Trip brief · Rio Chama
How to go fish the Rio Chama
The months we list for the Rio Chama are April, May, June, September, October, November. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — September
Blue-winged Olive#18-22
Parachute BWO
Caddis#16-18
Access
El Vado Ranch Launch
36.589, -106.745parking
Big Eddy Takeout
36.530, -106.550parking
Abiquiu Dam Tailwater Access
36.241, -106.417parking
Chama Town Bridge
36.890, -106.580parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
New Mexico fishing license required. Below Abiquiu Dam to confluence: artificial flies and lures only in designated Special Trout Waters. Float permits required for Chama Canyon section (BLM, reserve in advance). New Mexico constitution provides public access within active streambed statewide. Check NMDGF for current Red Chile and Green Chile water designations.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Rio Chama page →