Fly Fishing Report for Saturday June 28, 2008

It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 513 cfs below Navajo Dam; Good
The San Juan is at it's lowest flow in a long time. We may see a higher summer time release once spring snowmelt on the Animas is done. This is thought by many guides and anglers to be the best time to fish the Juan. A lot of fish that usually see every drift good and bad, hadn't seen much during the higher release. As a result, those fish are usually quite hot and willing to eat. Also this time of year brings large ant falls with the summer rains. Midge nymphing will still be the most productive. Size 20 and 22 gray, black, and cream midge larvae, and olive rs2's and baetis nymphs have been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! Please note; the New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearance on the San Jaun. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation as a pinched barb may still snag the tippet that is being used to check barbs!

Rio Grande 994 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 1510 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Fair for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is murky and will likely remain so until July. Contrary to other reports, you can pick up trout on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs, pheasant tails, or crane fly larvae. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 111 cfs below Terrero; Good
The river above the village of Pecos has started to come down slowly over the past few weeks. Wading is a lot easier and a lot of the pockets are starting to reappear and there is more soft water on the edges. The stonefly hatch is pretty well done although there are a few small ones coming off up past Terrero. Caddis hatches in the afternoons are bringing up fish as well as some sporadic mayfly activity. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked recently. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 59 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, yellow stimulators, pink cahills, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 23 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
The bottom dropped out of the Jemez streams and runoff is over. The Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are a little stained, but the river is at a wadeable level. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams, dennis hoppers, and yellow sallies has been excellent mid-day on the headwaters. On the lower reaches, mid-day fishing does slow some but picks up once the shadows start hitting the water again.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 463 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 764 cfs below El Vado Dam; Slow: and 890 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river difficult to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in runoff and is still high. The tailwater sections usually fish best below 300 cfs. The nearby Brazos is coming down and clearing, but still high. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 530 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 1200 cfs at Mogote; Slow to Fair
June 25, 2008. "All the flows on the river headed towards much better. Water clarity good everywhere. Large caddis hatches, salmon flies, and goldens starting on the lower river. Upper river very good nymphing with occasional fish taking the dry, expect all that to change very soon. Just seems like the river is about to burst with bug life and expect the fish to match the activity level of the bugs. Still mostly nymph fishing below the dam on very small midge and mayfly insects. Water flows at this time were 140 cfs at Platoro and about 900 at Mogote. The nymph fishing has been very predictable and very good on the lower with mostly stonefly nymphs. The dry fly fishing has been sporadic but we are seeing more and more fish each day looking up. Great week of weather on tap with mild daytime temps (80 or so) should continue to cook up more bugs." Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report.

Rio Grande 1100 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow to Fair
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been hovering abetween 1000 to 1200 cfs. There is decent water clarity and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable all the way to South Fork.

Arkansas River 2640 cfs at Salida: Slow
Visibility has declinded although the edgewater is still rather fishable. The clarity improves above Buena VIsta. Try a stimulator or PMX with a big prince or copper john dropper, or go deep into the slower holding water with a double stonefly nymph rig. Hayden Meadows stretch is a little high but there is good clarity and it is fishing fair.

Animas River 2330 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is still high and roiling. The water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is finally down and currently flowing at 132 cfs. The upper forks of the Delores are still in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan are also still in runoff. Spring fishing may be tough here as runoff is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.

Fly Fishing Report for Thursday June 26, 2008

\It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 519 cfs below Navajo Dam; Good
The San Juan is at it's lowest flow in a long time. We may see a higher summer time release once spring snowmelt on the Animas is done. This is thought by many guides and anglers to be the best time to fish the Juan. A lot of fish that usually see every drift good and bad, hadn't seen much during the higher release. As a result, those fish are usually quite hot and willing to eat. Also this time of year brings large ant falls with the summer rains. Midge nymphing will still be the most productive. Size 20 and 22 gray, black, and cream midge larvae, and olive rs2's and baetis nymphs have been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! Please note; the New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearance on the San Jaun. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation as a pinched barb may still snag the tippet that is being used to check barbs!

