So, we're heading up to Red River, New Mexico for Thanksgiving, but it looks like there won't be enough snow on the ground for skiing. I'm now looking for a place to try my hand at fly fishing. Does anyone know of any particular park or river where I should try to catch some trout? I've never fly fished before, so this should be an experience.

Thanks in advance.

the river flow through it! seriously great fishing all around Red River also go about 20 miles to the West and on the Rio Grande. I just moved to NM about a year ago and head up that way quite a bit. Also a few good lakes around there.

Good luck and think snow because it is cold a crap in Santa Fe today!

Contact my buddy, and fellow Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide, Doc Thompson at
www.flyfishnewmexico.com.

He is the top guide in that region.

Doc is a badass! Man if it's your first time fly fishing I wish you luck and do your best to find some open water, those tight little streams will make you want to break your equipment. If you get the opportunity to fish with Doc listen carefully and enjoy because it'll be a great experience. There are plenty of places to get into some good fishing (and nothing in New Mexico is more than 3 hours away).

Go south of town where the river flows, there will be many holes where the beavers have damned up some areas along side the road. Also, if you take this road further south it will lead to some trails that take you for a couple mile hike to the top of a mountain, where there is this wonderful lake full of fish.

Thanks a lot, fellas. I'll probably go guideless since this is a family trip and I may just get to slip away to do a little fishing. Plus, it'll be cheaper.

go to the local fishing shop in town and ask for a map to goose lake. the trailhead is just south of town, and it is about 6 miles. u can get a jeep or 4 wheeler up it, but nothing with a long axel. Great lake, good fish, and an awesome view. If you have time while you are up at the lake, hike the ridge that is on the backside of the lake. When you get to the top, look over the backside, and you can see taos ski valley, it is an awesome view. My dad and I always do this when we are there.

Try cimarron canyon below eagles nest, it is a fly only region and incredible.

scratch that, if you are brand new to it than the river in and around town is the best bet, they stock the snot out of it, and there are always some fish. If you go south of town to far, there is a big mine that can really ruin the fishing if there has been rain lately.

87 flyfisher thanks for the name, I will be contacting him. I just started flyfishing and I need all the help I can get. one thing I have learned is that a cuss word echos alot in the mountains!

Hey miser. Why don't you try calling some of your fly fishing buddies when you need advice?!

The stream in Red River isn't very wide (read: conducive to you fly fishing for the first time). I would recommend fishing a small lake. There are several good lakes in the mountains above Red River. Try Goose Lake if you think that old truck of yours will make it up 6 miles of the worst road the Rockies can throw at ya.

Also, try Eagle Nest lake in the morning or evening. I would recommend Berkley's Power Bait here (fear not, for it is still artifical). Fix a small treble hook (size 18 or so) to a 2-ft leader. Attach to swivel. Above swivel, use free moving egg sinker. Those trout love it. P.S. Watch out for bears!

Now, that said, when are we going to slay some aquatic fowl?

Bonz '02
"And on the eighth day, God created the Aggies."

Bonz, I didn't realize you were a fly fisherman- my apologies. After Thanksgiving I should be available to harvest a few ducks. The season reopens on December 9th.

As long as your up there, I'd make the trek to the San Juan river. Some consider it THE best rainbow trout river in the U.S. You won't be dissapointed.

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Try cimarron canyon below eagles nest, it is a fly only region and incredible.

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It's also private water (if you are referring to the area directly below the dam) so I wouldn't recommend it.

cimmaron canyon might be closed that late in the year. it is regulated by the state, and i think it is closed to fishing after the end of september. the San Juan is an amazing river with trout averaging 17 inches. the only problem with it is if you are a novic fly fisherman, you might have some trouble. The fish are pretty weary and typically only take nymphs deep. if you are willing to pay for a guide, you will have an amazing day. But if you are guiding yourself, it may be a bit tough.

Also, the San Juan river is about a four hour drive from Red River. But if you are willing to take the time to drive, it is definatly worth the trip.

If the weather ever happens to be uncooperative up in town, I'd also suggest driving over to the fish hatchery on the road to Taos. You can park there and fish downstream towards the Rio Grande. It's usually a lot warmer even though you'll only have driven for 30 minutes, the scenery is pretty spectacular, and the fishing can be pretty good. Steer clear of the river south of town near the purported beaver ponds. The fishing is terrible. (read: that's my turf! )