Rio Grande - Taos - New Mexico
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Rio Grande – Taos - Water Flow Chart
Rio Grande – Taos - Weather report & radar
Rio Grande – Taos - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Noon – 4 PM | 18 – 22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stones | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Noon – 4 PM | 18 – 22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stones | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| March | Baetis | 11 AM – 5 PM | 16 – 20 | Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Noon – 4 PM | 18 – 22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| April | Baetis | 11 AM – 5 PM | 16 – 20 | Parachute Adams |
| Caddis | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | Caddis | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Baetis | 11 AM – 5 PM | 16 – 20 | Parachute Adams | |
| June | Caddis | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Stoneflies | 10 AM – 6 PM | 2 – 6 | Golden Stonefly Nymph | |
| July | Caddis | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Stoneflies | 10 AM – 6 PM | 2 – 6 | Golden Stonefly Nymph | |
| August | Caddis | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Terrestrials | All day | 8 – 12 | Chernobyl Ant | |
| September | Caddis | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Terrestrials | All day | 8 – 12 | Chernobyl Ant | |
| October | Baetis | 11 AM – 5 PM | 16 – 20 | Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Noon – 4 PM | 18 – 22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| November | Baetis | 11 AM – 5 PM | 16 – 20 | Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Noon – 4 PM | 18 – 22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| December | Midges | Noon – 4 PM | 18 – 22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Winter Stones | Noon – 4 PM | 14 – 18 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
Rio Grande – Taos Access Points
The Rio Grande around Taos is renowned for its thrilling fly fishing. There are several prime access points:
- The John Dunn Bridge Area: Just northwest of Taos, this is a favorite for catching Brown and Rainbow Trout. You need to hike to get there, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Pilar: South of Taos, near the Pilar Yacht Club, where you can also rent boating gear. The river’s slower flow and clear waters make for a perfect fishing haven.
- The Wild Rivers Recreation Area: North of Taos, this area is also a fantastic spot to reel in plenty of Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Rio Grande Cutthroat.
- Orilla Verde Recreation Area: This is located south of Pilar with a serene environment. This zone is a hidden gem for fly fishing enthusiasts, particularly in spring.
Note: Always check local fishing regulations and obtain necessary licenses before you drop your line.
Rio Grande – Taos Fishing Spots
The Rio Grande in Taos is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. Some of the top spots include:
- Taos Junction Bridge: Known for excellent trout fishing throughout the year. Enjoy the beautiful canyon views while you fish.
- Wild Rivers Recreation Area: Combines two rivers – the Rio Grande and Red River, making it an amazing spot for fly fishing.
- John Dunn Bridge: Located below the confluence of the Rio Hondo and Rio Grande, this area is teeming with wild brown trout.
- Pilar Recreation Area: Perfect for both wade and float fishing, Pilar is a popular spot that boasts an abundance of rainbow and brown trout.
- Orilla Verde Recreation Area: Home to the state park, known for its concentration of wildlife as well as great fishing spots.
Remember to check local fishing regulations before you head out, as they can change seasonally.
Rio Grande – Taos Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout – The brown trout is an iconic species targeted by fly fishermen. It is especially known for its ability to grow to large sizes.
- Brook Trout – The brook trout is recognized for its beautiful colors and patterns. It is a popular choice among fly fishermen because it tends to inhabit clear, cold waters.
- Rainbow Trout – Rainbow trout are both beautiful and aggressive, making them a compelling target for fly fishing enthusiasts.
- Cutbow Trout – A natural hybrid of rainbow and cutthroat trout, cutbow trout are prized for their fight and size.
- Golden Trout – Recognized by their vibrant golden flanks and red striping, golden trout offer a unique catch not often found in most waters.
- Northern Pikeminnow – Northern pikeminnow are a larger species, making them a great target for anglers looking for a hard fight.
- Smallmouth Bass – While not a traditional target for fly fishing, smallmouth bass offer a fun challenge due to their aggressive nature.
- Largemouth Bass – Similar to the smallmouth, largemouth bass are a great fish for fly fishing as they put up a good fight and are popular with anglers of all skill levels.
About the Rio Grande – Taos
Often referred to as the “lifeblood” of New Mexico, the Rio Grande is no mere river, but a pulsating artery, rich in history and culture. Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos, a tiny town graced by this river, embraces an illustrious past.
- Peeking into the annals of history, Native Americans thrived in the fertile Rio Grande valley thousands of years ago.
- In the late 1500s, Spanish explorers, in search of gold, found their way into this region.
- Centuries later, the Old Spanish Trail, a trade route spanning from Santa Fe to California, crisscrossed the Rio Grande, bringing goods and cultural exchange.
Today, the Rio Grande – Taos continues to flow as a silent narrator of bygone eras while embracing modern cultural shifts. As a living historical tapestry, it refreshes the souls of locals and charms visitors from around the globe.
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