Rio Grande 1020 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 1680 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Fair for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is murky and will likely remain so until late June. Contrary to other reports, you can pick up trout on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs, pheasant tails, or crane fly larvae. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 118 cfs below Terrero; Good
The river above the village of Pecos has started to come down slowly over the past few weeks. Wading is a lot easier and a lot of the pockets are starting to reappear and there is more soft water on the edges. The stonefly hatch is up to Terrero. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked recently and may offer an alternative to the Pecos. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 42 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, yellow stimulators, pink cahills, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 23 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
The bottom dropped out of the Jemez streams and runoff is over. The Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are a little stained, but the river is at a wadeable level. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams, dennis hoppers, and yellow sallies has been excellent mid-day on the headwaters. On the lower reaches, mid-day fishing does slow some but picks up once the shadows start hitting the water again.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 539 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 593 cfs below El Vado Dam; Slow: and 890 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river difficult to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in runoff and is still high. The tailwater sections usually fish best below 300 cfs. The nearby Brazos is coming down and clearing, but still high. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Jicarilla Nation Lakes Slow to Good Fishing has slowed considerably at Stone Lake. The opportunity for fly fishing has been in the early mornings during the midge hatch and before the wind kicks up. Midges and midge emergers in red and gray in a size 12, damsel nymphs, and calibaetis nymphs are in abundance. Stone Lake does have special regulations, but it appears that most people are keeping the bigger fish that they catch. Mundo will be stocked soon with larger trout for there upcoming 3 Species Derby to be held on June 28th. Mundo is murky but fishing well. Mundo has bass and catfish as well as trout and can prevent a bust if the other lakes are tough. Enbom is currently fishing well on damsel nymphs, calibaetis nymphs, and pheasant tails. Enbom has had some pressure and as such a float tube is absolutely invaluable there.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 540 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 1210 cfs at Mogote; Slow to Fair
June 19,2008. "Today had the opportunity of fishing with Bill DeCamp of Kansas and we fished up high for a half day and spent 2 hours trying to find where the fish were. The next 3 hours was mayhem in every way. I have never seen fish hold in a torrent but they were absolutely stuffed in the raging current. Lower river is still big but I think it will loose its mustard soon. There continue to be large Salmonflies crawling out at night and expect to see them around for 6 to 10 days. Goldens and caddis should start soon and hopefully the Drakes will take their time. The new report from the NRCS says that the snowpack has been dramatically reduced with the dry warm weather so don't expect to see this monster runoff to last for that long. As soon as we get some clouds, cooler weather or the snowfields start to loose there steam the lower river will mellow out and should be really good and buggy." Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report. Keep looking at the releases out of Platoro Reservoir. If they get below 200 cfs, the meadows below the dam will fish well.

Rio Grande 994 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow to Fair
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been hovering abetween 1000 to 1200 cfs. There is decent water clarity and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable all the way to South Fork.

Arkansas River 3180 cfs at Salida: Slow
Visibility has declinded although the edgewater is still rather fishable. The clarity improves above Buena VIsta. Try a stimulator or PMX with a big prince or copper john dropper, or go deep into the slower holding water with a double stonefly nymph rig. Hayden Meadows stretch is a little high but there is good clarity and it is fishing fair.

Animas River 2670 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is very high and roiling. The river is stirred up, the water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is also way up and currently flowing at 672 cfs. The upper forks of the Delores are still in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan are also still in runoff. Williams Creek below the dam is also high with dam release. Spring fishing may be tough here as runoff is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.

Fly Fishing Report for Saturday June 21, 2008

It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 3060 cfs below Navajo Dam; Good
The Bureau of Rec. has announced a revised release schedule for Navajo Dam. For the details and dates of the releases, please see our Announcements Page. The release will remain around this level through the 22nd, then will drop to 1700 cfs on the 23rd, down to 1000 on the 24th, and finally down to 500 on June 25th. We may see a higher summer time release once flows on the Animas drop. The best reports were coming from people fishing from drift boats. For the wading fly fisher, the upper flats, cable hole, and lower flats have been fishing well. Look for fish holding tight to the banks. Midge nymphing has been the most productive. Size 24 red and orange midge larvae, with a trailing cream midge or chocolate emerger been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! A wading staff is also highly rcommended! Please note; the New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearance on the San Jaun. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation as a pinched barb may still snag the tippet that is being used to check barbs!

Rio Grande 1520 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 2220 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Slow for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is murky and will likely remain so until late June. Contrary to other reports, you can pick up fish on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs, pheasant tails, or crane fly larvae. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 157 cfs below Terrero; Good
The river above the village of Pecos has started to come down slowly over the past two weeks. Wading is a little difficult in places. A lot of the pockets are starting to reappear and there is more soft water on the edges. Make sure to fish the edges where fish are waiting for crawling stonefly larvae or the molting adults. The stonefly hatch is up to Terrero. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked recently and may offer an alternative to the Pecos. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 19 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, yellow stimulators, pink cahills, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 35 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
The bottom dropped out of the Jemez streams and runoff is over. The Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are a little stained, but the river is at a wadeable level. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams, dennis hoppers, and yellow sallies has been excellent mid-day on the headwaters. On the lower reaches, mid-day fishing does slow some but picks up once the shadows start hitting the water again.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 789 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 756 cfs below El Vado Dam; Slow: and 1250 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river difficult to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in runoff and is still high. The tailwater sections usually fish best below 300 cfs. The nearby Brazos is coming down and clearing, but still high. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Jicarilla Nation Lakes Slow to Good Fishing has slowed considerably at Stone Lake. The opportunity for fly fishing has been in the early mornings during the midge hatch and before the wind kicks up. Midges and midge emergers in red and gray in a size 12, damsel nymphs, and calibaetis nymphs are in abundance. Stone Lake does have special regulations, but it appears that most people are keeping the bigger fish that they catch. Mundo will be stocked soon with larger trout for there upcoming 3 Species Derby to be held on June 28th. Mundo is murky but fishing well. Mundo has bass and catfish as well as trout and can prevent a bust if the other lakes are tough. Enbom is currently fishing well on damsel nymphs, calibaetis nymphs, and pheasant tails. Enbom has had some pressure and as such a float tube is absolutely invaluable there.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 1975 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 1500 cfs at Mogote; Slow to Fair
June 19,2008. "Today had the opportunity of fishing with Bill DeCamp of Kansas and we fished up high for a half day and spent 2 hours trying to find where the fish were. The next 3 hours was mayhem in every way. I have never seen fish hold in a torrent but they were absolutely stuffed in the raging current. Lower river is still big but I think it will loose its mustard soon. There continue to be large Salmonflies crawling out at night and expect to see them around for 6 to 10 days. Goldens and caddis should start soon and hopefully the Drakes will take their time. The new report from the NRCS says that the snowpack has been dramatically reduced with the dry warm weather so don't expect to see this monster runoff to last for that long. As soon as we get some clouds, cooler weather or the snowfields start to loose there steam the lower river will mellow out and should be really good and buggy." Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report. Keep looking at the releases out of Platoro Reservoir. If they get below 200 cfs, the meadows below the dam will fish well.

