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Stream Report

Updated October 3, 2026

High flows throughout northern New Mexico should begin to subside in the next few days, setting us up for a good fall season. 


The BLM has issued a Hazardous Algal Bloom warning for parts of the Rio Grande, use caution with pets and children and wash gear throughly after fishing. High water and cooler temps should help with this. 

Flows are stable on the Cimmaron and Pecos and fishing has been good, low flows on the San Juan, condtions have been good.  
 
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 Spring 2023.jpg
Pecos River
  • Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Caddis, and Terestrials.

  • Patterns: Hares Ear, Zebra Midge, HDA Fave Variants, Frenchie, Parachute Adams, Low Water Baetis.

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Conditions are good in Pecos Canyon, the best fishing has been during the mornings or evenings.

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The Pecos National Historical Park's 2026 season is from July 1 to October 31.

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.

Pecos River
Chama River
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.

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Below El Vado
  • Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis

  • Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.

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Below Abiquiu
  • Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis

  • Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.

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Village of Chama: Low flows and cold water.

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Near Heron: Low flows and cold water.

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Below El Vado:  Once flows stabilize, fishing will be good.​

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Below Abiquiu:  Muddy, should improve over the next few weeks.

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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.  

Rio Chama
Rio Grande, Taos Area Waters
  • 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. 

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Rio Grande is dirty from the recent rains, but will improve as it clears.

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Reports of heavy moss. Clean all gear thouroghly before and after fishing to avoid the transport of this invassive moss.

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The pike bite is fair, big streamers with a wire or a shock tippet will keep you from losing fish or flies. Smallmouth are still around until it gets cold.​

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

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Rio Grande River
Jemez Mountain Streams
  • 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., 

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The fishing in the Jemez Mountain streams has been decent, cooler weather will improve conditions.

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The Valles Caldera Back Country Access is open until November 15. You must have a day or annual pass and a Backcountry permit to fish in the Caldera. Gates open at 9:00 am and you must check in at the visitor center. Reports of water temps above 70 degrees by noon.

 

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. 

Valles Caldera
San Juan River

The San Juan is at 276 cfs. 

 

Hatches: Blue-Winged Olives, Midges.

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

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The flows on the San Juan have reduced and may remain low until spring, conditions  are excellent, reports of heavy moss. Clean all gear thouroghly before and after fishing to avoid the transport of this moss.

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Midges and Baetis are the main bugs but don't discount San Juan worms, leeches and streamers. 

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!

San Juan River
Conejos River
Mogote
Platoro
  • Hatches: Baetis, Caddis, Midges. 

  • Patterns: Salvation, HDA Fave Variant, Hares Ear, Mop, Frenchie, Tag Nymph, Blow Torch.  

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  • Hatches: Baetis, Caddis, Midges. 

  • Patterns: Salvation, HDA Fave Variant, Hares Ear, Mop, Frenchie, Tag Nymph, Blow Torch.  

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Increased flows due to recent rain, conditions should improve in the next few days.

Conejos River
If you're fishing elsewhere in the area and need current flow data you can likely find information from these links.
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