Special Trout Water Waters

Description

Special Trout Water is New Mexico Game & Fish Department's official designation for waters with enhanced fishing regulations designed to protect and improve trout populations. New Mexico uses a unique chile-themed classification system with three tiers, each with progressively stricter regulations.

Red Chile Water — the most restrictive tier. Catch-and-release only, artificial flies and lures with single barbless hook. Applied to premier trophy waters like the San Juan River Quality Waters below Navajo Dam, where trout densities exceed 15,000 fish per mile.

Green Chile Water — the standard Special Trout Water designation. Artificial flies and lures with single barbless hook, 2 trout daily bag limit. Applied to most designated waters including the Rio Grande Taos Box, Rio Chama below El Vado Dam, Costilla Creek Valle Vidal, and upper Pecos River sections.

Christmas Chile Water — the least restrictive STW tier. Two trout daily bag limit, any legal tackle and bait permitted. Provides a bridge between general regulations and full Special Trout Water restrictions.

Currently, New Mexico designates approximately 50+ waters statewide as Special Trout Water across all three tiers.

Criteria

• Red Chile: Catch-and-release only, artificial flies/lures, single barbless hook
• Green Chile: 2 trout daily limit, artificial flies/lures, single barbless hook
• Christmas Chile: 2 trout daily limit, any legal tackle permitted
• Waters are designated based on trout population quality, conservation needs, and angler demand
• Some waters have seasonal restrictions (e.g., Valle Vidal open July 1 through December 31 only)
• Special permits may be required (e.g., free Gila Trout Fishing Permit for West Fork Gila)

FAQ

What is the difference between Red Chile, Green Chile, and Christmas Chile?

The three tiers represent different levels of gear and harvest restrictions. Red Chile is the most protective — catch-and-release only with artificial flies and single barbless hooks, applied to trophy waters like the San Juan Quality Waters. Green Chile allows keeping 2 trout per day but still requires artificial flies and barbless hooks. Christmas Chile also has a 2-fish limit but permits any legal tackle including bait. The chile pepper names are unique to New Mexico and make the system easy to remember.

Do I need a special permit for Special Trout Water?

A standard New Mexico fishing license covers most Special Trout Water. The one exception is the West Fork Gila River, where a free Gila Trout Fishing Permit is required. This permit is available online at wildlife.dgf.nm.gov, by phone, or at license vendors. No additional cost — it's free but mandatory.

Are there seasonal closures on Special Trout Water?

Some Special Trout Waters have seasonal access restrictions. Costilla Creek in the Valle Vidal is only open July 1 through December 31, during daylight hours. The West Fork Gila River is accessible year-round but snow and weather limit practical access from November through May. Most other STW waters are open year-round.

How does Special Trout Water compare to Gold Medal or Blue Ribbon?

Special Trout Water is New Mexico's equivalent of Colorado's Gold Medal or Montana's Blue Ribbon designation, though the criteria differ. While Gold Medal is based on strict biomass measurements (60+ pounds per acre), STW is regulation-based — it identifies waters where enhanced restrictions are applied to maintain quality fishing. The result is similar: Special Trout Waters are New Mexico's premier fly fishing destinations.