Rio Grande 1180 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow to Fair
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been hovering abetween 1000 to 1200 cfs. There is decent water clarity and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable all the way to South Fork.

Arkansas River 3840 cfs at Salida: Slow
Visibility has declinded although the edgewater is still rather fishable. The clarity improves above Buena VIsta. Try a stimulator or PMX with a big prince or copper john dropper, or go deep into the slower holding water with a double stonefly nymph rig. Hayden Meadows stretch is a little high but there is good clarity and it is fishing fair.

Animas River 3720 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is very high and roiling. The river is stirred up, the water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is also way up and currently flowing at 672 cfs. The upper forks of the Delores are still in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan are also still in runoff. Williams Creek below the dam is also high with dam release. Spring fishing may be tough here as runoff is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.

Fly Fishing Report for Friday June 20, 2008

It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 3880 cfs below Navajo Dam; Good
The Bureau of Rec. has announced a revised release schedule for Navajo Dam. For the details and dates of the releases, please see our Announcements Page. The release will remain around this level through the 22nd, then will drop to 1700 cfs on the 23rd, down to 1000 on the 24th, and finally down to 500 on June 25th. We may see a higher summer time release once flows on the Animas drop. The best reports were coming from people fishing from drift boats. For the wading fly fisher, the upper flats, cable hole, and lower flats have been fishing well. Look for fish holding tight to the banks. Midge nymphing has been the most productive. Size 24 red and orange midge larvae, with a trailing cream midge or chocolate emerger been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! A wading staff is also highly rcommended! Please note; the New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearance on the San Jaun. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation as a pinched barb may still snag the tippet that is being used to check barbs!

Rio Grande 1480 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 2160 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Slow for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is murky and will likely remain so until late June. Contrary to other reports, you can pick up fish on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs, pheasant tails, or crane fly larvae. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 164 cfs below Terrero; Good
The river above the village of Pecos has started to come down slowly over the past two weeks. Wading is a little difficult in places. A lot of the pockets are starting to reappear and there is more soft water on the edges. Make sure to fish the edges where fish are waiting for crawling stonefly larvae or the molting adults. The stonefly hatch is up to Terrero. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked recently and may offer an alternative to the Pecos. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 19 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, yellow stimulators, pink cahills, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 25 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
The bottom dropped out of the Jemez streams and runoff is over. The Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are a little stained, but the river is at a wadeable level. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams, dennis hoppers, and yellow sallies has been excellent mid-day on the headwaters. On the lower reaches, mid-day fishing does slow some but picks up once the shadows start hitting the water again.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 843 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 741 cfs below El Vado Dam; Slow: and 1240 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river difficult to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in runoff and is still high. The tailwater sections usually fish best below 300 cfs. The nearby Brazos is coming down and clearing, but still high. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Jicarilla Nation Lakes Slow to Good Fishing has slowed considerably at Stone Lake. The opportunity for fly fishing has been in the early mornings during the midge hatch and before the wind kicks up. Midges and midge emergers in red and gray in a size 12, damsel nymphs, and calibaetis nymphs are in abundance. Stone Lake does have special regulations, but it appears that most people are keeping the bigger fish that they catch. Mundo will be stocked soon with larger trout for there upcoming 3 Species Derby to be held on June 28th. Mundo is murky but fishing well. Mundo has bass and catfish as well as trout and can prevent a bust if the other lakes are tough. Enbom is currently fishing well on damsel nymphs, calibaetis nymphs, and pheasant tails. Enbom has had some pressure and as such a float tube is absolutely invaluable there.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 545 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 1880 cfs at Mogote; Slow to Fair
June 19,2008. "Today had the opportunity of fishing with Bill DeCamp of Kansas and we fished up high for a half day and spent 2 hours trying to find where the fish were. The next 3 hours was mayhem in every way. I have never seen fish hold in a torrent but they were absolutely stuffed in the raging current. Lower river is still big but I think it will loose its mustard soon. There continue to be large Salmonflies crawling out at night and expect to see them around for 6 to 10 days. Goldens and caddis should start soon and hopefully the Drakes will take their time. The new report from the NRCS says that the snowpack has been dramatically reduced with the dry warm weather so don't expect to see this monster runoff to last for that long. As soon as we get some clouds, cooler weather or the snowfields start to loose there steam the lower river will mellow out and should be really good and buggy." Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report. Keep looking at the releases out of Platoro Reservoir. If they get below 200 cfs, the meadows below the dam will fish well.

