Fishing in Red River
Guide to Red River, NM Fly Fishing
Whether you like fishing rivers and streams or the closed waters of a lake or pond, Red River has something for you.
If have never fished in Red River, or if you are looking for a way to enhance your experience and overall success, consider hiring a fly fishing guide for a day or two. Red River, NM fly fishing can be different than other areas of the country because of the terrain and tight banks, both of which a guide can help you navigate. Here is our list of the top 5 fly fishing guides in Red River, New Mexico.
The state of New Mexico requires all non-resident anglers ages 12 and above purchase a fishing license. This can be done in advance using the online licensing system.
Here are the top 6 Red River, NM fly fishing fly spots:
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- Red River in Town
- Red River Upper Valley
- Red River Hatchery
- Rio Grande
- Cimarron Canyon / Palisades Sill
- Eagle Nest Lake
2. Red River Upper Valley
♥ Carson Cabin Favorite ♥
There is a 1-mile section between the Upper Vally and town that features Special Trout Waters.
The “Red Chile Water” sign means there are certain tackle restrictions: only artificial fly or lure with a single, barbless hook can be used, while the “Green Chile Water” sign indicates that the area is catch and release. You can catch cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout in both areas.
Location: Watch for the 1-mile section designated Special Trout Waters along highway 578 between the Upper Valley and the town of Red River.
3. Red River Hatchery
♥ Carson Cabin Favorite ♥
The Red River Hatchery is the state’s largest production hatchery,
making the section of the Red River that runs nearby a great place to fish nearly year-round. It is located west of Red River in Questa, a 35 to 40-minute drive from Carson Cabin. There is a designated parking area right next to the river. Walk across the bridge and follow the Pescado trail. The trail is well-worn and will lead you to some good spots to cast a line. The trail starts at the hatchery and connects with the trail system at Wild Rivers Recreation Area.
There is also a stocked pond at the Red River Hatchery that is only for kids ages 12 and under and adults 65 and older. This is a good spot to get some easy catches before or after fishing the river if anyone in your group fits the age criteria.
Location: 1 State Route 515, Questa, NM 87556
More Information: Google Listing
4. Cimarron Canyon
♥ Carson Cabin Favorite ♥
The park features eight miles along the Cimarron River of premier brown trout waters for stocked browns or rainbows, making it well worth the trip. Campgrounds provide parking with convenient access to the river. The Tolby Campground and the Palisades Sill Historic Marker are two places that have parking with close access to the river. We often make plans to fish a little bit as we go through the canyon on our way to Red River and on our way home.
Location: Cimarron Canyon State Park, 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718
Park Details: Cimmarron State Park
5. Rio Grande
If you want to try luck on a body of water other than the Red River, the Rio Grande is full of rainbows, browns, cutbows, and pike.
Location: Access the Rio Grande from the John Dunn Bridge, located north of Arroyo Hondo or from the Wild Rivers area, just north of Questa. There are numerous trails leading down to the water.
6. Eagle Nest Lake
This lake is regularly stocked with trout and salmon. Anglers can fish from the banks or by boat and ice fish in the winter.
Location: Southeast of Red River, where Highway 38 and Highway 64 meet
Park Information: Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Bonus: Hidden Spots & Honey Holes
Over the years we’ve found some specific spots along the areas above that have consistently fished well. In fact, one of our favorite spots is located less than a mile down the river from Carson Cabin.
Location: The exact locations of our favorite fishing spots is something that we ONLY share with Carson Cabin guests, family, and trusted friends.
Amenities
What We Offer
Mountain View
Backs up to the Carson National Forest and features views of the mountains across the Upper Red River Valley.
Fully Stocked Kitchen
Equipped with modern appliances, and stocked with everything you need to prepare your favorite mountain meals.
Firewood Provided
There is always plenty of wood to keep the warmth of a cozy fire burning in the living room fireplace.
Fast Internet
High-Speed Wi-Fi internet provides a reliably fast connection so that you won’t miss your favorite Netflix show.
Trailer Parking
In addition to driveway parking, the circle drive provides enough space for 3-4 vehicles or a trailer carrying all your favorite mountain toys.
Outdoor Grilling
Charcoal BBQ grill with a full set of grilling tools is provided.
Testimonials
What Guests are Saying
“Perfect family cabin”
"This cabin was just what we needed for our family. We enjoyed the fireplace and comfy living room furniture."
Tara R.
“Great location”
"...located in a great spot between town and access to other outdoor activities and trails."
Danny O.
“Beautiful cabin...”
"The cabin was very comfortable! Kitchen is very well stocked! Outside of town which makes it very peaceful!"
Debbie W.
"Quiet and relaxing"
"It was quiet and relaxing, you can hear the river from the outdoor area. The kitchen was well stocked with everything you could need."
Lena M.
Cabin Location
Carson Cabin is located in Upper Red River, which is surrounded by Carson National Forest, but still only minutes from the town of Red River.