Stream Report
Updated April 27, 2025
Spring is here and fishing has been good throughout northern NM.
Fishing has been good on the Pecos, Jemez, Chama, San Juan, and the Rio Grande.
We are seeing runoff conditions on the Pecos, However, we do not expect to see a long runoff period, flows are already dropping.
We have already seen peak flows on the Rio Grande, and water levels will continue to diminish, so get out there before the water gets to warm.
We
Pecos River
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Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Caddis, and Terestrials.
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Patterns: Hares Ear, Zebra Midge, HDA Fave Variants, Frenchie, Parachute Adams, Low Water Baetis.
We are seeing high, off-color water on the Pecos, Rio Mora and tributaries of the Pecos. These conditions are not expected to last long. Conditions can make wading difficult, use caution while wading or use a wading staff. No need to rush to the river, give the fish some time to warm up.
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The Pecos National Historical Park's Fall 2024: September 5 to November 11.
Remember: Fishing takes place from Thursday through Monday and 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
Village of Chama
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Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis
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Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.
Above Heron
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Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis
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Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.
Below El Vado
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Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis
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Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.
Below Abiquiu
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Hatches: Baetis, Midges, Mayflies & Caddis
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Patterns: Pheasant Tail, Salvations, CDC Pheasant Tails, Mop Flies, Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Irresistible, Chubbies.
Village of Chama: Fishing is improving daily.
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Near Heron: Fishing is improving daily.
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Below El Vado: Slight increase in flows, fishing has been good.
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Below Abiquiu: Flows have increased and conditions will continue to degrade through the summer, fish elsewhere until Fall.
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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. The Chama River below Abiquiu Dam has a daily bag limit of 3 fish.
Rio Grande, Taos Area Waters
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Hatches:​ Midges, Baetis, Mayflies, Caddis.
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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.
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Patterns for Tributaries: Stimulators, PMX, Chubbies, Elk Hair Caddis, Frenchies, Pink Head Marys, Copper Johns.
The Rio Grande has been fishing well. Flows have decreased significantly and the river is fairly clear. Fishing for trout is good until water temps increase. Conditions are improving 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.​
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Cochiti Reservoir has been fair for Bass, Pike and carp.
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Jemez Mountain Streams
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Hatches:​ Baetis, Midges, Mayflies, Caddis.
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Patterns: HDA Favorites, Frenchies, Crystal Caddis, Tag Nymphs, Zebra Midges, Stimulators, Humpys, Royal Wulfes, Parachute Adams, Comparadun, Hi-Vis Caddis.,
The Jemez Mountain streams are fishing good until water temperatures rise.
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The Valles Caldera Back Country Access is closed until May 15. You must have a day or annual pass and a Backcountry permit to fish in the Caldera. Gates open at 9:00 am.
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
The San Juan is at 382 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.
The flows on the San Juan have stabilized over the last several weeks, 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!
Conejos River
Mogote
Platoro
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Hatches: Baetis, Caddis, Midges.
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Patterns: Salvation, HDA Fave Variant, Hares Ear, Mop, Frenchie, Tag Nymph, Blow Torch.
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Hatches: Baetis, Caddis, Midges.
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Patterns: Salvation, HDA Fave Variant, Hares Ear, Mop, Frenchie, Tag Nymph, Blow Torch.
The release out of Platoro is increasing, and fishing is improving. Flows at mogote are increasing daily with the warm days. Smaller midges and mayflies are sporadic. Smaller midges and nymphs are the ticket these days and the bigger bugs starting to move around. Best with a double nymph or Euro rig for fish in the deeper lies.