Rio Grande 1190 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow to Fair
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been hovering abetween 1000 to 1200 cfs. There is decent water clarity and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable all the way to South Fork.

Arkansas River 3890 cfs at Salida: Slow
Visibility has declinded although the edgewater is still rather fishable. The clarity improves above Buena VIsta. Try a stimulator or PMX with a big prince or copper john dropper, or go deep into the slower holding water with a double stonefly nymph rig. Hayden Meadows stretch is a little high but there is good clarity and it is fishing fair.

Animas River 4190 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is very high and roiling. The river is stirred up, the water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is also way up and currently flowing at 610 cfs. The upper forks of the Delores are still in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan are also still in runoff. Williams Creek below the dam may be the only fishable water in the area. Spring fishing may be tough here as runoff is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.

Fly Fishing Report for Tuesday June 17, 2008

It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 5160 cfs below Navajo Dam; Good
The Bureau of Rec. has announced a revised release schedule for Navajo Dam. For the details and dates of the releases, please see our Announcements Page. The water is clearing with visibility of about 6 feet. The best reports are coming from people fishing from drift boats. For the wading fly fisher, the upper flats, cable hole, and lower flats have been fishing well. Look for fish holding tight to the banks. Midge nymphing has been the most productive. Size 24 red and orange midge larvae, with a trailing cream midge or chocolate emerger been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! A wading staff is also highly rcommended! Please note; the New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearnce on the San Jaun. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation as a pinched barb may still snag the tippet that is being used to check barbs!

Rio Grande 1150 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 1890 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Slow for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is murky and will likely remain so until late June. Even though the water is off color, you can pick up fish on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs, pheasant tails, or crane fly larvae. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 197 cfs below Terrero; Good
The river above the village of Pecos has started to come down slowly over the past week. Wading is a little difficult in places. A lot of the pockets are starting to reappear and there is more soft water on the edges. make sure to fish the edges where fish are waiting for crawling stonefly larvae or the molting adults. Stoneflies have began to make ther appearance around Dalton this past week. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked recently and may offer an alternative to the Pecos. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 19 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, yellow stimulators, pink cahills, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 27 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
The bottom dropped out of the Jemez streams and runoff is over. The Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are a little stained, but the stoneflies are coming off and the river is at a wadeable level. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams, dennis hoppers, and yellow sallies has been excellent mid-day. Upper Forest Road 376 to the San Antonio Hot Springs is open.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 919 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 749 cfs below El Vado Dam; Slow: and 1260 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river difficult to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in runoff and is still high and quite cold. The tailwater sections usually fish best below 300 cfs. The nearby Brazos is coming down and clearing, but still high. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Jicarilla Nation Lakes Slow to Good Fishing has slowed considerably at Stone Lake. The opportunity for fly fishing has been in the early mornings during the midge hatch and before the wind kicks up. Midges and midge emergers in red and gray in a size 12, damsel nymphs, and calibaetis nymphs are in abundance. Stone Lake does have special regulations, but it appears that most people are keeping the bigger fish that they catch. Mundo will be stocked soon with larger trout for there upcoming 3 Species Derby to be held on June 28th. Mundo is murky but fishing well. Mundo has bass and catfish as well as trout and can prevent a bust if the other lakes are tough. Enbom is currently fishing well on damsel nymphs, calibaetis nymphs, and pheasant tails. Enbom has had some pressure and as such a float tube is absolutely invaluable there.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 460 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 1830 cfs at Mogote; Slow to Fair
Bring a 6 weight! It has been breezy here at at times and you are also fishing heavy tippet in heavy water for heavy fish. It looks like there are going to be big stones crawling out soon. They are congrigating on the edges en mass at this time. Nymph fishing is excellent with stoneflies especially on the lower river. Golden stonefly nymphs and wine/tan tungsten worms are the ticket. Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report. Keep looking at the releases out of Platoro Reservoir. If they get below 200 cfs, the meadows below the dam will fish well.

Rio Grande 1180 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow to Fair
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been hovering abetween 1000 to 1200 cfs. There is decent water clarity and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable all the way to South Fork.

Arkansas River 2200 cfs at Salida: Slow to Fair
Visibility has declinded although the edgewater is still rather fishable. The clarity improves above Buena VIsta. Try a stimulator or PMX with a big prince or copper john dropper, or go deep into the slower holding water with a double stonefly nymph rig. Hayden Meadows stretch is a little high but there is good clarity and it is fishing fair.

Animas River 4350 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is very high and roiling. The river is stirred up, the water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is also way up and currently flowing at 1270 cfs. The upper forks of the Delores are still in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan are also still in runoff. Williams Creek below the dam may be the only fishable water in the area. Spring fishing may be tough here as runoff is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.

Fly Fishing Report for Thursday June 12, 2008

It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 510 cfs below Navajo Dam; Good
The Bureau of Rec. has announced a revised release schedule for Navajo Dam. For the details and dates of the releases, please see our Announcements Page. The water is clearing with visibility of about 6 feet. The best reports are coming from people fishing from drift boats. For the wading fly fisher, the upper flats, cable hole, and lower flats have been fishing well. Look for fish holding tight to the banks. Midge nymphing has been the most productive. Size 24 red and orange midge larvae, with a trailing cream midge or chocolate emerger been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! A wading staff is also highly rcommended! Please note; the New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearnce on the San Jaun. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation as a pinched barb may still snag the tippet that is being used to check barbs!

