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Fishing Guide for Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Northern NM, Southern CO

Things to do / Travel Guide

This region is great for those vacationers who are seeking a fly fishing trip, due to the Rio Grande and its several tributaries, and the small number of lakes and reservoirs. Throughout the region, anglers will find quality fly fishing on mountain and desert streams, and ample opportunities to catch bass in the region's bountiful man-made reservoirs. In both cases, expect to be surrounded by the natural beauty of the area's wilderness as you fish the day away.

Fishing Trips on the Rio Grande

One of the best spots for a fly fishing trip on this famous river is slightly to the west of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains outside of Taos. There, the river snakes its way through the sheer canyon walls of the 70-mile long Rio Grande Gorge, home to some of the best large trout fishing in northern New Mexico. The fishing can be unpredictable in this untamed wilderness on the Rio Grande. Your best bets for trout are from August through October.

Fishing Trips on the Rio Chama

Named a “Wild and Scenic River” by Congress in 1988, the Rio Chama winds its way through wilderness areas full of heavily-wooded canyons and soaring multi-colored cliffs. This major tributary of the Rio Grande is home to a host of outfitters who run day and overnight fishing excursions on the river. If you're so inclined, take on the trout by yourself - a $5 fee gets you all-day access to the river.

Fishing Trips on the Red River

You'd be hard-pressed to beat the scenery on the stretch of this river that runs through the aptly named town of Red River. This little river, at the southern-most tip of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is a great trout fishing area, and it doesn't hurt that it's surrounded by the beauty of the Carson National Forest.

Fishing Trips on the Abiquiu Reservoir

Just 30 miles north of Española, this man-made reservoir is surrounded by the beautiful Santa Fe National Forest.
You'll have many opportunities to catch big bass and take in sweeping views of the Cerro Pedernal, which Georgia O'Keefe referred to as her “favorite mountain”. This site is also famous for the 200-million-year-old dinosaur fossils found nearby.

Fishing Trips on the Conejos River

Heavyweight brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout are in heavy supply on this section of the river that runs through pine forests and steep canyons outside of Alamosa, Colorado. Befitting its status as a great fishing location, the town has several tour companies and resorts that cater to anglers wanting to fish the Conejos River.