Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Rio Costilla - Costilla - 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 Afternoon 22-26 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Baetis Afternoon 18-22 RS2, CDC Baetis Emerger
February Midges Afternoon 22-26 Red and Black Zebra Midge
Baetis Afternoon 18-22 RS2, Flashback Pheasant Tail
March Baetis Afternoon 18-22 RS2, CDC Baetis Emerger
Stoneflies All day 8-12 Pats Rubber Legs
April Baetis Noon – Evening 18-22 RS2, CDC Baetis Emerger
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis
Midges Morning – Afternoon 22-26 Zebra Midge
Midges Afternoon 22-26 Red and Silver Zebra Midge
May Caddis Afternoon-Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
Stoneflies All day 8-12 Pats Rubber Legs
June Stoneflies All day 8-12 Pats Rubber Legs, Stimulator
July Caddis Afternoon-Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis
PMDs Noon – Afternoon 16-20 Sparkle Dun PMD, Halfback PMD, Tilt Wing PMD
August Terrestrials All day 10-14 Hopper patterns, Ant patterns
Caddis Afternoon-Evening 14-18 Goddard Caddis, X-Caddis
September Terrestrials All day 10-14 Beetle patterns, Cricket patterns
Baetis Afternoon 18-22 RS2, CDC Baetis Emerger
October Baetis Afternoon 18-22 RS2, CDC Baetis Emerger
Midges Afternoon 22-26 Red and Silver Zebra Midge
November Baetis Afternoon 18-22 RS2
Midges Afternoon 22-26 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
December Midges Afternoon 22-26 Black Beauty, Zebra Midge
Baetis Afternoon 18-22 RS2, CDC Baetis Emerger

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

Fly fishing on the Rio Costilla offers a thrill unmatched by any other. The river, coming to life in Northern New Mexico, provides some of the best spots for anglers yearning for an adventure. Here is a list of the top fly fishing spots in Costilla:
  1. Valle Vidal Section of Rio Costilla:

    An ideal location for catching Rio Grande cutthroat trout, this spot is open for fishing from July to December only.

  2. The Rio Costilla Park:

    It is a privately owned park that offers excellent fishing during the summer. Park restriction apply, including catch and release only.

  3. The Latir Lakes:

    These high mountain lakes located within the Rio Costilla Park are stocked and also hold a good population of native trout.

  4. The Costilla Reservoir:

    This site on the upper Rio Costilla allows fishing year round and holds a sizable population of trout.

Best Access Points

The Rio Costilla – Costilla is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. To optimize your fishing experience, take note of these prime access points:

  • Costilla Creek: Known for a diverse fish population, this creek located right outside Costilla Park presents one of the best access points for fly fishing on Rio Costilla.
  • RCCLA (Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association): Home to nearly 16 miles of pristine stream waters, this area is a must-visit for any fly fisher.
  • The Valle Vidal: Found in the Carson National Forest, Valle Vidal is a scenic spot ideal for a peaceful fishing expedition.
  • Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument: This fishing spot located just upstream of Costilla town is exceptional for its wide array.
  • Costilla Dam: Constructed in 2008 for fishing purposes, this dam area is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.

Local Fish

  • Rainbow Trout: A common species targeted for fly fishing, characterized by their bright, colorful markings.
  • Brook Trout: Known for their distinctive marbled pattern, a favorite among fly fishers.
  • Brown Trout: Recognized by their yellowish-brown body, a challenge to catch making them prized by anglers.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Noted for their red-orange streak on the underside of their jaw, locally abundant in the Rio Costilla.
  • Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout: This is a subspecies of the cutthroat trout that is native to the Rio Grande.
  • Arctic Grayling: Though less common, this unique and beautiful species with a large dorsal fin is a prized catch.
  • Northern Pike: Known for their aggressive strikes and challenging fights, an exhilarating catch for fly fishers.
  • Mountain Whitefish: A species adapted to cold, clear waters, a challenging but rewarding catch for anglers.

About The River

Are you a fan of nature’s grandeur? Then, meet the magnificent Rio Costilla, flowing through the heart of land steeped in history. Aside from its exceptional beauty, Rio Costilla holds incredibly rich historical significance. The river showcases stories from the chronicles of the ancient Costilla Reservoir, which was established way back in the late 1800s.

  • 1800s: The river was a source of conflict in the Costilla estates, with people debating water rights. This led to the construction of the Costilla dam, one of the oldest reservoirs in Colorado, beautifully preserving a piece of the state’s history.
  • 1900s: The Rio Costilla was harnessed for irrigation, playing a pivotal role in supporting the foundation of agriculture in the area.

Today, the Rio Costilla continues to flow majestically, etching history with its currents, serving as a testimony of the past, and creating a future for the communities around it.

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