These are the best places for fishing on the Upper Rio Grande
Fly fishing has been surging recently and sales of New Mexico fishing licenses are up.
Richard Pipes/Journal
: Rachel Driskell : Rachel Driskell: Rachel Driskell Special to the Journal
PublishedModified
New Mexico's enchanting landscapes are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and fishing stands out as their favorite pastime.
The Upper Rio Grande is a prime destination for anglers seeking an unforgettable fishing experience. With its pristine waters, breathtaking scenery, and abundant fish species, this river is a paradise for those who seek the thrill of the catch.
Flowing through the heart of northern New Mexico, the Upper Rio Grande boasts a unique combination of diverse fishing opportunities and stunning natural beauty.
Originating in the southern Rocky Mountains, this river winds its way through picturesque valleys, canyons, and forests, providing anglers with a variety of fishing environments to explore.
Tributaries:
The river reach considered theUpper Rio Grande in New Mexicoruns from the Colorado-New Mexico state line to the Otowi gage located near State Highway 4 and San Ildefonso Pueblo. Upper Rio Grande tributaries include the Red River, Rio Hondo, Pueblo de Taos, Embudo Creek and the largest tributary, the Rio Chama.
Abundant Fish Species
One of the key reasons the Upper Rio Grande is a top destination for fishing enthusiasts is its rich diversity of fish species. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout are among the prized catches that lure anglers to the river's banks. Whether you're a seasoned fly-fisher or a novice looking to hone your skills, the river's abundant fish populations offer ample opportunities for successful angling.
This charming mountain town offers excellent fishing access along with breathtaking views. The Red River is known for its robust trout population, and it's easily accessible locations make it a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.
A popular fishing spot, the Taos Junction Bridge area provides a unique mix of deep pools and rocky runs. The bridge's proximity to the confluence of the Rio Grande and Rio Pueblo de Taos creates an ideal habitat for trout.
Nestled beneath the impressive basalt cliffs, John Dunn Bridge offers a tranquil setting for fishing. It's a great place to try your hand at catching cutthroat trout or simply to listen to the soothing sounds of the flowing water.
For those seeking a more remote and rugged fishing experience, the Wild Rivers Recreation Area is a hidden gem. Here, you can fish in the depths of the Rio Grande Gorge and appreciate the dramatic landscapes that surround you.
Fishing photos across New Mexico
Navajo Lake State ParkNew Mexico True
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Martin Lopez, from Albuquerque, unhooks a rainbow trout he caught in the Rio Mora, north of Terrero, Tuesday May 15, 2018. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque JournalEddie Moore
Guy Feltman, left, and David Becker, from Albuquerque, fish the Rio Grande just below Taos Junction Bridge Thursday September 22, 2020.Eddie Moore
A fisherman looks for a good spot around Abiquiu Lake Tuesday June 22, 2021. Abiquiu Lake and others around New Mexico have low water levels.Eddie Moore
The Chama River below Abiquiu Lake Tuesday June 22, 2021.Eddie Moore
A Rio Grande Cutthroat trout caught in the Rio Las Trampas.Eddie Moore
Jared Herrera, from Santa Fe, fishes along Holy Ghost Creek in Holy Ghost Campground Thursday October 14, 2021. Few people are camping in the campground this time of year so he had the place to himself.Eddie Moore
A fisherman crosses the Rio Castillo, Saturday, July 1, 2023. The river is in the Carson National Forest's Valle Vidal unit and this section is catch and release only.Eddie Moore
Dave Fralix, from Albuquerque, catches a trout in front of the main fish barrier that protects nearly 120 miles of mountain streams from invasive species, Saturday, July 1, 2023. New Mexico Game and Fish, the Carson National Forest and Trout Unlimited have completed a 30 year long project to remove invasive fish from the Carson National Forest's Valle Vidal Unit and restock the area with native fish.Eddie Moore
Tim Saenz, from Albuquerque fishes San Antonio Creek at the Valles Caldera, Friday May 15, 2015.Eddie Moore
Edward Sainz and his daughter Felisha Sainz, from Albuquerque, fish the Pecos River downstream from Indian Creek, Thursday August 29, 2019. Edward Sainz is recently retired and said he had fished the Pecos River 6 times in the past 2 weeks.Eddie Moore
Jason Freeman of Clovis caught a 10-pound catfish at Greene Acres Lake using a circle hook with two earthworms on Aug. 8.Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Justin Wilshusen of Clovis caught a 36-inch flathead catfish at Bosque Redondo Lake using a plastic worm while fishing for bass on Aug. 6.Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Enriquez Maes of Albuquerque caught multiple brook trout (above, left) and cutthroat trout (above, right) at Cabresto Lake using Olive Caddis flies, Orange Stimulator flies and Blue Dun spinner-pattern flies on July 24.Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Jannine Cabossel caught a 23.5-inch rainbow trout using a Pheasant-tail Nymph fly near the dam on July 23.Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Mike Boyle caught a 24-inch rainbow trout at Heron Lake while trolling an orange Rapala on June 29.
