Fishing Season: Prime is September - early November. April depending on runoff

Rio Grande - NM

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

72

Doc Thompson's Tip of the Week

Rio is fishing good in the mornings until about 11am. The afternoons are slow with warm water temperatures, please don't fish in the afternoons. Seeing some dry fly fishing in the mornings. Nymphing is productive too. Please keep an eye on water temps as noon approaches, if temps are warm please don't fish the warmer temps.

Directions open in app

Map of Rio Grande

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 7/10/26

Flows on the Rio have been steady lately and are low. Still seeing some tricos and other mayflies. Morning are the time to fish the Rio right now. The afternoons are slow with warmer water temperatures.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/10/26

Fishing dries and dry droppers along the edges, pockets and riffles. Fishing Nymphs in the deep runs. Please avoid fishing when water temps are warm.

Local Species Available Prime is September - early November. April depending on runoff

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Doc Thompson's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Hopper N/A 10-12
Indicator Parachute - Trico N/A 16-18
Stimulator N/A 10-12
Tungsten Twisted Tactical May dark 14-16
Hoppers/Stoneflies N/A 10-12
Hot spot nymphs red or orange hot sp 16-18
Bead Head Soft Hackle Caddis Pupa Fly N/A 12-14
Tactical TH Hot Spot Nymph N/A 14-16
Copper Johns red, olive, 16-18
Streamers balck, olive 10

Hopper

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Item #0414

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Doc Thompson's Recommended Gear

Description: About Rio Grande

Northern New Mexico-Taos Area

Nearest Airport:

Albuquerque International Sunport

Hatches:

Tricos and other mayflies, hoppers and some stoneflies

Best Time to Fish:

morning-afternoon

Best Stretch:

Pilar/Orilla Verde, John Dunn Bridge area, Rio Grande Wild and Scenic area

Best Access:

Pilar, John Dunn Bridge, hike in waters of Rio Grande Wild and Scenic area