Anyone fished the Costilla in northern New Mexico? Headed up to fish around Red River area later this week. I've got buddies that've e told me the Cutthroat's are fun to catch and the scenery is fantastic.

One of my favorite places to fish. This is a great time to throw hoppers, ants and beetles.

You will need a RCCLA permit to access the lower part and a USFS special habitat stamp for the upper Valle Vidal.

Valle Vidal has the pure Rio Grande Cutts and beautiful scenery. RCCLA section usually produces bigger trout with Cuttbows, rainbows and some browns in the mix.

My buddy Doc Thompson has been a guide there for 30 years. He does a weekly fishing report at:

https://fishingreports.orvis.com/southwest/new-mexico/rio-costilla

Nick Streit and the crew at Taos Fly Shop have the flies and info you need as well.

I'm no help on the fishing but can confirm the scenery is fantastic.

I've fished these areas for decades.

If you want to just catch the most trout possible, use a simple black gnat fly. You won't catch the big ones, but using black gnats dry flies are damn near equivalent to using salmon eggs in this area. If there are fish in the water, I can about 100% guarantee you will catch the smaller varieties on gnats (6-10" trout).

In areas where you have enough depth use a dry dropper set up. I will often use one of the following:

• Humpy Caddis on top with some variety of bead head nymphs underneath.
• Hopper on top with some variety of bead head nymphs underneath.
• Elk Wing Caddis or Adams on top with some variety of bead head nymphs underneath. This setup will catch the most fish of the three dry-hopper setups...but, the first two setups with the Hopper or Humpy Caddis will be more likely to land you a larger trout if any are around the waters you're fishing.

Mainly, enjoy the outdoors with cool crisp clean air and amazing scenery.

I've fished this stretch for over 20years, fantastic and the scenery is the best in NM. I've also driven up to the Latir Lakes and caught bigger fish. You must have 4WD. You can get to the 3rd lake which is the largest. You can hike to the ones above it (I've never done this but heard it is great).

87Flyfisher said:

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One of my favorite places to fish. This is a great time to throw hoppers, ants and beetles.

You will need a RCCLA permit to access the lower part and a USFS special habitat stamp for the upper Valle Vidal.

Valle Vidal has the pure Rio Grande Cutts and beautiful scenery. RCCLA section usually produces bigger trout with Cuttbows, rainbows and some browns in the mix.

My buddy Doc Thompson has been a guide there for 30 years. He does a weekly fishing report at:

https://fishingreports.orvis.com/southwest/new-mexico/rio-costilla

Nick Streit and the crew at Taos Fly Shop have the flies and info you need as well.

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I live in Lubbock, but I know Doc as well as the guys at Taos Fly Shop. Thank you for your info!

Another thanks for your time and comments! I stumbled into fly fishing approx 6 years ago. It took me over a year to catch my first fish. This weekend will be my 5th trip into New Mexico, since the first of May. I retired in May from 40 years of HS coaching. I bought a tear drop trailer - my plan is to wear that trailer out driving and fishing in New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Thanks again.

Be sure and check out Pueblo State Park in Colorado. Nice facilities and trailer sites.

We have caught some great fish just below the dam and there is good fishing and access all the way into town, especially at the Nature Center.

Also easy access to go upstream on the Arkansas to Canon City and Salida.

Look at me! I am going to places where water just runs openly across the ground and you can be outside without bursting into flames!

/Jealous