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

Rio is fishing good in the mornings until about Noon. Seeing some cooler temps with a bit of rain. The afternoons could be a little with sunny afternoons, please keep an eye on afternoon temps. Seeing some dry fly fishing in the mornings. Nymphing is productive too. Please keep an eye on water temps, if temps are warm please don't fish the warmer temps.

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Map of Rio Grande

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 9/3/26

Flows on the Rio have been steady lately and are low. Cooler temps are here with a little rain. Still seeing some Tricos, seeing a few BWOs and other mayflies. Morning are the time to fish the Rio right now. The afternoons are slow with warmer water temperatures. Please keep an eye on water temps, if temps are warm please don't fish the warmer temps.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/3/26

Fishing dries and dry droppers along the edges, pockets and riffles. Fishing Nymphs in the deep runs. Please keep an eye on water temps, if temps are warm please don't fish the warmer temps.

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 N/A 10-12
Indicator Parachute - Trico N/A 16-18
Blue Winged Olive N/A 18
Tactical Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Jig dark 114-16
Bead Head Soft Hackle Caddis Pupa Fly N/A 12-14
Tactical TH Hot Spot Nymph N/A 16
Hoppers/Stoneflies N/A 10-12
Hot spot nymphs red or orange hot sp 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

Hatches:

Still seeing some Tricos, seeing a few BWOs and other mayflies. Hoppers

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