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Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Outfitter / Fly Shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico
100% customer satisfaction has been our commitment since 1856. It's who we are. If you aren't happy with a product or service, we want to know about it. And we'll make it right.
THAT'S THE ORVIS WAY.
The Reel Life, NM
Welcome to Santa Fe’s premier Fly Shop and Guide Service! We specialize in guiding public and private waters throughout northern New Mexico. Our full-service fly shop is conveniently located inside the De Vargas Mall and stocks everything you need to make your next fishing trip successful.
Our staff of patient and professional instructors can help you maximize your time on the water while improving your Fly Fishing skills. We guide full and half-day trips on the Pecos, Chama, Rio Grande, Brazos, Jemez and more!
In March of 2014 The Reel Life was purchased by Ivan Valdez and Nick Streit and the store was moved to its current location inside the De Vargas Mall at 526 North Guadalupe St. in Santa Fe NM. After a 10-year run as co-owner of The Reel Life, Ivan bought out Nick in August of 2024 and is now the full fly shop owner.
Our goal at The Reel Life is to ensure that all of our guests have a great experience both at the fly shop and out on the water. Customer service is our number one priority, and we leave no stone unturned!
Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.
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Trips typically meet at the Reel Life at 8 am. If you need to be picked up at your hotel, your guide will coordinate a time to do so. Some trips may meet closer to the river being fished, if it’s more convenient for the client. Some places we fish require a good amount of hiking/wading over rough terrain and some do not.
We offer on the water instruction.
If you or anyone in your party has any medical conditions that may have an effect on your day, please let us know in advance.
If you or anyone in your party has any health issues that may be a factor, please let your guide know before the trip.
Full day trips include lunch. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know.
We recommend that our clients wear long sleeve shirts and long pants (not jeans) and bring hat, polarized sunglasses and rain gear. The Reel Life has everything you might need (or have forgotten) for sale or rent.
New Mexico waters are as diverse as its culture. From high alpine cutthroat streams and lakes to the dramatic Rio Grande Gorge, New Mexico has something to offer anglers of all abilities and persuasions. And because of its geographic diversity, good fishing can be had 12 months a year!
Rivers such as the Rio Grande and Chama typically fish best in spring, fall, and winter. In the warmth of summer (Santa Fe is at 7,000 feet and a typical summer day is around 80 degrees), we head to the high country to fish the productive waters of the Pecos and its tributaries. In particular, Cow Creek Ranch - where The Reel Life has access to guide - is an excellent choice for anglers looking for private water and a fish of a lifetime.
Other waters we enjoy fishing in the summer are the Los Pinos, Vallecitos, Brazos, and Jemez streams. We also enjoy taking clients high into the mountains to some "secret spots" in search of native Rio Grande cutthroats.
Weather in the Rocky Mountains can change fast and often, so being prepared for changing conditions will ensure comfort on your trip. Typically, summer weather is very pleasant with highs in the 70s or 80s F. In July and August, NM sees its monsoon season. Afternoon rain storms can be expected, but are usually localized and easy to work around. Fishing in the winter can be very productive and comfortable as long as folks are dressed appropriately.
The Reel Life is open year round.
Full day
Half Day
Float Trip*
*Float Trips are only available when we have appropriate conditions.
Group trips and rates available. Private water available for and additional fee.
Deposits will be refunded with 7 days’ notice only. Trips will not be cancelled due to weather, unless the weather is deemed to be dangerous by your guide. Most of our clients will catch fish, but we cannot guarantee fish caught.
The Reel Life is pleased to have some of the best/most experienced guide staff in the region. Standard gratuity for your guide is 15-20% of the guide fee.