Chama River - Chama - New Mexico
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Chama River – Chama - Water Flow Chart
Chama River – Chama - Weather report & radar
Chama River – Chama - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| April | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| May | Depends on water clarity | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| June | Green Drakes | Morning and Evening | #10-12 | Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Nymph |
| Stoneflies | Evening | #4-8 | Stimulator, Golden Stone | |
| July | Terrestrials | Afternoon | #8-14 | Green Butt Skunk, Dave’s Hopper |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| Stoneflies | Evening | #4-8 | Stimulator, Golden Stone | |
| August | Terrestrials | Afternoon | #8-14 | Green Butt Skunk, Dave’s Hopper |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| September | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #16-20 | Pheasant Tail, RS2 |
| November | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
Chama River – Chama Access Points
When choosing the best spots to fly fish on the Chama River, consider the following:
- Abiquiu Dam: Downstream of Abiquiu Dam provides a splendid fly fishing location due to the high number of brown and rainbow trout.
- Cooper’s El Vado Ranch: Situated alongside 3/4 mile of the Chama River, it offers private and public access to the river with a chance of large trout.
- Chama River Canyon Wilderness: This remote region provides access to the river in unspoiled wilderness, offering excellent catch on a good day.
- Below El Vado Dam: Fish can be large down here, but beware, this area can get busy during the right seasons.
- Rio Arriba County Public Access: Offers multiple points that are publicly accessible, opening opportunities for excellent fly fishing experiences.
Chama River – Chama Fishing Spots
The Chama River, located in New Mexico, is renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. The river harbors an abundance of trout, making it a popular spot for both novice and seasoned anglers.
Experienced fly fishers recommend the following spots for a fruitful fishing experience:
- Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: The river winds along the track of this historic railroad, providing beautiful and secluded fly fishing spots.
- Chama River Bend Lodge: Known for its well-stocked waters, this private lodge offers visitors access to some of the Chama River’s best fly fishing experiences.
- El Vado Lake State Park: Below El Vado Dam, the Chama River’s cold tailwaters create an ideal habitat for trout, attracting fly fishers from across the region.
- Chama River Canyon Wilderness: Offering both peace and privacy, this wilderness area of the river is abundant in fly fishing spots.
Chama River – Chama Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: This species is a major target for fly fishers due to their size and fight.
- Rainbow Trout: They are known for their beautiful bright colors and quick-biting tendency, making them an exciting catch.
- Brook Trout: Found in the cooler parts of the Chama River, they are known for their striking colors and patterns.
- Cutthroat Trout: Named for the distinctive red coloration on their throat, fly fishers enjoy the challenge they present.
- White Sucker: Although not always the favored target, they can be a challenge to catch because of their bottom-dwelling habits.
- Golden Trout: They are coveted for their brilliant colors and rarity, making them a prized catch for fly anglers.
- Mountain Whitefish: These fish are native to the Chama River and are popular for their feisty fight and unique appearance.
- Black Crappie: Being a warm water species, Black Crappie are less common in the Chama River, but remain a target for fly fishing due to their sensitivity to the fly.
About the Chama River – Chama
The Chama River, gushing through the landscapes of Northern New Mexico, holds a celebrated history. First inhabited by the ancient Puebloans, appreciation for its bounties spans millennia. This river has been a vital source of water for the settlements along its banks, fostering the growth of their agricultural activities.
- The Chama River is a major tributary of the Rio Grande, stretching about 130 miles.
- The river’s course, now famed as the Chama River Wilderness, became officially protected within the Santa Fe National Forest in 1978.
- Its breathtaking beauty is renowned, with its verdant cottonwood and willow banks orging starkly against the backdrop of New Mexico’s stark desert.
- The diverse fish population, in particular the rainbow and brown trout, makes it a hot spot for anglers.
Through time and turmoil, the Chama River – Chama continues to flow majestically, an emblem of nature’s endurance and an integral part of the regional identity.
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