Fly Fishing for Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
Wild Trout Hot Spots in Northern New Mexico
The habitat where the native Rio Grande Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis) once thrived has nearly disappeared in the past century due to deforestation, disease, pollution, and predation. But thanks to volunteer efforts, conservation, and state and federal funding, there is still approximately 150 miles of rivers and streams where fly fishers can find purchase in New Mexico. These three are fairly close together and are highly-tauted as the Land of Enchantment's best streams for Rio Grande Cutts.
Rio Costilla / Comanche Creek in the Valle Vidal Unit
Fishing these two pieces of water are like getting a two-for-one. Comanche Creek flows into the Costilla and increases it’s flow by about 20 percent. The Costilla is a classic, western river with canyon water and long meandering meadow sections. Fish the edges religiously, and use Royal Wulffs or Yellow Humpies.
Much work has been done on the tiny step-across creek named after the Comanche tribe in order to insure safe breed and hatching zones for the trout.
Fish Comanche from the banks with ultra-lightweight rods (0-3wt.) and 6 or 7X tippet. Since the entire length of Comanche resides in meadowland, hopper patterns rule. Small, but insanely-aggressive trout will lash out at lightly presented flies utilizing long casts and quiet, stealthy approaches.
Since the water is so thin and quiet, the trout can hear, feel, and see anglers coming from a mile away. Think “catlike” while stalking trout hear. Crouch down and move slowly. It will pay off.
Latir Lakes and Latir Creek / RCCLA
Latir Creek is on private land owned by the Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association (RCCLA), but can be fished with a daily permit for approximately $20. The money is well spent. Cutthroats of above-average size fatten up in this small stream, and they are not picky feeders.
With many in-stream improvements and loads of turns, cuttbanks, riffles, runs, pockets and occasional pools, fishing Latir can typically mean 5-10 trout an hour, some reaching 12” or more.
Since there is substantially more flow and structure than the Comanche, approach and presentation is not as crucial. Try dry flies with peacock hurl and/or a chartreuse or lime thread, or a Yellow or Red Humpy, or a hopper pattern. Hit the sunny spots and the edges hard, and drop flies behind every rock and log. Long casts can be effective on lengthy runs here as well.
An eight mile hike upstream and one can reach the Latir Lakes -- "9 pearls on a string" where the state record “Cutt” was caught in the #9 lake. It’s a strenuous hike, but fishing here is in solitude and always rewarding. Call ahead for ice-out info.
Rio Santa Barbara
Finding decent populations of Rio Grande Cutts on the Santa Barbara will require a four-mile hike in from the campground reached by NM 75 out of Penasco, NM. The West Fork is quite possibly the premier stretch of water for Rio Grandies, not just on the Santa Barbara, but anywhere. So fish it with respect.
Humpies, Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulffs, and Parachute Adams will take cutts on the surface most of the day. But if action slows, try a dry-dropper rig with a Red Copper John trailing one of those aforementioned dries, and the resident brown trout will be happy to oblige.
Rio Grande Cutthroats are special animals, and nearly extinct. Please practice your best catch-and-release tactics when hooking these fish, pinch down the barbs, and don’t play the fish too long. Take a picture or two, but also take great care in handling one of Nature’s most beautiful creatures.
Rio Grande Cutthroat
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Outdoor & Recreation
Latest Articles