Chama River - Below Abiquiu - New Mexico
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Chama River – Below Abiquiu - Water Flow Chart
Chama River – Below Abiquiu - Weather report & radar
Chama River – Below Abiquiu - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Griffith’s Gnat, F-Fly |
| BWO | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Griffith’s Gnat, F-Fly |
| BWO | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph | |
| March | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| BWO | Afternoon | #16-#18 | PMD Nymph, Sparkle Dun | |
| April | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| May | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| June | Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis |
| Yellow Stones | Afternoon | #12-#14 | Stimulator, Prince Nymph | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | #20-#22 | Trico Spinner, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| August | Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis |
| Tricos | Morning | #20-#22 | Trico Spinner, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| September | BWO | Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph |
| Caddis | Evening | #14-#16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| October | BWO | Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph |
| Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Griffith’s Gnat, F-Fly |
| BWO | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20-#22 | Griffith’s Gnat, F-Fly |
| BWO | Late Afternoon | #16-#18 | Olive Emerger, PMD Nymph |
Chama River – Below Abiquiu Access Points
The Chama River Below Abiquiu is a fly fishing hotspot with many accessible points. Here are some of the best spots to consider:
- Abiquiu Dam: Situated just below the dam, it offers abundant Rainbow and Brown trout. One caveat is that the water can become murky after heavy runoff or water releases.
- Cooper’s El Vado Ranch: A private stretch with day permits providing controlled fishing pressure and well-managed habitats.
- Chama River State Park: This spot is ideal for bank fishing or float tube.
However, it’s important to consider the water release schedules from Abiquiu Dam, as high water flows can affect fishing conditions. Also, remember to check for private property and always respect signage.
Chama River – Below Abiquiu Fishing Spots
The Chama River, situated below Abiquiu, possesses a variety of ideal fly fishing spots loaded with trout. These spots can offer thrilling experiences to both novices and professional anglers.
- The Tailwater Stretch: Providing year-round fishing, it is a world-class fishery filled with rainbow and brown trout.
- Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River Area: This location is famous for its beautiful scenery and large brown trout.
- El Vado Ranch: Full of native trout and stunning landscapes, it has been a favorite among anglers.
- The Chavez Canyon: This location is packed with pocket water and deep pools, making it perfect for fly fishing.
While the tailwater stretch focuses on technical fishing, the other areas provide a more relaxed experience, where you can fish a dry fly with ease. The Chavez Canyon is perfect for adventurous individuals with its tricky spots but remunerative trout pools.
Chama River – Below Abiquiu Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: Noted for their distinctive reddish-ddot pattern along their flank, these elusive fish are a prize catch for many fly fishers.
- Rainbow Trout: An iconic freshwater fish with beautiful variegated coloring that often leaps out of the water when hooked.
- Brook Trout: Smaller than its rainbow and brown counterparts, the brook trout has a sweet, mild flavor that anglers appreciate.
- White Bass: Known for their flashy fighting style and the excitement they bring to the angler.
- Channel Catfish: Typically not considered a fly fishing species, however, they can be very aggressive and put up a great fight.
- Pike: While not as common, some anglers have success landing these toothy predators on a fly at the Chama River.
- Yellow Perch: Offering great visuals to anglers, Yellow Perch love to bite and put up a nice fight for their size.
- Smallmouth Bass: Often overlooked by trout anglers, smallmouth can be a fun challenge on a fly and put up an aggressive fight.
About the Chama River – Below Abiquiu
The Chama River below Abiquiu has a rich history that’s as dynamic as the river itself. In northern New Mexico, this place is a paradise for water enthusiasts and history fans alike.
The river’s history traces back to the ancestral Pueblo people who thrived in the area around 800 AD. Residing in the Chama River Valley, they were among the earliest agricultural societies in North America.
- The river served as a crucial source of water for their corn, beans, and squash cultivation.
- The fertile soil in the area was handy for growing crops and led to the establishment of many settlements.
In the mid-16th century, Spanish explorers first documented the river and used it as a travel route, further shaping its history. Today, the Chama River below Abiquiu is popular for rafting, fishing, and historical exploration.
Community Contributions
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