some local anglers say the rest of the river continues to fish very well after the siltation.
Just the the bugs on the lower part of the quality water were affected. The rains were tough and will affect insect life to a point. The fish will be back, though, after the spring run off. But San Juan guide John Tavenner of Thorn Eagle Outfitters, says the state needs to protect its multi-million dollar fishing industry and it can spare the water. The siltation has never been this serious before.