Trip brief · Rio Grande — Taos Box
How to go fish the Rio Grande — Taos Box
The months we list for the Rio Grande — Taos Box are April, May, 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
Trico#22-24
Access
Orilla Verde Recreation Area (Pilar)
36.280, -105.740parking
John Dun Bridge
36.380, -105.710parking
La Junta Trailhead
36.480, -105.690parking
Taos Junction Bridge
36.220, -105.760parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
From Colorado state line to Taos Junction Bridge: catch-and-release only, artificial lures and flies only, 6-inch minimum size. New Mexico fishing license required. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument regulations apply in the gorge. Check NMDGF for current year-round vs. seasonal designations. Flash flood risk in canyon — monitor weather.
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 Grande — Taos Box page →