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

Flows on Rio Grande are low. Some sections have been fishing really good while other stretches are slow. Dunn area has been fishing good. Wild Rivers stretches above the Red Confluence have been fishing good. Pilar area still slow. Temps are dropping. If the Red River is murky this could affect the Rio fishing below the confluence.

Directions open in app

Map of Rio Grande

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 8/27/25

Flows on Rio Grande having been dropping to fishable levels. Water temps are dropping due to recent rains and cloud cover. Seeing some Tricos in the morning.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/27/25

Flows on Rio Grande are at a low fishable level. Look for trout rising in the morning. In the afternoons if it is cloudy can see some hopper action. Fish dries or dry-droppers.

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 10-12
Adams Parachute Dry Fly N/A 12-14
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 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

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