North-Central New Mexico

North-Central New Mexico features two distinct tailwater fisheries on the Rio Chama — below El Vado Dam and below Abiquiu Dam — plus the intimate freestone Jemez River in the Jemez Mountains. The Chama tailwaters offer consistent trout fishing in a stunning red-rock canyon setting, while the Jemez provides solitude and small-stream charm.

Key Fisheries

• Rio Chama (Below El Vado Dam): The better of the two Chama tailwaters, with cold, clear releases supporting healthy brown and rainbow trout populations through a scenic canyon.
• Rio Chama (Below Abiquiu Dam): A warmer tailwater that fishes best in cooler months, with opportunities for larger fish.
• Jemez River (East Fork): A small mountain stream in the Jemez Mountains near Jemez Springs, offering solitude and wild trout in a forested canyon.

Hatches

Midge fishing dominates the Chama tailwaters year-round, supplemented by BWO hatches in spring and fall. Summer brings caddis and terrestrial action, especially on the Jemez.