Welcome to Northern New Mexico. Sorry about the crowds.

Whether you are a first-time angler or fish a hundred days a year, there are bodies of water in Northern New Mexico that will tickle your fancy. All of the bodies of water I guide (21 and counting) are available to the public. All you need is a fishing license (if applicable). Ultimately, I want to show you how to enjoy fishing on your public land. Adventure awaits!

Part of your party taking the car for the day? No problem. Within reason, I can transport up to two people to and from our fishing destination at no additional charge. 

Please fill out your info and I will give you a call so that we can personalize your trip.

 

Locations

Costilla Creek

This beautiful creek wanders through meadows with mountains as your backdrop. It is stunning. There are two major sections of this creek that we can fish. The first section is a partnership between the New Mexico Game and Fish Department and the Rio Costilla Land and Cattle Association.

The second section is part of the Questa Ranger District within Carson National Forest and is known as the Valle Vidal (Valley of Life) Section. This creek provides habitat for Rainbows, Rio Grande Cutthroats, Browns, and Cuttbows. It makes for an extremely scenic day and is friendly for anglers of all abilities.

Rio de Los Pinos

Aka The River of the Pines

This beautiful and appropriately named river has a variety of features which provide habitat for Browns and Rainbows. This section is heavily stocked with Rainbow Trout by the State of New Mexico. It is appropriate for anglers of all ability levels. It is managed by New Mexico Game and Fish.

Rio Hondo

This is a technical section of water located along New Mexico State Road 150. It is within the Questa Ranger District of the Kit Carson National Forest. It is loaded with Brown Trout. Anglers who want to fish this body of water should have good balance and have ankles, knees, hips, and back in working order.

We will not be far from the car but will be walking down embankments and navigating a rocky stream bed with gradient. An angler(s) wishing to fish this body of water should have, or be willing to learn, techniques such as a role cast and bow and arrow cast. I really appreciate my time on this body of water and hope you will too. It is both productive and challenging.

Red River

The hatchery stretch of the Red River makes for the perfect half-day trip. This section is managed by New Mexico Game and Fish. It provides habitat for Rainbows and Browns. We can break this trip down into at least three parts:

  1. The hatchery pond

  2. The hatchery

  3. Moving water

All three can be utilized during the same trip by anglers keeping the following in mind:

The hatchery pond is open to anglers 11 years old and younger, 65 years and older, and individuals with disabilities (Handicapped Fishing License). It is very well stocked with rainbows and is incredibly user friendly.

A tour of the hatchery allows for anglers to view and feed 25" Rainbows. This is the largest hatchery in New Mexico. *You cannot fish the hatchery. It is for observation.

This moving water section of the Red River is for anglers who have, or are willing to learn, various casting methods. The banks are lined with vegetation. This stretch is home to Rainbows and Browns. It can also become off colored when it rains.

Santa Barbara Creek

This is one of my favorites. Santa Barbara Creek is within the Camino Real Ranger District of the Carson National Forrest. It is stunningly beautiful and loaded with Brown Trout. We can fish "from the car" or hike upstream into the Pecos Wilderness. Adventure awaits!

*For the angler willing to hike we can also fish the Middle Fork Rio Santa Barbara. It has the odd Rio Grande Cutthroat

Rio Chiquito

If you love the technical aspects of small stream fishing, you will love the Rio Chiquito located in the Camino Real Ranger District of the Kit Carson National Forest. As we climb in elevation and aspects change, you will be able to watch the forest transition from cactus and willow to spruce, fir, and pine. Fish these transitions!  Some things for consideration are:

  • You should be familiar with, or willing to learn, casting techniques such as dabbing and the bow and arrow cast. A role cast is a prerequisite.  

  • You won’t be walking far from the vehicle but your ankles, knees, hips, and back must be in good shape for this adventure. This stream is brushy and you will be making many casts from a “down on one knee” position. Balance is a must have. Some sections of this stream will require us to walk up and down steep embankments with loose rock and soil. Some sections of this stream will require “creeping and crawling” to get into position on fish.

  • If you are a bird watcher/listener the Rio Chiquito delivers.

  • Vast majority of fish are Brown Trout with the rare Cutthroat.

  • This drainage has many beaver ponds if that interests you.

Las Trampas

So you want to learn/utilize your bow and arrow cast in the pursuit of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout? The Las Trampas is within the Camino Real Ranger District of the Carson National Forest and will encourage small stream tips and tactics.

Anglers looking to fish the Las Trampas will need to have ankles, knees, and hips in good working order. Bring your "A" game.

Rio Pueblo

This drainage is located in the Camino Real Ranger District of the Carson National Forest. Brown and Rainbow Trout reside here. To fish this drainage the angler should have a sense of balance and joints in good working order. This is also a great body of water to work on roll casting, bow and arrow casting, and stealth tactics. It is roadside and beautiful.

Cabresto Creek

Located in the Questa Ranger District of the Carson National Forest Cabresto Creek holds Brook, Cutthroat, Brown, Rainbow, and Cuttbow Trout.

You will want to have or be willing to learn small stream techniques and tactics. Anglers wishing to fish Cabresto Creek should have good balance and joints in good working order. I am also permitted to fish Cabresto Lake if that interests you.

*I have several other streams that I am permitted to guide on. Not the least of which are Columbine Creek, Comanche Creek, Cimarron River, Vidal Creek, Rio San Leonardo, and the Rito la Presa. Please fill out the trip request form and I will give you a call so that we can plan the perfect trip for you.