Albuquerque Journal
Albuquerque Journal
Fly Fishing Haven
The Upper Rio Grande River is renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. The river's various currents, pools, and riffles create the perfect environment for practicing different fly fishing techniques. Whether you prefer dry flies, nymphs, or streamers, the river's diverse water conditions cater to various fly fishing preferences.
The Upper Rio Grande's natural beauty and thriving fish populations are a result of diligent conservation efforts. Local organizations, government agencies, and passionate anglers work together to ensure that the river's ecosystem remains pristine and sustainable for future generations. When visiting this angler's paradise, it's essential to follow ethical fishing practices and adhere to local regulations to help preserve the delicate balance of the river's ecosystem.
Fishing holes in New Mexico
Fly fishing has been surging recently and sales of New Mexico fishing licenses are up.Richard Pipes
Nearly 5,000 cubic feet per second of water flow over the Angostura diversion dam Friday on the Rio Grande in Algodones. The Rio Grande benefits from water that’s funneled out of the Colorado River basin and into the Chama River, where it then flows into the Rio Grande.Eddie Moore
Tom Harper leads a fly casting clinic at Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.Journal file photo
Fishing photos across New Mexico
Navajo Lake State ParkNew Mexico True
New Mexico True
New Mexico True
New Mexico True
New Mexico True
New Mexico True
Martin Lopez, from Albuquerque, unhooks a rainbow trout he caught in the Rio Mora, north of Terrero, Tuesday May 15, 2018. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque JournalEddie Moore
Guy Feltman, left, and David Becker, from Albuquerque, fish the Rio Grande just below Taos Junction Bridge Thursday September 22, 2020.Eddie Moore
A fisherman looks for a good spot around Abiquiu Lake Tuesday June 22, 2021. Abiquiu Lake and others around New Mexico have low water levels.Eddie Moore
The Chama River below Abiquiu Lake Tuesday June 22, 2021.Eddie Moore
A Rio Grande Cutthroat trout caught in the Rio Las Trampas.Eddie Moore
Jared Herrera, from Santa Fe, fishes along Holy Ghost Creek in Holy Ghost Campground Thursday October 14, 2021. Few people are camping in the campground this time of year so he had the place to himself.Eddie Moore
A fisherman crosses the Rio Castillo, Saturday, July 1, 2023. The river is in the Carson National Forest's Valle Vidal unit and this section is catch and release only.Eddie Moore
Dave Fralix, from Albuquerque, catches a trout in front of the main fish barrier that protects nearly 120 miles of mountain streams from invasive species, Saturday, July 1, 2023. New Mexico Game and Fish, the Carson National Forest and Trout Unlimited have completed a 30 year long project to remove invasive fish from the Carson National Forest's Valle Vidal Unit and restock the area with native fish.Eddie Moore
Tim Saenz, from Albuquerque fishes San Antonio Creek at the Valles Caldera, Friday May 15, 2015.Eddie Moore
Edward Sainz and his daughter Felisha Sainz, from Albuquerque, fish the Pecos River downstream from Indian Creek, Thursday August 29, 2019. Edward Sainz is recently retired and said he had fished the Pecos River 6 times in the past 2 weeks.Eddie Moore
Jason Freeman of Clovis caught a 10-pound catfish at Greene Acres Lake using a circle hook with two earthworms on Aug. 8.Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Justin Wilshusen of Clovis caught a 36-inch flathead catfish at Bosque Redondo Lake using a plastic worm while fishing for bass on Aug. 6.Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Enriquez Maes of Albuquerque caught multiple brook trout (above, left) and cutthroat trout (above, right) at Cabresto Lake using Olive Caddis flies, Orange Stimulator flies and Blue Dun spinner-pattern flies on July 24.Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Jannine Cabossel caught a 23.5-inch rainbow trout using a Pheasant-tail Nymph fly near the dam on July 23.Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Mike Boyle caught a 24-inch rainbow trout at Heron Lake while trolling an orange Rapala on June 29.
