Fly Fishing in NM

Headed to Red River, NM the middle of August for some camping and fishing. I've fished in town about 12 yrs ago. Can anyone shed some light on other places to drive to in the area or over the mountain that would have some walk in areas to fly fish. Feel free to PM if you would like. Thanks

You better hope NM changes their policy. On the Juan right now only NM residents can fish there right now. Must have a NM drivers license and they are checking. I would check in early August and see what is up over there.

NM on lockdown..... mandatory quarantine. you gotta be sneaky.

Cimarron Canyon and Valle Vidal are spots I would go to.

We were up there in June. New Mexico now has a 14 day quarantine period if you come from Texas. I don’t think they are selling fishing licenses to Texans without proof of quarantine or a recent negative Covid-19 test. You may want to check into it.

Thanks for all the responses. I called the fly shop in town where they said yes to still selling license and fishing tackle. Hope he just wasn't pulling the wool over my eyes. He told me the restaurant's are open for take out or patio seating. I will keep updating my info on Covid scare up there.

Quarantine in place, I am certain of it. NM state parks (San Juan, Pecos, etc) are closed to non-residents. Federal lands are open to all. Bottom line is right now NM does not want out-of-state visitors, especially from Texas. I am sneaking in THursday to stay with a buddy in ABQ, and then go to the Rio De Los Pinos friday (In CO).

Yes, New Mexico is definitely requiring a 14 day quarantine for out of state visitors. Check with New Mexico Dept. of Health for full information.

Larry

Thanks I will Larry. Golfer Jeff let us know how you did at Rio De Los Pinos.

Well its vac time next week. Just got off the phone with the fly shop who says yes we are selling fishing license to Texas residents. I've been in a confinement setting since this [censored] started. Knock on wood I haven't had it. No symptoms that I know of. I just hope everyone will leave me alone and let me fish a little and enjoy my vac.
I live by John Wayne's quote. ‘I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them!!!!!!!!!

Colorado side of Rio De los Pinos was good. Above Trujillo meadows was better, the canyon below was ok. I did NOT fish the NM side. I didn't want to have a bad experience. I have heard the downstream fishing is OK, but the water is getting warm.

Freestones in Colorado are suffering with the heat, low snowpack, and drought. I would suggest finding a tailwater - you can count on decent flows and cold water.

Well Gentleman, I just got back from RR, Nm. All this hype about the Covid is hog wash. Everyone in town had a mask to put on if they went into a business other than that all were mask less. The town was bustling with vacationers having a great time. I trout fished everyday and caught 4-6 trout each time I went out. I fished in town behind the park,fish hatchery and along I think its hwy 64 from RR towards Eagles nest. had a great time don't let the 14 day self-quarantine stop you because theirs is no one doing it. No one ever stopped us for anything. Good Luck

Some private places like Sandia Lakes will not allow out-of-state fishermen to buy a permit to fish, and you need a mask to go inside anywhere, but most places don't care if you have a mask. Remote places during the week are not going to be a problem, you can get a fishing license online. Just went up to Santa Fe Ski basin middle of the week very crowded and when you come up on someone on the trail you put your mask on, a Buff is perfect. I would just go online buy an out-of-state license and if you can go for it. A bunch of Texas license plates you in the mountains hiking all over the place.

How can they tell when you came to NM???

**Update just went up on the Pecos yesterday, a lot of Texas people fishing the low and clear waters. Just a lot f people doing picnics, camping and fishing.

LOL that's fine by me. If they don't want my money, I'll will spend it somewhere else on fishing. Bunch of Do Gooders !!!

Update: Went to Fenton Lake they have a booth to stop you in coming in they check your Drivers License to verify you are NM resident, charge you and then you can join the thousands of other NM anglers fishing the lake. I fished below the dam much better was by myself and the fishing was great. I forgot my fishing license and they never checked it. I won't be going back there until it gets much colder. True I would rather be in Texas fishing.