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

Rio is still on and is still excellent to good as whole. Seeing some dry fly fishing late mornings though the afternoon. Nymphing is productive too. Mostly fishing dry flies and dry-dropper setups.

Directions open in app

Map of Rio Grande

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 5/28/26

Flows on the Rio have been steady the last couple weeks. We've had a couple days of steady rain so might see a bump in flows on the Rio with a hint of off color water. Still seeing some BWOs and other mayflies. .

Techniques & Tips as of 5/28/26

Fishing dries and dry droppers along the edges, pockets and riffles. Fishing Nymphs in the deep runs.

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