Canadians often complain that Americans do not know much about Canadian geography. There is a perception that many U.S. residents believe that Canada is covered with copious amounts of snow all year long, and is inhabited almost exclusively by Eskimos. Naturally, this is not true! Although I live in Canada, I have taken an interest in the geography of our best neighbour but, when it was recently brought to my attention that fly fishing is a popular sport in New Mexico, I had very little knowledge of the State. My own perception was that the State was mostly hot dry desert, with Navajo rugs being ubiquitous. Certainly not a place where I imagined excellent trout fly fishing!

Thanks to Mr. Thomas Pena of Castizo Fly Fishing my perception has changed drastically, and now New Mexico is on my list of places to fish. Through contact with Thomas, I have learned that New Mexico offers excellent fly fishing opportunities, and he has graciously offered to host a chat right here at flyfishing on October 7 to answer further questions you may have about this south-western state. (Please see the event calendar for time.)

Along with picturesque scenery, New Mexico offers some excellent Brown and Rainbow trout in many streams and rivers. Catches of rainbow in the 20lb. range are not uncommon, although the State record Brown was caught in 1946 in the Chama River.

Although not native to the region, NM has a good stocking program, and in 1996 alone, over 3 million rainbows were introduced throughout the year in State lakes and rivers from the 6 hatcheries New Mexico operates.

There are many good areas to fish, and the following links will certainly assist you in planning any trips or just learning more about this State, and maybe changing your perception too!

Don't forget to check the calendar for the time of Mr. Pena's chat, and be sure to visit next week for an interview with this highly accomplished fly fishing guide and instructor!

Related Links

Brown Trout In NM
Albequerque Journal On-Line article with information on this species in the State.

Fly Fishing New Mexico
Matt and Brooks describe their fly fishing trips, with an on-line journal. Helpful information if you're planning on fishing the waters mentioned.

Mesilla Valley Flyfishers
Active club, with lots of good information. FFF affiliate.

New Mexico Fly Fishing Overview A short discussion on general areas, by Drexel Atkinson.

New Mexico Trout
An organization dedicated to the preservation of trout in NM. Fly of the month feature as well as other helpful information.

North Eastern New Mexico
Pecos Mountains and Rio Grande Gorge areas, by Drexel Atkinson.

North Western New Mexico
Drexel Atkinson's river and lake information.

Rainbow Trout In New Mexico
History and information, from Albequerque Journal On-Line.

San Juan River By Mike Mora
One stretch of the San Juan holds over 80,000 trout along its 4 miles. Mike Mora offers guiding services and fly selection information as well as reports.

South Western New Mexico
Blue Hole Lake and the Gila Wilderness Area.