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 are up a little from recent rains making water murky, flows are still low though. Better fishing in the early mornings due to water temps. If you decide to fish the Rio Grande please only fish in early mornings. By mid to late morning water temps are getting to critical line and by afternoons just too hot for the fish to handle the stress of being fished to and caught. This will change late August as temps drop and flows on the Rio typically go up when irrigation in CO slows down. Probably better to fish elsewhere right now such as our fun higher mountain streams which are fishing really good right now.

Directions open in app

Map of Rio Grande

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 9/26/24

Flows on the Rio Grande will probably stay about the same over the next week or so. Probably won't see the Rio start fishing again until early September. If you decide to fish the Rio Grande please only fish in early mornings. By mid to late morning water temps are getting to critical line and by afternoons just too hot for the fish to handle the stress of being fished to and caught. This will change late August as temps drop and flows on the Rio typically go up when irrigation in CO slows down. Probably better to fish elsewhere right now such as our fun higher mountain streams which are fishing really good right now.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/26/24

If you decide to fish the Rio Grande please only fish in early mornings. By mid to late morning water temps are getting to critical line and by afternoons just too hot for the fish to handle the stress of being fished to and caught. This will change late August as temps drop and flows on the Rio typically go up when irrigation in CO slows down. Probably better to fish elsewhere right now such as our fun higher mountain streams which are fishing really good right now.

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):
Hopper tan 12
Cartoon Hopper dark colors 12
Orvis CJ Nymph red 12-14
Cliff's Crazy Cranefly N/A 10-12
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

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

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