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 on! It is kind of rare to have the hatch coming off and ideal water conditions at the same time. 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 4/23/26

Flows on the Rio have been steady the last couple weeks and expect that to continue. Still seeing some BWOs and other mayflies. . The caddis hatch is winding down. Expect these kind of conditions to continue over the next week or so.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/23/26

Fishing dries and dry droppers along the edges, pockets and riffles.

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):
Adams Parachute Dry Fly N/A 14-16
E.C. Caddis N/A 14
Bead Head Soft Hackle Hare's Ear Nymph olive 14-16
Orvis CJ Nymph olive-red 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

Adams Parachute Dry Fly

Image Not Found

Item #0356

Buy Now

Doc Thompson's Recommended Gear

Description: About Rio Grande

Northern New Mexico-Taos Area

Nearest Airport:

Albuquerque International Sunport

Hatches:

Mayflies and still seeing some caddis.

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