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

Rio Grande - NM

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

70

Doc Thompson's Tip of the Week

Rio is blown out from a lot of recent rains in NM and CO. Will be awhile before fishable.

Directions open in app

Map of Rio Grande

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 10/29/26

Rio is blown out from a lot of recent rains in NM and CO. Will be awhile before fishable.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/29/26

Rio is blown out from a lot of recent rains in NM and CO. Will be awhile before fishable.

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):
Blue Winged Olive N/A 18
Tactical Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Jig dark 114-16
Bead Head Soft Hackle Caddis Pupa Fly N/A 12-14
Tactical TH Hot Spot Nymph N/A 16
Hoppers/Stoneflies N/A 10-12
Hot spot nymphs red or orange hot sp 16-18
Copper Johns red, olive, 16-18
Streamers balck, olive 10

Blue Winged Olive

A truly simple and proportional dry fly for trout fishing.

Doc Thompson's Recommended Gear

Description: About Rio Grande

Northern New Mexico-Taos Area

Nearest Airport:

Albuquerque International Sunport

Hatches:

Still seeing some Tricos, seeing a few BWOs and other mayflies. Hoppers

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