STREAM REPORT

Updated August 15, 2025

Fishing has been good lately on the Pecos and Valles Caldera. This is also a good time to explore some of New Mexico's many small streams. Anglers are reporting great catches, making it an ideal time to head out and enjoy the beautiful waters. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, these rivers offer something for everyone.

Please avoid fishing for trout in water with temperatures above 63 degrees as this puts an extreme amount of stress on the fish.

Stop by our shop to stock up on the best flies you'll need for this exciting time. Don't miss out on the action—ensure you're prepared for an unforgettable fishing experience!

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Pecos River

River Map

Real Time Water Data

Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Caddis, and Terestrials.
Patterns: Hares Ear, Zebra Midge, HDA Fave Variants, Frenchie, Parachute Adams, Low Water Baetis.

Conditions are good in Pecos Canyon, flows are dropping daily, the best fishing has been mornings and late afternoon/evenings with the warm weather.

The Pecos National Historical Park's 2025 season is from July 3 to October 31.

There will be no fishing allowed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Dates must be reserved on the Pecos page of Recreation.gov.

See the Park's website at http://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm for more info on the fishing seasons.

Chama River

River Map

Village of Chama

Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis
Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.

Above Heron

Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis
Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.

Real Time Water Data

Below El Vado

Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis
Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.

Real Time Water Data

Below Abiquiu

Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis
Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.

Real Time Water Data

Village of Chama: Fishing is improving daily.

Near Heron: Fishing is improving daily.

Below El Vado: Slight increase in flows, fishing has been good.

Below Abiquiu: Flows have increased and conditions will continue to degrade through the summer, fish elsewhere until Fall.

Abiquiu Reservoir: Good for Smallmouth Bass and Carp.

The Chama River above El Vado Reservoir in the Rio Chama Wildlife Area, downstream of the stream gauge at Cooper's Ranch, and below Abiquiu Dam are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits or catch and release only rules. Please report anyone to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263. The Chama River below Abiquiu Dam has a daily bag limit of 3 fish.

Rio Grande, Taos Area Waters

River Map

Real Time Water Data

Hatches: Midges, Baetis, Mayflies, Caddis.
Patterns for the Rio: Crane Bombs, Warden's Worries, Mop Flies, HDA Fave Variants, Blow Torch, Pink Tags, Pike flies, Meat Whistles, Dunk and Disorderlies, Sculpzillas, Peanut Envy, Barely Legal.
Patterns for Tributaries: Stimulators, PMX, Chubbies, Elk Hair Caddis, Frenchies, Pink Head Marys, Copper Johns.

Fishing for trout is fair due to warmer water temps, fish early or late, avoid the middle of the day as it puts too much stress on the fish.

Lots of white water rafters on the river!

Conditions are great for smallmouth bass!

The pike bite is fair, big streamers with a wire or a shock tippet will keep you from losing fish or flies.

Cochiti Reservoir has been fair for Bass, Pike and carp.

Jemez Mountain Streams

River Map

Real Time Water Data

Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies, Caddis.
Patterns: HDA Favorites, Frenchies, Crystal Caddis, Tag Nymphs, Zebra Midges, Stimulators, Humpys, Royal Wulfes, Parachute Adams, Comparadun, Hi-Vis Caddis.,

The fishing in the Jemez Mountain streams is fair with warmer water temperatures. Fish in the mornings or evenings to prevent stressing fish.

The Valles Caldera Back Country Access is open, and has been the best fishing in the area. You must have a day or annual pass and a Backcountry permit to fish in the Caldera. Gates open at 8:00 am and you must check in at the visitor center.

For more information on fishing Valles Caldera, please see their website for info at http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/fish/index.aspx. Reservations are made through Recreaton.Gov.

The Fishing Program on the Valles Caldera National Preserve is now under National Park Service rules. Please see the Preserve's website for more details.

San Juan River

River Map

Real Time Water Data

The San Juan is at 908 cfs.

Hatches: Blue-Winged Olives, Midges.

Patterns: Red Annelids, San Juan worms, Zebra Midge, Bling Midge, RS2, Foam Wing Emerger, UV Emerger. Leaches and Buggers.

The flows on the San Juan have increased over the last few weeks, making wading a little more difficult but fishing has been good. Midges and Baetis are the main bugs but don't discount leeches and streamers for the meat-eaters.

The Special Trout Water section is all catch and release and has a two fly only rule. If you see someone in violation, turn them into Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263. Officers have been checking people for licenses, barbless flies, and the number of flies on your rig! File those barbs or go barbless, as the fines are steep!