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Fly Fishing Report & News

Northern New Mexico and southern Colorado fishing report, current local water, weather and fishing conditions along with some general fly fishing news and trout fishing information.

Please scroll down the page to see all of the articles and videos. Good luck fishing!

Cow Creek Ranch

Cow Creek Ranch Lake

We are happy to announce that we are now doing both multi-day, all-inclusive fishing packages and guided day trips at Cow Creek Ranch. This amazing private location has over 3 miles of stream and 7 lakes, all of which are full of four different species of trout and, there are some real lunkers! We have been guiding anglers and fishing at Cow Creek Ranch off and on for almost 20 years and feel that it is arguably the finest fishing property in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Please feel free to give us a call if you would like more information about guided day trips or all-inclusive packages. You can also learn more about our all-inclusive packages at Cow Creek Ranch here: Fishing Packages

COW CREEK RANCH C      COW CREEK RANCH D

COW CREEK RANCH B      COW CREEK RANCH A

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Fishing Report ~ December 30th, 2023

0 Winter Sunset on the Chama
Winter fishing in is full swing here in northern New Mexico. We have had really good days on both the Rio Grande and the Chama River throughout November and December. So far this early winter, we have begun to get some awesome and substantial snow storms, both in the mountains and down into Chama and Santa Fe. Hopefully the snow gods will keep sending more of the white stuff our way which will set up northern New Mexico and southern Colorado for great spring and summer fishing in 2024.

As always, don’t hesitate to call us for up to date information, if you have any questions and/or would like to book a trip. Even better, stop by our fly shop, The Fly Fishing Outpost, in Santa Fe. We have all the fly patterns and gear you will need for a successful fishing trip in our area (See the article below for more information and directions).

All of the fishing report pictures were taken within the last 8 to 9 weeks...

Chama & Brazos Rivers

Chama River Rainbow Trout
The Fishing below the two upper dams (El Vado and Heron) on the Chama has been good this fall. The only issue is that the The Bureau of Reclamation has been changing water releases from these two reservoirs often, so it is important to check the river flows before heading out. This being said, on days when the flows have been at manageable levels, 300cfs or lower, we have had some great fishing in both of these locations. Standard nymph rigs fished under an indicator have been the ticket. Another very productive set-up has been a 20 Incher stone fly nymph trailed with an Egg Sucking Leech. If you do venture up north, below El Vado will be the best bet. Try and go on a sunny day - it’s starting to get pretty cold up in the Chama area! The water release out of Abiquiu Reservoir was lowered on November 17th making the stream flow below the dam 76 cfs. These are typical winter flows for this section, offering easy wading and decent fishing conditions. We have had some very productive fishing in this stretch of the Chama River since the flows have been the reduced. Standard, two fly indicator/nymph rigs have been working quite well here. We have also had some good luck with a red Ice Cream Cone followed by a Wolf Eagle, fished under an indicator, allowing the rig to swing at the end of the drift.

The upper Chama as well as the Brazos River are pretty much done for the year as winter has started to roll in. It has gotten really cold up in the Chama valley. You might do OK at these areas if it is a really warm, sunny day but don’t waste your time if it is overcast and freezing – maybe best to wait until next spring.

PICTURE: A beautiful, late October rainbow - well done Matthew A.!

Rio Grande

Rio Grande Small Mouth Bass
The fishing on the Rio has been terrific so far this fall. We have been doing well on all manner of smaller streamers, crystal flash Woolly Buggers, nymphs and egg patterns, with many smaller rainbows, small mouth bass and some nice browns coming to the net. The Game & Fish Dept. has been heavily stocking the Pilar stretch with rainbow trout and the resident population of wild brown trout seems to be in excellent shape and eager to take a fly. Currently the flows are holding steady in the 300 cfs (cubic feet per second) range which makes for easier wading in most areas of the river.

Rio Grande Brown Trout
If you do plan on fishing the Rio Grande this fall and winter season, please respect the spawning trout and avoid walking on the brown trout on redds (spawning beds). They can easily be identified as a patch of cleaner gravel, typically 2 to 3 feet in diameter. A successful spawning season for browns this fall will result in great fishing in the future. The Rio Grande will continue to fish well throughout the rest of the winter season until the run-off starts in the spring. Another cool option for fishing on the Rio this time of year is targeting large pike, which can be a great change of pace for an adventurous trout angler. Give us a call if you have an interest in giving this fishery a try.

UPPER PICTURE: A two fly rig = a double of smallies last month on the Rio
LOWER PICTURE: Kathy N. landed this beautiful brown on a small bugger. Nice!

