Chama River - Below El Vado - New Mexico
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Chama River – Below El Vado - Water Flow Chart
Chama River – Below El Vado - Weather report & radar
Chama River – Below El Vado - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Stoneflies | Warmest Part of Day | #8-12 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Prince Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Stoneflies | Warmest Part of Day | #8-12 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Prince Nymph | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, BWO Dry Fly |
| Midges | All Day | #18-22 | Black Beauty, Zebra Midge | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Caddisflies | Early Morning/Late Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| May | Caddisflies | Early Morning/Late Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| Mayflies | Afternoon | #14-16 | Adams, Hare’s Ear Nymph | |
| June | Stoneflies | Night | #8-10 | Stimulator, Golden Stone |
| Mayflies | Afternoon | #14-16 | Parachute Adams, Hare’s Ear Nymph | |
| July | Caddisflies | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis |
| Terrestrials | Mid Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Hopper Patterns, Ant Patterns | |
| August | Terrestrials | Mid Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Beetle Patterns, Hoppers |
| Tricos | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun | |
| September | Terrestrials | Mid Morning/Afternoon | #10-14 | Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, BWO Dry Fly | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Midges | All Day | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Stoneflies | Warmest Part of Day | #8-12 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Prince Nymph | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Stoneflies | Warmest Part of Day | #8-12 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Prince Nymph |
Chama River – Below El Vado Access Points
The Chama River, located below El Vado, provides many excellent access points for avid fly fishers. Here is a list of the best access points:
- Cooper’s El Vado Ranch: A great starting point offering a variety of trout species.
- Chama River Canyon Wilderness: While remote, this location offers excellent fishing opportunities.
- Below El Vado Dam: Fish directly below the dam for high chances of success.
- Rio Arriba Game and Fish Access: Easy public access point with varied fish species.
- Christ In The Desert Monastery: Reachable by a primitive dirt road and it offers a peaceful fly fishing experience.
Remember, varying water levels can affect fishing conditions considerably, so adapt your approach accordingly and always follow the rules and regulations of each site.
Chama River – Below El Vado Fishing Spots
The Chama River below El Vado is a treasure trove for fly fishing enthusiasts with several excellent spots:
- El Vado Tailwater: Immediately downstream from El Vado Dam, this area is well-stocked and fish can be caught year-round.
- Cooper’s El Vado Ranch: A pay-to-access spot that offers over 3 miles of private water with large rainbow and brown trout.
- Chama River Bend Lodge: Another private stretch of river, ideal for fishing at the height of the season.
- The free-draw section between El Vado and Heron Lake often runs dry and may not always be suitable for fishing.
- Portions of the Chama Wilderness can be reached via Forest Road 151 but this is recommended only for experienced mountaineers.
Chama River – Below El Vado Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: Known for their hard fights and beautiful colors, Brown Trout are a popular target for fly fishers on the Chama River.
- Rainbow Trout: They are stocked frequently and can be caught in good numbers. They offer a good fight and are perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
- Brook Trout: Generally smaller in size, Brook Trout can offer a unique challenge to anglers. They are often found in colder sections of the river.
- Mountain Whitefish: Though not often targeted, Mountain Whitefish can provide a fun change of pace for anglers. They can be caught on a variety of fly patterns.
- Cutthroat Trout: A native species, the Cutthroat Trout are particularly revered among fly fishers. They are not as abundant as other species, but catching one is always a special experience.
- Arctic Grayling: Known for their unique dorsal fin and silvery coloration, Arctic Grayling are a prized catch. While not as common, they can sometimes be found in the Chama River.
- Pike: Pike are the top predator in the Chama River. They require heavier tackle and are a thrill to catch due to their aggressive nature.
- Golden Trout: Known for their beautiful golden flanks and red stripe, Golden Trout are a rare and valued catch.
About the Chama River – Below El Vado
The Chama River is a prominent natural treasure situated in the beautiful state of New Mexico. Originating from the San Juan Mountains in south-central Colorado, it is a significant tributary of the Rio Grande, measuring 130 miles in length.
The portion of the river ‘Below El Vado’ is popularly known for its recreational offerings.
- It’s a highly acclaimed site for fly-fishing, with a wealth of trout species.
- It’s also one of the go-to places in the region for white-water rafting because of its unperturbed gradient.
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