Rio Grande 1380 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 2230 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Slow for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is very murky and will likely remain so until late June. Even though the water is quite murky, you can pick up fish on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs, pheasant tails, or crane fly larvae. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 254 cfs below Terrero; Good
The river above the village of Pecos has started to come down slowly over the past few days. Runoff is waning. Wading is a little difficult in places. A lot of the pockets are starting to reappear and there is more soft water on the edges. make sure to fish the edges where fish are waiting for crawling stonefly larvae or the molting adults. Stoneflies have began to make ther appearance around Dalton this past weekend. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked this past week and may offer an alternative to the Pecos. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 6.6 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. Releases out of the dam went down late last week. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, yellow stimulators, pink cahills, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 42 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
The bottom dropped out of the Jemez streams this past week and runoff is over. The Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are a little stained, but the stoneflies are coming off and the river is at a wadeable level. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams has been excellent mid-day. Upper Forest Road 376 to the San Antonio Hot Springs is open.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 1100 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 682 cfs below El Vado Dam; Slow: and 1580 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river difficult to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in runoff and is high and quite cold. The tailwater sections usually fish best at about 150 cfs. The nearby Brazos is coming down and clearing. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Jicarilla Nation Lakes Slow to Good Fishing has slowed considerably at Stone Lake. The false spawning behavior is gone and most of the fish have left the shallows. The opportunity for fly fishing has been in the early mornings during the midge hatch and before the wind kicks up. Midges and midge emergers in red and gray in a size 12, damsel nymphs, and calibaetis nymphs are in abundance. Stone Lake does have special regulations, but most people are keeping the bigger fish that they catch. Mundo will be stocked soon with larger trout for there upcoming 3 Species Derby to be held on June 28th. Mundo is murky but fishing well. Mundo has bass and catfish as well as trout and can prevent a bust if the other lakes are tough. Enbom is currently fishing well on damsel nymphs, calibaetis nymphs, and pheasant tails. Enbom has had some pressure and as such a float tube is absolutely invaluable there.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 154 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 1230 cfs at Mogote; Slow
"June 11, 2008. I have been guiding every day but one for a while and the water clarity on the Conejos has gotten very good on the lower river. Water level was about 1280 cfs and slightly tea colored fished really well. Stonefly nymphs and wine/tan tungsten worms were the ticket. A nice brown took a #10 R.L.Royal stimmy. Upper river water levels are perfect and crystal clear. Time to tune up your presentation again in the clear water. I am seeing browns spook from 60' if approached to boldly. Saturday Rob Scott of Albuquerque landed and photod a Rainbow that was about 5 lbs maybe 22 or 23"! A male with a big kype and beautiful colors ate a #12 golden stone on the upper river. Here is my tip for all of you regardless of your casting ability, Buy a 6 weight! It has been breezy here at at times and we are also fishing heavy tippet in heavy water for heavy fish. Almost every guide trip I do at least one 6 comes along (on the main river) and it has made a big difference in casting, mending, and landing fish. It looks like we are going to have the big stones crawling out soon. They are congrigating on the edges en mass at this time. Nymph fishing is excellent with stoneflies especially on the lower river." Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report. Keep looking at the releases out of Platoro Reservoir. If they stay below 200 cfs, the meadows below the dam will fish well.

Rio Grande 1170 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been increased and is currently at 1170 cfs. There is decent water clarity and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable all the way to South Fork.

Arkansas River 2200 cfs at Salida: Fair
Visibility has improved and the edgewater is becoming more fishable, especially if one is rock-hopping down in the canyon. Up towards Buena Vista, the clarity improves to where it is really not an issue. Try a stimulator or PMX with a big prince or copper john dropper, or go deep into the slower holding water with a double stonefly nymph rig. Hayden Meadows stretch is a little high but there is good clarity and it is fishing well.

Animas River 3420 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is very high and roiling. The river is stirred up, the water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is also way up and currently flowing at 964 cfs. The upper forks of the Delores are still in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan are also still in runoff. Williams Creek below the dam may be the only fishable water in the area. Spring fishing may be tough here as runoff is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.

Fly Fishing Report for Monday June 9, 2008

It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 5160 cfs below Navajo Dam; Good
The Bureau of Rec. has announced a revised release schedule for Navajo Dam. For the details and dates of the releases, please see our Announcements Page. The release is scheduled to go down to 3400 cfs on Tuesday for an outlet works inspection. It remain only for 24 hours or less. The water is clearing with visibility of about 5 feet. The best reports are coming from people fishing from drift boats. For the wading fly fisher, the upper flats, cable hole, and lower flats have been fishing well. Look for fish holding tight to the banks. Midge nymphing has been the most productive. Size 24 red and orange midge larvae, chamois leeches, and egg patterns have been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! A wading staff is also highly rcommended! Please note; the New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearnce on the San Jaun. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation as a pinched barb may still snag the tippet that is being used to check barbs!

