May

Runoff begins in May and many of our larger rivers are best avoided. But don’t worry there is still good fishing. Runoff is a very good thing for the health of our rivers and is important to all sorts of critters including fish. If you prefer fishing rivers like I do, check the flows below a dam as those spots are always a good bet. However, runoff is a great time to fish stillwaters and it’s fun to freshen things up and spend some time working on stillwater tactics. You have a shot at the fish of your life in some lakes while catching plenty of stockers in the meantime. If lakes and tailwaters don’t appeal to you, do some research and creep your way into higher elevations. The same conditions mentioned above that are so good in April, are still happening higher up if you can get above the tributaries that are running off. The general aspect of the watershed is also an important factor when searching for good conditions. North facing watersheds run off later and south facing ones earlier.

Also, fishing high muddy water is not as bad as people say it is, but bring your ‘junk’ box. One man’s trash is another guides treasure. Big worm and egg patterns are proven to work anytime of the year and are often found on the end of many guides leaders during this time of year. These flies get a fish’s attention when there is a lot going on in the river. Without the phylum Annelida (including aquatic worms, earthworms, and leaches) trout would grow a whole heck of a lot slower. So, the dry fly purist can thank Annelids during runoff for fattening up their most prized catch of the year. As for myself, I have no problem tying on a fly imitating important species. But don’t just tie a worm on any time of year as that is missing the whole point. 

Bring along your big flies such as heavily weighted stoneflies, worms, eggs, and leaches. 

Best Water – San Juan, Stillwaters, Rio Chama, Conejos River, Pecos River, Jemez Streams 

June

Depending on the amount of snowfall over winter most streams will clear up and start to show their summer beauty in June. This is when a plethora of hatches occur, and dry fly fishing can be excellent. June is the time to start looking for higher elevation streams, especially as daytime temperatures get hot. If the weather forecast calls for heat, fish early or late in the day.

Almost any tactic can work including nymphing, streamers and dry flies. My favorite thing to do in June is pack light and hike or mountain bike as far as possible into small backcountry streams and lakes with nothing but a small fly box full of dry flies, as well as a few nymphs and  streamers just in case, along with a few small tools and a spool of 5x and enjoy the solitude. 

Best Water – San Juan, Rio Chama, Rio Brazos, Conejos River, Rio de los Pinos, Sangre de Cristo Streams, Jemez Streams, Alpine Lakes.

July And August

July and August are wonderful months to fish in NM and Southern CO but make sure you are fishing somewhere with cool water temperatures and don’t forget to check the weather forecast as this time of year is monsoon season. July and August are also great months for dry fly fishing with consistent hatches of mayflies, small stoneflies, and caddisflies. Terrestrials are also important and can instigate a rise out of a fish that may pass on other patterns. The fishing can be a little less predictable than other months with some epic days mixed in with other days where fish tend to be a little sluggish. It’s a good idea to prepare for any situation and bring along the whole kit and caboodle.  

Best water – San Juan, Rio Chama, Rio Brazos, Conejos River, Pecos River, Sangre de Cristo Streams, Jemez Streams, Alpine Lakes. 

September and October

Fall is a wonderful time to fly-fish in the region. Weather is often comfortable, and the rivers and streams run low and clear. Hatches continue although generally are a bit thinner. Fish can be wary and considering how to sneak up on them is important, especially for the dry fly enthusiast. Brown trout spawn in the fall and become more active and fishing streamers can be a lot of fun. High-country fishing slows down with colder temperatures but can still see good days, especially on alpine lakes. Snowstorms are uncommon but possible this time of year so be prepared up high. 

Best Water – San Juan, Rio Grande, Rio Chama, Rio Brazos, Conejos River, Jemez Streams.

November

For me, November is about one thing – big browns. A good friend likes to say that the biggest fish live near the cusp of cold water and warm water habitat. In NM we have a lot of that type of water and there definitely are some huge fish. As the temperatures cool, these ‘cusp’ fisheries are as good as they get during the year. November can present some unique opportunities for fly fishing, but temperatures are downright cold sometimes, so it is important to prepare with some extra layers and warm hat. Large Browns are very intelligent and difficult to fool. A good goal for even an experienced angler is one truly large Brown in a season. It is very exciting to fish for these brutes, but it takes effort and dedication to be successful. It is also important to be careful where you wade so as not to walk through a redd and dislodge all the trout eggs present this time of year. I like to use a stout 9 and 1/2’ or 10’ 6wt with a floating line or sink tip line to cast minnow, sculpin, and crayfish imitations. 

Best Water – San Juan, Rio Chama, Rio Grande. 

December January and February

As winter arrives the higher elevations rivers and streams are unfishable under snow. However, the San Juan is always a good bet and is considered one of the best winter fisheries in the northern hemisphere. The Rio Chama below the dams can also have some great days. The Rio Grande has some good days for trout, but Pike fishing is the best of the year. 

Midges are the primary source of a feeding trout’s diet this time of year so bring your tiny flies along. For Pike a heavier rod is necessary, 6wt is the minimum up to an 8wt. Use very thick fluorocarbon tippet next to the fly or even better, wire bite tippet, so a pike’s teeth won’t saw through the line. My favorite Pike fly is a 6” rainbow trout streamer though any large size streamer will often do the trick. Knowing where to find them is more important. 

Best Water - San Juan, Rio Chama, Rio Grande, Red River.