Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Pecos River - Pecos - New Mexico

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Anytime #20-22 Zebra Midge, Tiny Black
February Midges Anytime #20-22 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
March Blue-Winged Olive, Midges Afternoon #18-22 Pheasant Tail, Barr's Bwo Emerger
April Blue-Winged Olive, Caddis Afternoon #14-20 Elk Hair Caddis, Bwo Parachute
May Caddis, Stoneflies Afternoon #8-16 Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis
June Stoneflies, Caddis Evening #8-14 Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis
July Yellow Sally Stoneflies Mid-Afternoon to Evening #14-16 Hot Butt Sally, Yellow Stimulator
Grasshoppers Mid-Morning to Mid-Afternoon #6-12 Dave's Hopper, Parachute Hopper
Caddis Evening #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
August Grasshoppers Midday #6-12 Madam X, Parachute Hopper
Mayflies Afternoon #16-20 Parachute Adams, Hares Ear
September Mayflies, Midges Afternoon #18-24 Parachute Adams, Brassie
October Blue-Winged Olive Afternoon #18-24 Pheasant Tail, Bwo Comparadun
November Midges, Blue-Winged Olive Anytime #20-24 Red Midge Larva, Brassie
December Midges Anytime #22-24 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Pecos River, located in Pecos, boasts a myriad of stellar spots for the fly fishing enthusiast. Here are some of the top recommended locations:
  • Monastery Lake: An exquisite and peaceful haven known for trout fishing due to its cold water temperatures.
  • Pecos National Historic Park: This location offers access to a 3-mile stretch of the Pecos River, renowned for its abundant trout.
  • Cowan Fishing Access: This site is perfect for fly fishing enthusiasts who love to camp and fish. Expect to catch rainbow trout and brown trout.
  • Villanueva State Park: This spot offers a variety of fish such as catfish, bass, and crappie, in addition to the usual trout.
  • Terrero Bridge: Upstream from the Terrero Bridge a little ways, the fishing can yield some sizable trout.
Note: Always check local fishing regulations and have a valid fishing license before casting a line.

Best Access Points

Fly fishing on the Pecos River offers numerous access points, including:
  • Terrero Campground: Fly fishing access is quite easy here. You’ll have a variety of river sections to choose from, including flat water, riffles, and deep holes.
  • Pecos Benedictine Monastery: This location asks for a small donation from visitors but provides highly productive fly fishing waters.
  • Pecos National Historical Park: You’ll need to apply for a permit, but the waters in this park are stocked with rainbow trout making it ideal for fly fishing.
  • Jamie Koch Pavilion Recreation Site: This spot provides access to a tranquil stretch of the river, excellent for fly fishing.
  • Field Tract Campground: This campground offers direct access to the river, and it’s particularly good for brown and rainbow trout fishing.

Local Fish

  • Rainbow Trout: Rainbow trout is one of the main species targeted by fly fishers on the Pecos River because of their natural abundance and willingness to bite a wide variety of flies.
  • Brown Trout: Brown trout can be a bit more elusive, which makes them especially rewarding for fly fishers to catch. They can often be found in deeper water or hiding under cover.
  • Brook Trout: Native to eastern North America, Brook Trouts are now also making their home on the Pecos River, providing another thrilling challenge for fly fishers.
  • Golden Trout: The beautiful, brightly-colored golden trout is a popular catch with fly fishers. However, they are a rare and exciting find in the Pecos River.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Named for the tell-tale red slash on their throat, cutthroat trout offer a thrilling challenge to fly fishers on the Pecos River.
  • Rio Grande Perch: Though not a trout, the Rio Grande Perch is a popular fly fishing target. This species can be a challenge to catch, adding to the thrill of the sport.
  • Longnose Dace: These small fish are a common target for novice fly fishers or for those just looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
  • White Sucker: These bottom-dwelling fish can grow quite large, making them a prized catch for fly fishers on the Pecos River.

About The River

Flowing over 900 miles through the American Southwest, the Pecos River has a rich and colourful history. Born in the majestic Sangre de Cristo mountain range of northern New Mexico, the river winds its way southeast towards Texas, granting life to arid landscapes.

Here are key events in the river’s history:

  • Inhabited by the Pueblo people as early as 1,500 years ago; ruins of their grand cliff dwellings still exist.
  • The river served as an important landmark during 16th-century Spanish explorations in the Southwest.
  • In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Pecos River was vital for the iconic American cattle drives.

Today, along with its ecological significance, the Pecos draws tourists for fishing, boating, and Pecos River-style rock art– a style of painting attributed to Archaic people who left their mark in pictographs and petroglyphs adorning riverside cliffs and shelters.

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