New Mexico Fly Fishing

Is Fly Fishing popular in New Mexico?

Yes, fly fishing is popular in New Mexico. The state has a variety of rivers, streams, and lakes that are home to a diverse range of fish species, including trout, bass, pike, and catfish. Some of the most popular fly fishing destinations in New Mexico include the San Juan River, the Rio Grande, the Pecos River, and the Red River.

New Mexico also has several fly fishing outfitters and guide services, which offer guided trips and instruction for both beginners and experienced anglers. Additionally, the state has several fly fishing clubs and organizations, such as the New Mexico Trout and the Enchanted Circle Trout Unlimited, which promote the sport and provide opportunities for anglers to connect and learn from one another.

What are the top targeted species for anglers in New Mexico?

New Mexico has a variety of fish species that are popular targets for fly fishing. Some of the top target species in the state include:

  1. Rainbow Trout: Rainbow trout are one of the most common species in New Mexico, and are found in many of the state's streams and rivers. They are known for their acrobatic fights and are often caught on dry flies.

  2. Brown Trout: Brown trout are another popular species in New Mexico, and can be found in many of the same waters as rainbow trout. They are known for being smart and challenging to catch, which makes them a favorite among experienced anglers.

  3. Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat trout are native to New Mexico and are found in several streams and rivers in the state. They are known for their striking colors and are often caught on dry flies.

  4. Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass are found in several of New Mexico's lakes and rivers, and are popular targets for fly anglers. They are known for their aggressive fights and are often caught on streamers.

  5. Carp: Carp are becoming an increasingly popular species to target on the fly in New Mexico. They can be found in several of the state's rivers and lakes and are known for their size and power, which makes them a challenging catch.

Overall, New Mexico offers a diverse range of fly fishing opportunities, with something to offer for anglers of all skill levels and interests.

5 popular Rivers to fly fish in New Mexico

  1. San Juan River: The San Juan River is one of the most famous fly fishing destinations in New Mexico, and is renowned for its large population of trout. The river is located below the Navajo Dam and is known for its crystal-clear water and year-round fishing opportunities.

  2. Rio Grande: The Rio Grande is the longest river in New Mexico and offers excellent fly fishing for a variety of species, including trout, bass, pike, and catfish. The river runs through several canyons and provides a beautiful setting for anglers.

  3. Pecos River: The Pecos River is a popular destination for fly anglers and is known for its population of wild brown and rainbow trout. The river runs through the Pecos Wilderness, which provides a remote and scenic setting for fishing.

  4. Red River: The Red River is a small, mountain stream that offers excellent fly fishing for rainbow and brown trout. The river is located near the town of Red River and is known for its scenic beauty.

  5. Chama River: The Chama River is a popular destination for both fly fishing and whitewater rafting. The river is home to several species of trout, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat, and is known for its scenic beauty and challenging fishing.

These are just a few of the many rivers that New Mexico has to offer for fly fishing. Each river provides a unique experience for anglers and offers a chance to catch a variety of fish species in a beautiful natural setting.

What are Fly Fishing regulations for New Mexico?

Fly fishing regulations in New Mexico are set by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and vary depending on the location and species of fish being targeted. Here are some general regulations for fly fishing in New Mexico:

  1. License Requirements: All anglers in New Mexico are required to have a valid fishing license, which can be purchased online or at various retail outlets across the state. There are different licenses available for residents and non-residents, and different options for daily, annual, and lifetime licenses.

  2. Catch and Release: Many rivers and streams in New Mexico have catch-and-release regulations in place, which require anglers to release all fish caught back into the water unharmed.

  3. Bag Limits: Some species of fish in New Mexico have bag limits in place, which limit the number of fish that an angler can keep per day. It's important to be aware of these limits and to follow them to help maintain healthy fish populations.

  4. Seasonal Restrictions: Some rivers and streams in New Mexico have seasonal fishing restrictions in place, which limit fishing during certain times of the year to help protect spawning fish.

  5. Special Regulations: Some rivers and streams in New Mexico have special fishing regulations in place, such as the use of artificial flies and lures only, or the prohibition of bait fishing.

It's important for anglers to review the regulations for the specific river or stream they plan to fish and to follow all rules and guidelines to help preserve New Mexico's fish populations and their habitats. The NMDGF website is a good resource for detailed information on fishing regulations in New Mexico.

Popular Fly Shops in New Mexico

  1. Los Pinos Fly and Tackle Shop: Located in Taos, New Mexico, Los Pinos Fly and Tackle Shop has been serving fly anglers since 1985. The shop offers a wide variety of fly fishing gear, including rods, reels, lines, and flies, as well as guided fly fishing trips on the nearby Rio Grande and other waters in the area.

  2. High Desert Angler: High Desert Angler is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and offers a full range of fly fishing gear and accessories, as well as guided fly fishing trips on the nearby Rio Grande, Chama River, and other waters in the area. The shop also hosts regular fly tying classes and other educational events.

  3. Taos Fly Shop: Taos Fly Shop is located in Taos, New Mexico, and offers a wide selection of fly fishing gear and accessories, as well as guided fly fishing trips on the nearby Rio Grande and other waters in the area. The shop also hosts regular fly tying classes and other educational events.

  4. The Reel Life: The Reel Life is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and offers a variety of fly fishing gear and accessories, as well as guided fly fishing trips on the nearby Rio Grande and other waters in the area. The shop also offers rod and reel rentals for anglers who don't have their own gear.

  5. Fly Fishing Outpost: Fly Fishing Outpost is located in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and offers a full range of fly fishing gear and accessories, as well as guided fly fishing trips on the nearby Rio Ruidoso and other waters in the area. The shop also offers fly tying classes and other educational events.

All of these shops are staffed by experienced and knowledgeable anglers who can provide advice and recommendations on gear, techniques, and fishing spots in the area. They are also great resources for up-to-date information on local fishing conditions and regulations.

What is the History of Fly Fishing in New Mexico?

Fly fishing in New Mexico has a long and rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, wealthy easterners began traveling west to New Mexico for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Many of these anglers brought with them the latest equipment and techniques in fly fishing, which they used to pursue trout in the state's rivers and streams.

One of the early pioneers of fly fishing in New Mexico was Ernest Thompson Seton, a naturalist and author who established a fishing camp on the Pecos River in the early 1900s. Seton's camp, which was known as the "Seton Village," became a popular destination for anglers and helped to popularize fly fishing in New Mexico.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a number of dams and reservoirs in New Mexico, which created new fishing opportunities for anglers. The San Juan River, for example, was transformed into a world-class trout fishery after the construction of the Navajo Dam in the 1960s.

Today, New Mexico is home to some of the best fly fishing in the United States, with a wide variety of rivers, streams, and lakes that provide excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including trout, bass, pike, and catfish. The state is also home to a vibrant fly fishing community, with a number of shops, outfitters, and guides that cater to anglers of all skill levels.

Blog Posts about Fly Fishing in New Mexico