Skip to content

Fly Fishing in New Mexico

Desert Solitude and Trout

Desert Solitude and Trout

General Info: New Mexico is not known for having a lot of water. This dry state in the Southwest is often thought of as arid and inhospitable for trout, but that is absolutely not the case. New Mexico is a haven for trout. The high elevation provides great habitat for trout from small streams like the Rio Puerco and the Red River to large rivers like the Rio Grande and the San Juan. The San Juan is still considered to be one of the best places to catch nice trout anywhere in the US, and there are numerous small streams that can provide anglers with solitude and great trout fishing all up and down the state.

Fishing Links: New Mexico Fishing Licenses, Eagles Nest Fly Shack and Lodge, Dos Amigos Anglers

Flies by Species - New Mexico

San Juan River Hatch Chart

Clearly the most famous trout fishery in New Mexico. This is home to the San Juan worm. The river below Navajo Dam in Farmington is one of the most productive, healthy sections of river in the US, and trout fishing is both popular and excellent.

You can fish for fat trout 365 days a year. This section will test your skills and hone your abilities. It should be one of the first fly fishing destinations for upcoming anglers.

See Hatch Chart

Animas River Hatch Chart

One of the classic Southwestern trout streams, the Animas flows from the mountains above Durango, CO to its confluence with the San Juan in Farmington.

While most angling happen in Colorado, this is one of the most popular fisheries in the four corners area and is a must-fish if you are touring the Southwest.

See Hatch Chart

Best Selling Flies - New Mexico

Shop collection
  • 804 in stock

    Amber Prince-Beadhead

    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89

    One can never have too many princes, one of those patterns where most fisherman have multiple various in there box. The Amber Prince has a wire w...

    View full details
    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •
    362 in stock

    Barr's Emerger Blue Dun

    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89

    Excellent pattern when fish are on the surface but not hitting the duns. Trailing shuck and beadhead make this a great pattern to cast upstream, a...

    View full details
    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •
    1758 in stock

    Barr's Emerger BWO

    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89

    Excellent pattern when fish are on the surface but not hitting the duns. Trailing shuck make this a great pattern to cast upstream, and allow to ...

    View full details
    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •
    1564 in stock

    Barr's Emerger BWO-Beadhead

    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89

    Excellent pattern when fish are on the surface but not hitting the duns. Trailing shuck and beadhead make this a great pattern to cast upstream, a...

    View full details
    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.
  •
    597 in stock

    Barr's Emerger PMD-Beadhead

    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89

    Excellent pattern when fish are on the surface but not hitting the duns. Trailing shuck and beadhead make this a great pattern to cast upstream, ...

    View full details
    $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89 - $0.89
    $0.89
    Value must be grater than or equal to 1.