Fly Fishing in New Mexico 

New Mexico has a climate that allows for year round fishing. And though not as publicly recognized as other states, it has some of the best fly fishing rivers in the country. 

The San Juan River is the most popular trout fishing stream in New Mexico. With thousands of big rainbows and browns, it averages sizes of 17 inches with plenty of fish over 20 inches. This river does have a learning curve and can be tough to fish in at first. 

From April to late September, anglers can fish in the Pecos River. Perfect for those looking for more solitude, the upper parts of this river and its travels through the Pecos Wilderness area are more isolated. With many small streams only 3 to 10 feet wide, long hikes may be necessary to reach the river. 

The Jemez River is a small trout stream with public access fishing along most of its length. It is frequently stocked with rainbow trout, while the smaller rivers flowing into it have a good population of brown trout.

34 miles long, the Chama River provides rainbow trout and trophy sized browns, as well as some Kokanee salmon.  

Like the San Juan, the Rio Grande can sometimes have difficult fly fishing. But, as one of the United State's best rivers, in the fall 20 inch trouts can be caught here. 

Most of the fly fishing takes place in the northern part of the state as it has the better fishing. However, the Gila Wilderness Area and the Elephant Butte Reservoir are good spots in the south. 

Though the cutthroat trout is the official state fish of New Mexico, the state also provides anglers with a variety of other fish including rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and some warm water species such as pike, bass, and carp.