Northern New Mexico Fishing Report for March 20, 2020
I thought now is a good time to put out a fishing report because for many people ample fishing time is one of the few benefits to this awful situation we are all dealing with. I hope everyone stays healthy and safe in the coming months and we are able to collectively minimize the impact of Coronavirus.
This spring has been excellent so far in terms of quality fish being caught in our lower elevation rivers. It has been unusually warm and dry for most of March making for comfortable and productive days on the water. This is not the best possible weather pattern to set us up for the summer season, but snowpack is currently only a little below average and I think we should be just fine, especially if we get a few more snowstorms.
Rio Grande – My focus most recently has been floating the Rio Grande with my new Adipose Boatworks drift boat this year below Taos Junction Bridge. Flows and clarity are great for floating and it has been a blast. When wading it is more challenging to find good water but not impossible. After last spring’s super high water blew out much of the silt and mud, the river is gorgeous. Lots of bugs are growing on the cobblestones in the long riffles. Flows are starting to increase and the window for good spring fishing is closing. I think we have a couple good weeks depending on when temps warm up even more, and when CO starts pulling water to irrigate. Light sporadic hatches of small mayflies occur throughout the day and fish seem to be keying in on them more than any other insect. As always on the Rio, sub surface caddis imitations, wolly buggers, and Taos Fly Shop’s Poundmiester are a good bet. Focus on long soft seams and edges below riffles with just the right amount of current. Once you find one spot that holds fish look for similar spots and don’t be afraid to move past a lot of water to get to the next good spot. Where you find one fish there is often more. When moving around it is nice to have a streamer ready. Big fish have been hitting big streamers if you get lucky and they happen to be in the mood.
Rio Chama – The Chama below Abiquiu has been decent all winter and has gotten better recently as temps have warmed up. Flows have been consistently low at around 40cfs. As you probably are aware, this stretch has received over a million dollars’ worth of stream bed improvements this winter. I am excited to see how the fish respond. Both the El Vado and Abiquiu stretches will continue to be good until downstream water users call for water and flows increase above about 300cfs. It is unlikely this will happen in the next two to three weeks.
The Chama below El Vado has been slow for most of the winter but is starting to pick up with warmer temps and more bugs hatching. Flows have been stable at about 100cfs for quite some time now and will continue to stay there for the next couple of weeks according to the Bureau of Reclamation. Midges have been prolific at times and careful imitations can pick up fish. Small and medium sized soft hackled nymphs as well as woolly buggers can be good choices also. They are not feeding at all times of day so expect the fishing to be hot and cold.
The Chama from El Vado upstream to the Edward Sargent Wildlife area will be good if you can access it. Snow is clearing fast, but it can still be deep in some places. All State Parks are closed until April 10th, maybe longer. The Wildlife Management Area is closed until mid-May every year. That leaves private water and the Sergeant which has a lot of snow still. Better to wait… Or call me up and see if there is availability on private water.
Conejos River – The Lower Conejos is excellent right now. Call me up to go after some truly magnificent large fish on private water.
Pecos River – The Pecos drainage generally faces south, and it thaws out earlier than most of our freestone rivers. It is mostly ice free below about 8500 ft. Fish are active and hungry. Water clarity has decreased recently, a sign that runoff is about to start soon, which will really help the angler approach these wary and spooky little trout. Most of what the trout eat on the Pecos are very small nymphs so pick your flies accordingly. If the water is murky fish will look to bigger nymphs and worm imitations.
Jemez Streams and Sangre De Cristo Streams – Any stream below about 8500’ elevation is in good shape right now.
San Juan River – Closed along with all NM State Parks until April 10th, maybe longer.
That about covers it. I know everyone is nervous about the pandemic and the affect it will have on the healthcare system and the economy. I wish everyone the best during this difficult time. The professional fly fishing community is struggling also so if you deem it safe and are able, this is a great time to get a guide trip. Guides will be doing everything they can to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Also visit/call up your local fly shop and get something you need for future outings.
As bad as the situation is right now I would like to briefly shed light on a few silver linings I have noticed. First, air and water quality have dramatically improved in parts of the world where the economy has been shut down because of the virus. Maybe this will give us insight and data about the affects of our industries and transportation networks on the environment. Second, people are taking steps to build more sustainable food systems. They are planting gardens and building chicken coops. This is a positive step in the right direction for our community. Thanks for reading and feel free to call me up with any fishing questions.
Thank you,
Jacob Clemens
Owner/Guide, Artful Angler
All photos in this post were taken this Spring -
