courtesy Taos fly shop
courtesy taos fly shop
New Wave Rafting, 2110 Hwy. 68, Embudo, NM 87531, newwaverafting.com; Santa Fe Rafting, 1000 Cerrillos, Santa Fe, santaferafting.com; Kokopelli Rafting Adventures, 1401 Maclovia, Unit A, Santa Fe, kokopelliraft.com; High Desert Angler, 460 Cerrillos, highdesertangler.com; The Reel Life, 526 N Guadalupe (in DeVargas Center), thereellife.com
Above: An angler uses a fly-rod to land a Rio Grande cutthroat trout in a meadow stream in Northern New Mexico. These fish can be found throughout several small streams in the area, and are especially prevalent within the Rio Grande and the Rio Santa Barbara in Taos County.
courtesy new wave rafting
Commercial rafting companies offer trips on the Rio Chama. Unique 1–3 day excursions through O’Keeffe country are on relatively calm water. Along the way, paddlers can count on seeing plenty of wildlife and catching some rapids while floating between the sandstone cliffs. In fact, this trip is so popular that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) limits the number of permits purchased by boaters each year. The permits are sold through a lottery system, and applications must be submitted by January 31st. A little farther north, parts of the San Juan River can accommodate newbie paddlers. Beginning at Navajo Lake State Park, the San Juan River between Navajo Dam and the Four Corners is perfect for a lazy float on one of its many slow-moving stretches. It’s also a fantastic spot for fishing and practicing paddling skills for faster-moving water. Many of the same rivers provide opportunities for fishing. (Make sure to purchase a fishing license first, available online.) The Rio Chama can be fished, as can waters in the Jemez Mountains, parts of the Rio Grande, and Abiquiú Lake. Fly fishermen often head to the Pecos River with Santa Fe–based guides. “The diversity of fishing in New Mexico is greatly overlooked,” says Peter Mosey, head guide at The Reel Life. Waters in the state teem with brown trout, rainbow trout, and lesser numbers of cutthroat or brook trout. “We’re anticipating a really good fishing season,” continues Mosey. Plentiful fish and high waters may promise a good time, but can also be perilous. Anyone making plans to hit the rivers and lakes should check ahead regarding weather, conditions, and applicable permits. Most guides will supply all necessary boats and safety equipment, but those who want to venture out on their own can seek instruction locally and rent personal flotation devices, helmets, and even vessels.
Above: The rapids can get rough, and finding that you and the raft have parted ways is not out of the question. Getting soaked is a given.
Left: An angler fly fishes for brown and Rio Grande cutthroat trout near a waterfall in Taos County, New Mexico. june/july 2017
santa fean
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