Trout Stalker Ranch - A Retreat for All Seasons

A Retreat for All Seasons Imagine—serene and pristine wilderness as far as the eye can see.

You’re sitting on the bank of a meandering river, fishing for trout.

Perhaps a herd of elk or deer go by, or maybe you hear a night hawk as dusk starts falling. You’re content as can be.

Y

ou’re also on Trout Stalker Ranch right outside Chama, New Mexico, just two hours north of Santa Fe. Owned by Dan and Ashlyn Perry, the two Texans found their way to the Chama River Valley and have become important advocates of conserving its natural beauty.

The ranch is comprised of 1,330 acres, and within it the Rio Chama converges with its smaller tributary, the Rio Chamita. This makes for about four miles of river. Starting three years ago, Dan has put much time, money and labor into resurrecting the rivers to their former glory.

“With the help of experts, we determined there had been a lot of erosion problems,” Dan explains. “The meandering parts of the river that are conducive to fishing had basically been washed out due to flooding and run-off. So we hired an engineering firm to come in, put the beds back in the river, repair the banks to prevent erosion, and deepen some of the holes so the fish would have cool ponds to retreat to during the hot summer months. It’s an ongoing project and there’s always

something to maintain, but we’re really proud of the results.”

happy to help large groups find lodging in nearby Chama.

In other words, he’s made his ranch a catch-and release heaven, especially for fly fisherman. Two lakes on the property are stocked, and New Mexico Game and Fish stocks the Rio Chama above and below the ranch, which are public sections of the river. “Many guests who come to the property know how to fish and don’t want a guide, but guides are available for beginners to experts,” Dan notes. “The trout species include rainbow, brown and Rio Grande cutthroat. It’s possible to drive up from Santa Fe and fish for the day, or there are packages available for folks who want to stay on the ranch and enjoy a few days. We provide fishing equipment as needed.”

Other reasons for visiting include birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking, hunting and cross country skiing in the winter. Birds easily sighted are eagles, falcons, hawks and osprey, and even a family of dippers. Additionally, a herd of bison call the ranch home, and the nearby Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad draws many a tourist for an idyllic train ride.

Accommodations range from the Safari Tent (secluded on a high point with vast views) to the Loft (a newly renovated home with two bedrooms and a room with bunkbeds) – great for families and groups. The Roadhouse on the ranch makes an ideal venue for family reunions or weddings, and Dan and Ashlyn are

“I love the outdoors. We came from Texas, where you don’t have land like this. We fell in love with owning our ranch and became conservationists,” Dan describes. Ashlyn adds: “We keep it small and private. It’s very peaceful and quiet, great for hiking, animal watching and truly being in nature.”

Trout Stalker Ranch 91 CR 343 A Chama, NM 87520 844.44TROUT www.ChamaTroutStalkers.com TOP RIGHT: Dan and Ashlyn Perry, owners