Rio Grande 1370 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 2280 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Slow for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is very murky and will likely remain so until late June. Even though the water is quite murky, you can pick up fish on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs, pheasant tails, or crane fly larvae. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 328 cfs below Terrero; Fair
The river above the village of Pecos has started to come down slowly over the past few days. Runoff appears to be waning. Wading is still almost impossible. While the flows are high, look for big rock outcroppings and shelves which slow the current. Fish move into these places during heavy current. Also fish the edges where fish are waiting for crawling stonefly larvae or the molting adults. Stoneflies have began to make ther appearance around Dalton this past weekend. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked this past week and may offer an alternative to the Pecos if it is too high to fish. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 7.0 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. Releases out of the dam went down a couple of days ago. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, yellow stimulators, pink cahills, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 60 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
The bottom dropped out of the Jemez streams this past weekend and runoff is over. The Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are a little high and stained, but the stoneflies are coming off and the river is at a wadeable level. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams has been excellent mid-day. Upper Forest Road 376 to the San Antonio Hot Springs is open.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 1340 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 1410 cfs below El Vado Dam; Slow: and 1810 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river impossible to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in runoff and is high and quite cold. The tailwater sections usually fish best at about 150 cfs. The nearby Brazos is also in runoff. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Jicarilla Nation Lakes Slow to Good Fishing has slowed considerably at Stone Lake. The false spawning behavior is gone and most of the fish have left the shallows. The opportunity for fly fishing has been in the early mornings during the midge hatch and before the wind kicks up. Midges and midge emergers in red and gray in a size 12, damsel nymphs, and calibaetis nymphs are in abundance. Stone Lake does have special regulations, but most people are keeping the bigger fish that they catch. Enbom and Mundo were both stocked with larger fish on Tuesday May 13th. Mundo is murky but fishing well. Mundo has bass and catfish as well as trout and can prevent a bust if the other lakes are tough. Enbom has had some pressure and as such a float tube is absolutely invaluable there.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 145 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 1400 cfs at Mogote; Slow
"June 6. Flows way down today after a couple of cooler days. Very fishable levels on the upper river. Water clarity very good. Lower river water clarity much improved but still off which of course to the fish does not matter. For those planning some fishing expect to see this river at a very fishable level for the Stonefly hatch. The lower elevation streams will clear and fish first and then the Conejos. All the while the upper river should fish. Those of you waiting for it to get "good" in the middle of July I undererstand but just know that June is going to give up alot of big fish. The water is very high but these fish are gorging even in the big water. The only water that I think will be off the grid for a while longer is the high elevation streams. Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report. Keep looking at the releases out of Platoro Reservoir. If they drop below 200 cfs, the meadows below the dam will fish better.

Rio Grande 1170 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been increased and is currently at 1170 cfs. There is decent water and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable past South Fork.

Arkansas River 2110 cfs at Salida: Slow
Visibility has improved and the edgewater is becoming more fishable. Try a stimulator or PMX with a big prince or copper john dropper, or go deep into the slower holding water with a double stonefly nymph rig. Get your nymph to the bottom if it isn't on the fish's nose, he won't take it

Animas River 3810 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is very high and roiling. The river is stirred up, the water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is also way up and currently flowing at 793 cfs. The upper forks of the Delores are in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan are also still in runoff. Williams Creek below the dam may be the only fishable water in the area. Spring fishing may be tough here as runoff is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.

Fly Fishing Report for Saturday June 7, 2008

It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 5140 cfs below Navajo Dam; Fair
The Bureau of Rec. has announced a revised release schedule for Navajo Dam. For the details and dates of the releases, please see our Announcements Page. The water is clearing with visibility of about 5 feet. The best reports are coming from people fishing from drift boats. For the wading fly fisher, the upper flats, cable hole, and lower flats have been fishing well. Look for fish holding tight to the banks. Midge nymphing has been the most productive. Size 24 red and orange midge larvae, chamois leeches, and egg patterns have been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! A wading staff is also highly rcommended!

Rio Grande 2610 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 3410 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Slow for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is very murky and will likely remain so until late June or July. Most of the tributaries are in runoff. Even though the water is quite murky, you can pick up fish on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 328 cfs below Terrero; Slow
The river above the village of Pecos has started to come down slowly over the past few days. Runoff appears to be waning. Wading is almost impossible. While the flows are high, look for big rock outcroppings and shelves which slow the current. Fish move into these places during heavy current. They will eat your flies, so long as they are pasted tight to the bottom. The best producers have been a stonefly nymph with a trailing pheasant tail or black midge with lots of weight. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked this past week and may offer an alternative to the Pecos if it gets too high to fish. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 7.4 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. Releases out of the dam went down a couple of days ago. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, black midge larvae, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 80 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
Runoff on the Jemez streams is virtually over, but the Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are still high. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams has been excellent mid-day. Stoneflies have been coming off on the Guadalupe for a few days now. Forest Road 376 is open from Highway 126 to the Gilman Tunnels. Upper 376 to the San Antonio Hot Springs is open.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 1430 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 1410 cfs below El Vado Dam; Poor: and 1810 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river impossible to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in runoff and is high and quite cold. The tailwater sections usually fish best at about 150 cfs. The nearby Brazos is also in runoff. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Jicarilla Nation Lakes Slow to Good Fishing has slowed considerably at Stone Lake. The false spawning behavior is gone and most of the fish have left the shallows. The opportunity for fly fishing has been in the early mornings during the midge hatch and before the wind kicks up. Midges and midge emergers in red and gray in a size 12, damsel nymphs, and calibaetis nymphs are in abundance. Stone Lake does have special regulations, but most people are keeping the bigger fish that they catch. Enbom and Mundo were both stocked with larger fish on Tuesday May 13th. Mundo is murky but fishing well. Mundo has bass and catfish as well as trout and can prevent a bust if the other lakes are tough. Enbom has had some pressure and as such a float tube is absolutely invaluable there.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 145 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 1200 cfs at Mogote; Slow
"June 6. Flows way down today after a couple of cooler days. Very fishable levels on the upper river. Water clarity very good. Lower river water clarity much improved but still off which of course to the fish does not matter. For those planning some fishing expect to see this river at a very fishable level for the Stonefly hatch. The lower elevation streams will clear and fish first and then the Conejos. All the while the upper river should fish. Those of you waiting for it to get "good" in the middle of July I undererstand but just know that June is going to give up alot of big fish. The water is very high but these fish are gorging even in the big water. The only water that I think will be off the grid for a while longer is the high elevation streams. Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report. Keep looking at the releases out of Platoro Reservoir. If they drop below 200 cfs, the meadows below the dam will fish better.

