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

Rio Grande - NM

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

52

Doc Thompson's Tip of the Week

Flows are Rio have bumped up now that irrigation season is over and we get some low elevations snow melt. As water clarity settles might see a few lingering Baeits and midges though parts of winter.

Directions open in app

Map of Rio Grande

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 2/23/23

The Rio can have some fishable days thoughout late November and into December. Winter temps definitely slow the fish action however for those hearty souls you can sometimes get a couple hours or so of fish action.

Techniques & Tips as of 2/23/23

Mainly nymphing and streamers for trout. For nymphs something big and ugly followed by a small midge larva or baetis nymph. Can see some midges here and there as the day warms up. Watch out for patches of ice along the banks.

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):
Tunghead Stonefly black 12
Witch Doctor peacock 12-14
Orvis CJ Nymph red 12
Shaggy Wire Caddis N/A 14-16
SJ Worm red 14
Hot spot nymphs red or orange hot sp 16-18
Hot Head Euro Pheasant Tail N/A 14-16
Higa's S.O.S. N/A 16-18
Copper Johns red, olive, 16-18
Streamers balck, olive 10

Tunghead Stonefly

If you fish stonefly nymphs, you'll want to have several sizes of these bottom bumpers.

2.99

Item #139J

Buy Now

Doc Thompson's Recommended Gear

Description: About Rio Grande

Northern New Mexico-Taos Area

Nearest Airport:

Albuquerque International Sunport

Hatches:

Hoppers

Best Time to Fish:

morning-afternoon

Best Stretch:

Pilar area, 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