Date Range:

Mid-February through December.

Species You Fish for by Season:

Browns, rainbows, cutthroats and cuttbows.

Region/Terrain Where You Fish:

The small mountain rivers, streams, and wild canyon rivers in the Taos, Red River, Eagle Nest, Cimarron, and Angel Fire areas offer a wide range of fishing diversity in the spring, summer, and fall. The trout waters in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico range in elevation from 7,000 feet to 10,000 feet. All of these waters are ideal wade/walk fisheries. The Cimarron River is a smaller mountain tailwater that is much more like a freestone mountain stream with a variety of water characteristics featuring brown and rainbow trout. The Cimarron typically starts fishing in April and continues into October. The Rio Costilla represents a classic mountain meadow stream home to cutthroats and cuttbows. The Costilla fishes best from May through September. The Lower Red River is a smaller wild canyon river with lots of pockets and runs featuring browns, rainbows, and some cuttbows. The Lower Red tends to fish from mid-February to early April and then September through November. The Rio Grande is a rugged wild canyon river deep in the Rio Grande Gorge with browns, rainbows, and cuttbows. The Rio's most consistent time frame is September and October. Doc has access to both public and unpressured private waters.

Typical Weather by Season:

From mid-May through October, New Mexico typically experiences sunny days when quick-dry pants and long-sleeved fishing shirts are ideal with waders. Mid-July through mid-August is when we can experience some light mountain rain showers in the afternoons, but be sure to always have a rain jacket any time of year. November through April can have cool to cold days with chances of snow, so incorporate a good layering system. A good layering system should include fleece pullover, long-sleeved shirt, fleece vest, rain jacket, fishing gloves, and cap.

Where will we fish?

Where we fish is based upon the time of year you plan to fish, your fishing interests and current fishing conditions for that time of year.

What kind of fishing license do I need?

Each person fishing needs a valid New Mexico fishing license for the days you are fishing. One-day, 5-day, and annual licenses are available. You will need the Habitat Management Access Validation Stamp. If you are fishing the Rio Costilla, Red River, or Rio Grande you will also need the Habitat Improvement Stamp.

Where can I purchase fishing licenses?

Licenses can be purchased in advance through the New Mexico Game and Fish website.

Where do you recommend I stay?

Guest house and cabin packages are available as an easy way to combine your guide trip and lodging in one easy-to-make reservation. There are also a number of inns, B&Bs, hotels, and motels throughout Taos, Red River, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, and Cimarron, New Mexico.

What equipment do I need to bring?

Key equipment items you need are rod/reel, waders, rain gear, polarized sunglasses, and a valid New Mexico fishing license. Orvis rods, reels, and waders are available for use on guide trips.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Forms of payment include US cash, US check, and major credit cards.

What is the closest airport?

The Albuquerque International Sunport and Santa Fe Airport have daily commercial flights. Private planes can fly into Taos, Angel Fire, or Raton, New Mexico.