Rio Grande 1000 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been decreased and is currently at 1000 cfs. There is decent water and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable past South Fork.

Arkansas River 2150 cfs at Salida: Slow
Visibility has improved and the edgewater is becoming more fishable. Try a stimulator or PMX with a big prince or copper john dropper, or go deep into the slower holding water with a double stonefly nymph rig. Get your nymph to the bottom if it isn't on the fish's nose, he won't take it

Animas River 2820 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is very high and roiling. The river is stirred up, the water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is also way up and currently flowing at 805 cfs! The upper forks of the Delores are in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan have aslo risen dramatically since late last week. Williams Creek below the dam may be the only fishable water in the area. Spring fishing may be tough here as it seems as runoff has already started and is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.

Fly Fishing Report for Monday June 2, 2008

It's spring time in New Mexico and water and fishing condtitions are changing daily! Please CALL the fly shop for the latest in stream flows and water conditions.

San Juan River 5070 cfs below Navajo Dam; Fair
The Bureau of Rec. has announced a revised release schedule for Navajo Dam. For the details and dates of the releases, please see our Announcements Page. The water is still a little murky but clearing with visibility of about 3 feet. The best reports are still coming from the upper flats, cable hole, and lower flats. Midge nymphing has been the most productive. Size 24 red midge larvae and size 24 pheasant tails, size 20 black and red midge larvae, chamois leeches, and chocolate foam wing emergers have been the better producers. The mosquitoes are out in force especailly at Texas hole so don't forget the bug repellent! A wading staff is also highly rcommended!

Rio Grande 2170 cfs at Cerro; Slow: 3100 cfs at Pilar; Slow for pike, Slow for trout, Slow for smallmouth bass
The Rio Grande is very murky and will likely remain so until late June or July. Most of the tributaries are in runoff. Even though the water is quite murky, you can pick up fish on the edges dry fly dropper style with caddis nymphs. Trout move into the shallows to feed when they can no longer see in deeper water and heavy currents. Smallmouth inhabit the eddies and can be picked up on crayfish patterns or woolly buggers on a sinking tip or sinking line. Pike hunt by feel and they'll take large streamers that move water regardless of water clarity, just be sure to cover the water more thoroughly. There is no rafting and kayaking above John Dunn Bridge and further upstream into the gorge. Flies for the Rio are black or olive woolly buggers, autumn splendors, zoo cougars, conehead madonna’s, caddis nymphs, and pheasant tails. For pike, show them big rabbit strip flies, large streamers or diving flies in dark colors.

Pecos River 484 cfs below Terrero; Slow
The river above the village of Pecos has started to rise over the past week. Wading is almost impossible. While the flows are high, look for big rock outcroppings and shelves which slow the current. Fish move into these places during heavy current. They will eat your flies, so long as they are pasted tight to the bottom. The best producers have been a stonefly nymph with a trailing pheasant tail or black midge with lots of weight. The Pecos and most of it's tributaries were heavily stocked this past week and may offer an alternative to the Pecos if it gets too high to fish. Egg patterns, and red and chartreuse copper johns generally work on the stockers. The river adjacent to Monastery Lake and all the way up to and behind the fish hatchery is private. Please respect all of the landowners along the Pecos and stay out of all posted private waters. The FIRST PUBLIC access is Dalton Day Use. Dalton is approximately 6 miles upstream of the village of Pecos. Please report anyone over harvesting fish or poaching to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Cimarron River 18 cfs below Eagle Nest Dam; Good
The Cimarron River is dam controlled for the most part by Eagle Nest dam. Releases out of the dam are 18 cfs today. There is more water at the eastern end of the park below Clear Creek, but the river does get murkier. The least murky water is just below Tolby Creek. Flies for the Cimarron are golden stonefly nymphs, black midge larvae, hares ear nymphs, Barr's emergers, and gray and olive scuds.

