Fishing Season: Prime is September - early November. April depending on runoff

Rio Grande - NM

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

52

Doc Thompson's Tip of the Week

Flows on the Rio are god fishable flows. Water temps are typical for early winter time frame. Mostly nymphing. Might still see a few Baetis and keep an eye out for fishing feeding on midges. Fishing has been ok. As we get closer to winter fishing will slow down but can still have some decent days.

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Map of Rio Grande

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Doc Thompson

5-Day Outlook as of 3/14/24

Expect conditions to continue. We have been have some colder temps as we approach winter making water temps colder. Can have some spotty decent days mixed in.

Techniques & Tips as of 3/14/24

Mostly fish nymphs. Better fishing will probably be late mornings and afternoons. Beware of icy spots along the trials and river banks.

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 tan 12
Cartoon Hopper dark colors 12
Cliff's Crazy Cranefly N/A 12-14
Shaggy Wire Caddis N/A 14-16
SJ Worm red 14
Hot spot nymphs red or orange hot sp 16-18
Hot Head Euro Pheasant Tail N/A 14-16
Higa's S.O.S. N/A 16-18
Copper Johns red, olive, 16-18
Streamers balck, olive 10

Hopper

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Doc Thompson's Recommended Gear

Description: About Rio Grande

Northern New Mexico-Taos Area

Nearest Airport:

Albuquerque International Sunport

Hatches:

Baetis and midges

Best Time to Fish:

morning-afternoon

Best Stretch:

Pilar area, 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