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 on Rio Grande having been dropping to fishable levels. Still seeing some off color water. Fish a mix of dry-droppers and double nymphs.

Directions open in app

Map of Rio Grande

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 5/22/25

Expect the flows to drop a little more over the next week.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/22/25

Look for risers to adult caddis. Fish adult caddis patterns and pupa patterns. Not seeing much rising its time to fish nymphs. A big ugly with a caddis pupa or larva pattern.

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

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    Trout

Doc Thompson's Recommended Fly Patterns

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

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Elk Wing Caddis tan 14-16
Davy's Skating Caddis N/A 14-16
Grannom Emerger N/A 12-14
Tactical Peeping Caddis TH Jig N/A 12-14
Hoppers/Stoneflies N/A 10-12
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

Elk Wing Caddis

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Item #0378

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Doc Thompson's Recommended Gear

Description: About Rio Grande

Northern New Mexico-Taos Area

Nearest Airport:

Albuquerque International Sunport

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