Jemez Mountain Streams 98 cfs above Jemez Pueblo; Very Good
Runoff on the Jemez streams is virtually over, but the Guadalupe and Rio de las Vacas are still high. The upper reaches of the East Fork, Cebolla, or the San Antonio above La Cueva are fishing very well. Dry fly fishing with size 12-14 yellow stimulators, red quills, and small parachute adams has been excellent mid-day. There have been reports of sporadic stonefly hatches on the Guadalupe and "the hatch" should be coming any day now. Forest Road 376 is open from Highway 126 to the Gilman Tunnels. Upper 376 to the San Antonio Hot Springs is open.

The Chama River above the village of Chama; Poor: 2560 cfs below the town of Tierrra Amarilla; Poor: 2190 cfs below El Vado Dam; Poor: and 1750 cfs below Abiquiu Dam; Poor
The fishing is generally fair below El Vado using big nymphs with flash and sparkle or streamers, however the current flows make the river impossible to wade and the water is very murky. Fish the edges and obvious eddies. The Chama River above the village of Chama is in full runoff and is very high and quite cold. The tailwater sections usually fish best at about 150 cfs. The nearby Brazos is also in runoff. The Chama River above El Vado and below Abiquiu are Special Trout Waters with reduced bag limits. The density of fish is very low there and is not stocked. Please report anyone over harvesting here to New Mexico Game and Fish at 1-800-432-4263.

Jicarilla Nation Lakes Slow to Good Fishing has slowed considerably at Stone Lake. The false spawning behavior is gone and most of the fish have left the shallows. The opportunity for fly fishing has been in the early mornings during the midge hatch and before the wind kicks up. Midges and midge emergers in red and gray in a size 12, damsel nymphs, and calibaetis nymphs are in abundance. Stone Lake does have special regulations, but most people are keeping the bigger fish that they catch. Enbom and Mundo were both stocked with larger fish on Tuesday May 13th. Mundo is murky but fishing well. Mundo has bass and catfish as well as trout and can prevent a bust if the other lakes are tough. Enbom has had some pressure and as such a float tube is absolutely invaluable there.

In Southern Colorado:

Conejos River 465 cfs below Platoro Reservoir, 2110 cfs at Mogote; Slow
"May 27, 2008. Today we made first tracks to the Upper La Jara and it was beautiful. Elk, Deer, mud and some soft (enough) snow drifts. River was at a perfect level and we did not find any of the really big fish in the meadow but some nice fish and fish eating dries! We were all excited to break out the dry fly powder and 4 weights for the first time this year. Caught fish on dries and droppers for the afternoon and hiked out late by Braden's cabin. The Conejos even on the lower river looks great. Water clarity on the lower river is very good and the upper river is crystal clear water levels have dropped. Look for any drop in the release from Platoro Reservoir. The decending water levels below the dam can make fishing tough at times. I would be suprised to see the water levels come down any furthur for a while but we should haved some more off the charts fishing up high in the next couple of weeks and there will be no fisherman here for about three weeks. Is runoff over? No! There is still plenty of snow up high but the recent cool nights and coolish days up high have slowed it down. Just know that the next wave of warm air will get things cooking again but looks like we will fish right thru it on the upper river. Expect the La Jara to get better and better and the Los Pinos should drop and clear early as well so we should be throwing stonefly patterns (dries) on boths streams in the next couple of weeks. High mountain lakes should get very very good. Carp fishing, Pike fishing, Splake fishing, Trout fishing is all about to happen! Do yourself a favor and take out a great guide on your next fishing trip and take your fishing to the next level. Figuring this whole fly fishing thing out on your own can be tough. Jon Harp, of Conejos River Anglers provided the preceeding report. Keep looking at the releases out of Platoro Reservoir. If they drop below 200 cfs, the meadows below the dam will fish better.

Rio Grande 1180 cfs at Thirty Mile Bridge near Creede; Slow
Releases have been changing out of Rio Grande Reservoir seemingly every other day. Today the release has been increased and is currently at 1180 cfs. There is decent water and the fish are feeding. Big stonefly nymphs and pheasant tails seem to be picking up the most fish on a heavily weighted leader in the deeper runs and pools. There is lots of water below Wagon Wheel Gap making the river floatable past South Fork.

Arkansas River 3130 cfs at Salida: Slow
Visibility is poor and there is a fair amount of debris in the water. Better to look for other options with warm weather forecast through the week. Expect the flows to get higher. Nymphing the deeper holding water and slow runs is probably the best option now. A big stone followed by a large (10-12) copper john is a good combo. Dredge the deeper holding water and seam lines - places that don't change too much with the addition of more water. Get your nymph to the bottom - if it isn't on the fish's nose, he won't take it

Animas River 3830 cfs at Durango; Poor
The Animas River near Durango is very high and roiling. The river is stirred up, the water is cold, and the kayak hatch is underway. The Delores below McPhee is also way up and currently flowing at 805 cfs! The upper forks of the Delores are in runoff. Closer to Pagosa Springs, the Piedra and San Juan have aslo risen dramatically since late last week. Williams Creek below the dam may be the only fishable water in the area. Spring fishing may be tough here as it seems as runoff has already started and is expected to last well into June.

Please see our announcements page for more news and upcoming events!

Call us at the shop for conditions on waters not listed here. 888-988-7688 out of Santa Fe or 988-7688 in Santa Fe.

For the latest in stream flows, see our links page and click on New Mexico Stream Flows.