Embudo/Otowi (Taos to Los Alamos corridor)on Rio Grande
Stable to dropping flows on the Rio Grande
- 01Stable to dropping flows on the Rio Grande.
- 02Clear skies and comfortable 49°F weather.
- 03Active midge hatches providing consistent subsurface feeding opportunities for trout.
- 04Emerging Baetis (Blue-Winged Olives) expected, offering dry fly chances on overcast days.
- 05Excellent opportunities for targeting both Brown Trout and Northern Pike with appropriate patterns.
What to tie on at Embudo/Otowi (Taos to Los Alamos corridor)
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Zebra Midge
The absolute staple for winter on the Rio Grande. Small midges are the most consistent forage in February.
Buy at AmazonSan Juan Worm
A high-visibility attractor that works well as an anchor fly in deep winter holes to grab the attention of lethargic fish.
Buy at AmazonIced Out Midge Pupa
Specifically designed for cold water conditions, this pupa imitation matches subsurface midge activity common in late February.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective year-round for various predatory species, and particularly good for Brown Trout and Northern Pike in fall.
Black Woolly Bugger
A slow-stripped or dead-drifted black streamer imitates leeches and sculpins which are active even in near-freezing water. It is a high-searching pattern for larger trout.
Griffith's Gnat
If temperatures rise above freezing in the afternoon, midges will cluster on the surface. This is the first choice for a winter dry fly.
Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun
As Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in fall, this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective Brown Trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Hopper
August marks the peak of the terrestrial season, with grasshoppers providing a substantial meal for opportunistic fish along the Rio Grande's grassy banks.
Yellow Sally
Yellow Sally stoneflies are abundant on freestone rivers like the Rio Grande during the summer months, prompting aggressive strikes.
Buy at AmazonNew Mexico season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.