Valentine’s Day conjures up visions of spas, chocolate and bright-red roses, all for the ladies. How about a Valentine getaway for the man in your life? Why not a fly-fishing trip that also supplies the romance of a cozy cabin, great views by a rushing river and fine dining? The Soaring Eagle Lodge, about 30 miles east of Farmington, N.M., fills the bill.
Fly-fishing for trout along the San Juan River, below the Navajo Dam, in northernNew Mexico is renowned. It is, quite simply, one of the finest fishing areas in the country. A fishing excursion to the Soaring Eagle Lodge stands out because the lodge is the only place along the river that offers private river access. For the feminine side of the equation, the cabins at the lodge have rustic charm. They are comfortable and offer beautiful views of the San Juan, almost at your door, and the bluffs beyond. While the lodge offers quiet solitude, you will have television and wireless connections. This is a getaway that can catch the fancy of anyone, guy or gal, who has a sense of adventure and loves the outdoors and the comforts of home.
If you are new to fly-fishing, the lodge can supply equipment and fly-fishing instruction. Guides are also available for hire. You will be fishing in the catch-and-release area of the quality waters of the San Juan. These 4.25 miles of water below the dam hold many thousands of trout. The average San Juan River trout is 17 inches. The likelihood of catching one is very high.
There is also romance and fine dining to be had as part of this guy’s getaway. The lodge has a restaurant on the site, Jake’s Place, which has professional chiefs and a special menu each night. Just down the road is a highly touted small winery where you can choose the right wine for the evening meal. The Wines of San Juan is also a rustic spot that offers a high-quality experience. Right now they have a Valentine special, a candle from Willow Wick (a small local candle maker) and a bottle of wine of your choice for $23. Come in for a tasting and then take your valentine gifts to the Soaring Eagle Lodge. My choice would be a bottle of Blanco Rojo, and a Rose Petal scented candle.
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