Rivers Of New Mexico

Rio Grande River

Near Taos, New Mexico

The Rio Grande is a major water and recreation source for the residents of the state of New Mexico. The river literally runs the entire length of the state. The further south you go in the state, the more the river takes on the look of the red rock soil that it runs through. The further north you go, the more the river water clears. The photo above was taken just south of Taos, New Mexico. You will find that the fishing is absolutely awesome in this stretch of the Rio Grande.

Forest Creek

Jemez Mountains, Northern New Mexico

The waters of Forest Creek offer a distinctive contrast to the red, muddy waters of the Rio Grande river. Forest Creek is somewhat of a hidden treasure, located in the Jemez Mountain Range, literally not more than a 2 hour drive from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Chama River

Near Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico

If you are looking for a great spot for trout fishing and all around recreation, the Chama river near Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico is a piece of river you should check out. The photo you are seeing above was taken from my personal favorite cabin at Coopers El Vado Ranch. The are thousands of fish in the piece of stream you are looking at. In fact, my father has caught many a 20 inch and larger trout from this very spot. Of course, my dad could catch a 20 inch trout with his eyes closed and one hand tied behind his back. He has been fishing this stream since he was 18 years old. He is now approaching 80 and we fished this very spot together just last year. Yeap, he caught fish!

Animas River

Between Cedar Hill and Aztec, New Mexico

The Animas River is a little known stream that runs through San Juan County. This river has actually been known to produce some pretty nice Brown's and smaller Rainbow, Cutthroat and occasional Brook Trout. Next time you are in the area of the Animas, I urge you to break out your fly rod and give it a shot with an elk hair caddis or maybe an olive wooly bugger. Oh and did I mention that you should bring your camera so you can get some great photos of the ancient Aztec Indian ruins. 

San Juan River
Near Farmington New Mexico

As trout streams go, this one is pretty solid. There are certain areas of this river designated as catch and release, "Trophy Fish" areas! My father, Roy Lein, has fished there a number of times. Local fishing experts in the area claim this portion of the river has more than 20,000 fish per square mile. Dad said he had to wade carefully to avoid stepping on them. Just kidding :-)!


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