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Your Guide to Fly Fishing in Santa Fe

Man enjoying the solitude on the Rio Chama while fly fishing in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Though Santa Fe has garnered a reputation as a world-class destination for food and the arts, it’s also an incredible place for outdoor adventures. With miles of hiking and biking trails and breathtaking natural landscapes to explore, that’s probably no surprise. But did you also know there is some genuinely fantastic fly fishing in Santa Fe?

Fly fishing in the Santa Fe, New Mexico area offers an enchanting experience for anglers, set against the backdrop of the region’s stunning natural beauty. We’re heading into peak fly fishing season, too – as late spring is not only when the weather is most favorite ahead of the hot days of summer but also when the water temperatures are still cool and teeming with active life. As the waterways around Santa Fe warm up and come alive with sources of food and the rivers enjoy consistent flow from melting snows, you can expect the fish to feed more aggressively, thus presenting the ideal conditions for fly fishing in Santa Fe. 

In the waters around Santa Fe, anglers can expect to find a diverse array of fish, making it a thrilling destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. The most common catches include various types of trout, including rainbow, brown, and the native cutthroat trout. There’s an excellent diversity of fishable rivers, too, providing something for everyone, from novice fishermen to experienced anglers. Pursuing these game fish in the pristine and often secluded waters adds an element of serenity to the fly fishing experience in New Mexico, too. 

After a day spent wading in local rivers and streams, return to the easy comfort of our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast, a place where you can relax, unwind, and ease your tired muscles. Our accommodations are charming and intimate, and we’re an easy walk away from town, where you’ll find plenty of fantastic options for dinner and evening entertainment as desired. Whether you’re here to cast your line or to soak up the area’s rich heritage and natural beauty, Santa Fe provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration. Book your room with us today! 

People fishing on the San Juan River, one of the best places for Fly Fishing near Santa Fe

The Best Fly Fishing Near Santa Fe

Whether it’s trophy fish, the thrill of the catch, or just the quiet, meditative experience of fly fishing you’re after, you’ll find that the Santa Fe area is home to some of the best fly fishing in the southwest. There are rivers and lakes dotting the high desert landscape of northern New Mexico, each of which offers a unique experience. To fish these waters, you’ll need to obtain a New Mexico fishing license, available online or at various local outfitters and stores. 

Before you head out on your fly fishing adventure, familiarize yourself with the state’s fishing regulations, as they can vary depending on the water body and the time of year. Paying close attention to fishing regulations helps keep the sport accessible and sustainable for future generations. Below, we have a breakdown of some of the best spots for fly fishing near Santa Fe.

  1. One of the premier spots for fly fishing in Santa Fe is the Pecos River, renowned for its clear waters and abundant brown and rainbow trout populations. The river’s accessible spots near the town of Pecos are perfect for beginners and experienced anglers.
  2. Another fly fishing gem near Santa Fe is the Chama River. The sections below the Abiquiu and El Vado Dams are particularly great for anglers to try their hand at catching brown and rainbow trout.
  3. Though a bit farther from Santa Fe, the San Juan River offers some of the best world-class fishing in the southwest. The San Juan River is known for its large population of trophy-sized trout, making it a worthwhile destination for serious anglers.
  4. The Rio Grande, particularly in the Rio Grande Gorge near Taos, offers a rugged and beautiful setting for fly fishing. The river is home to brown trout, rainbow trout, and the occasional cutthroat trout. The Rio Grande’s wild and scenic stretches provide a more challenging fishing experience, ideal for those seeking adventure in their angling.
A guest room at our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast, rated by many as the best place to stay in Santa Fe

The Best Place to Stay in Santa Fe

Whether you’re just a casual sportsman looking for a fun and beautiful adventure in Santa Fe or an avid angler looking for a world-class fishing excursion, we have no doubt you’ll love fly fishing near Santa Fe. Of course, fishing is just one of the many fantastic things to do in Santa Fe, and that’s, at least in part, what makes it such a remarkable destination. While enjoying the vibrant culture and breathtaking natural scenery, let our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast serve as your comfortable home away from home. 

Our Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located near the Santa Fe Capital and a short walk from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. We’re close enough to many of the city’s top museums, restaurants, and attractions but far enough away from the heart of the city to offer a quiet, restful place to put your feet up at the end of the day. It really will feel like your own private home. But our location isn’t the only reason to choose our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast. 

We also offer a welcome range of amenities, including spacious guest rooms, exceptional hospitality and concierge service, a daily breakfast, and so much more. Over the years, we’ve carefully curated the guest experience and gone far beyond our guests’ expectations.

Unlike some of the bigger properties in town, we only offer six well-appointed guest rooms, meaning you can rest assured you’ll enjoy personalized service and attentive hospitality throughout your stay. Each guest room features queen or king-sized beds, beautiful, authentic decor, fine art throughout, state-of-the-art bathrooms, and other welcome appointments.

We’d love nothing more than to help you enjoy Santa Fe’s hidden treasures and off-the-beaten-path finds – whether it’s art or fantastic outdoor adventures you’re looking for. Book your room at our Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast today! 

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