San Juan River

San Juan River
The fishing on the Juan has been pretty decent so far this fall with some exceptional fish being landed. It seems that there may not be quite as many fish being caught as in years past but it appears there has definitely been an increase in the average size. In early November the release from Navajo Dam was dropped down to 330 cfs range and it should stay at this general rate until late spring. This flow level is perfect for all types of fishing, whether you are planning a wade trip or fishing from a drift boat. The late fall and winter months are the best time to fish the San Juan as the number of anglers is here much lower than in the summer months. As is always the case, the standard San Juan, two fly midge set-up has been working well. Don’t be afraid to try smaller (size 20 and 22) baetis and/or blue wing olive nymphs, especially in the afternoons. If you want to specifically target larger fish, stripping a streamer is a really good technique to try right now. Larger cone heads, such as a Hirudo or a Colonel Kurtz, in black, white or olive have been hooking some truly awesome sized fish. You will probably want to bring at least a 6 or 7 weight rod for streamer fishing. As in most of our rivers right now, the brown trout are actively spawning or have just finished “doing it” - if you plan on fishing the Juan within the next month or so, please keep an eye out for the redds and avoid walking on or targeting any fish that are on their spawning beds.

PICTURE: Rodger L. with one of many nice fish he brought to the net on the Juan last week.

Pecos River

Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
The upper Pecos River has become really cold recently with water temperatures now in the mid-30s this week. Fishing can still be productive if you go from the mid-morning into the afternoon on sunny days and target the deeper runs and pools. We had a fantastic year on the Pecos and it seems that the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire of 2023 did not have too disastrous an impact on the Pecos River proper. In October we assisted New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) with Rio Grande Cutthroat stocking in Willow Creek. If we get a good snowpack this season, the Pecos drainage should be set up for wonderful fishing in 2024 and maybe catching some cutthoats!

PICTURE: A RGCT Paul M. landed on tributary of the Pecos in late October; just gorgeous.

Bar X Bar & Cow Creek Ranches

We had an abundance of great fishing trips this year at the Bar X Bar Ranch and Cow Creek Ranch. With the recent cold snap, fishing at these ranches is all but done for the season.

Canones Creek Ranch

This stretch of the Chama River is running low, clear and quite cold and it is starting to ice up a little. It was another wonderful season on this stretch of the Chama and should be even better next year

MK & Shahan Ranches

As of the last couple of weeks, the Navajo River has become very cold and icy. We had a fantastic time guiding on the Navajo River this past summer and fall. Big fish were plentiful and this river gets fished so little that the fish are almost always eager to cooperate. We are lucky to have these properties as part of our guiding program and look forward to a great 2024 on these ranches.

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Gifts For Anglers:

FFO Outside
Come by our fly shop for great gifts and the best fly fishing equipment and gear available. Located at Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe (1297 Bishop's Lodge Road), it is an amazing spot right on the bottom pool of a stream - you can try out a new fly rod on the water.

We have lots of flies, rods & reels, waders, vests and packs, fishing clothing, cool hats, New Mexico fishing licenses and much more...

Please come by and say hi and check it out. Our hours are 9 to 5, every day. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you!

Bishops FFO Map

FFO Inside      FFO Inside

FFO Inside      FFO Inside

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Fly Tyer Magazine Article Profiles Shane Parker-Kast

SPK Fly Tyer Article


We are very proud to announce that Shane, one of our guides, has been featured in an article in the most recent issue of Fly Tyer Magazine (Autumn, 2020). Many thanks to Fly Tyer editor David Klausmeyer who wrote the piece. You can read a printout (.pdf) of the article by clicking the link below:

Article on Shane Parker-Kast ~ Fly Tier, Guide & Artist

Fly Tyer is the best publication on the market on all types of fly tying and materials. Though primarily a magazine on all things concerning fly tying, it is an equally good source of many fishing skills and techniques. We highly recommend that you pick up a copy at your local fly shop and/or consider getting a subscription. Check out their website: www.flytyer.com

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Fly Tyer Magazine Article about Land of Enchantment Guides

Fly Tyer Article


The Autumn, 2017 issue of Fly Tyer Magazine did an article on Land of Enchantment Guides featuring 16 of the custom fly patterns that Shane, Jesse and Noah tie. Many thanks to Fly Tyer editor David Klausmeyer for thinking enough of us to do the article - we are very flattered. You can read a printout (.pdf) of the article by clicking the link below:

Article on Land of Enchantment Guides

Fly Tyer is the best publication on the market on all types of fly tying and materials. Though primarily a magazine on all things concerning fly tying, it is an equally good source of many fishing skills and techniques. We highly recommend that you pick up a copy at your local fly shop and/or consider getting a subscription. Check out their website: www.flytyer.com

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Hank Patterson Explains Trout Unlimited (TU)

Hank Patterson shares his understanding of Trout Unlimited and the importance of membership with a couple new clients. What hoot! Are you a TU member?

Fly fishing guides for the Santa Fe, Chama, Taos, Los Alamos and San Juan River areas.
Fishing trips on all the best streams, rivers and private ranches in Northern New Mexico.
San Juan River • Rio Grande • Red River • Chama River • Brazos River • Pecos River • Costilla Creek • Rio Vallecitos • Cimarron River
Cow Creek • Rio de Los Pinos • Jemez River • San Antonio Creek • Guadalupe River • Rio Pueblo de Taos • Conejos River • The Valles Caldera

Phone: (505) 629-5688   ~   Email: trout@loeflyfishing.com   ~   Land of Enchantment Guides: PO Box 55 Velarde, NM 87582