December – February
New Mexico fly fishingin winter: the guide
Your complete guide to fly fishing in New Mexico during winter (December – February).
The full winter guide for New Mexico is on its way. In the meantime, here are the flies and waters to start with.
Top Winter flies for New Mexico
Ranked by how often they show up in this season's reports.
nymphZebra MidgeThe absolute staple for winter on the Rio Grande. Small midges are the most consistent forage in February.nymphIced Out Midge PupaSpecifically designed for cold water conditions, this pupa imitation matches subsurface midge activity common in late February.nymphSan Juan WormA high-visibility attractor that works well as an anchor fly in deep winter holes to grab the attention of lethargic fish.dryGriffith's GnatIdeal for the warmest part of the day when midges begin to cluster on the surface. This is the most reliable winter dry fly for the Pecos.nymphPheasant Tail NymphMimics small baetis nymphs that are active year-round and serves as a reliable subsurface staple in the Gila's freestone sections.streamerWoolly BuggerA 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.nymphLittle Black Stonefly nymphWinter stoneflies (Capniidae) begin their activity in February. This larger nymph provides a significant calorie source for trout during the winter lean period.nymphSow BugAs a tailwater with high vegetation levels, sow bugs are a high-protein winter food source found in the substrate.
Waters in New Mexico 7 to fish
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Local flies, current advice and guided trips.
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