It was fishing – and cool summer weather – that transformed Red River City from an abandoned mining camp into a destination for eager anglers and refugees from the heat of desert and plains. The chilly waters of babbling mountain streams and high country lakes are still today as inviting for sportsman and diners.
If you want to fish in New Mexico, you are required to have a current NM fishing license. If you live out of state these can be obtained online at https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us. If you have a problem completing the process, call 1-888-248-6866 during normal business hours for assistance.
The Red River area has a variety of fishing experiences to offer, from the community ponds by the ski area to the river that runs through the heart of town and the classic mountain streams running cold and clean from the high country.
In addition to the stocking program conducted by the state of New Mexico, the town of Red River also stocks heavily during summer months, not only in the river but in the two community ponds which are reserved for fishing. There are a few lodges in town that have private, stocked ponds which are available only to their customers.
There are also high country trout lakes like Goose Lake, Middle Fork, Cabresto Lake and Lost Lake that offer a hiking component as well as an angler’s challenge. If it’s open, nearby Eagle Nest Lake State Park in the Moreno Valley is known not only for a variety of trout, but also kokanee salmon, sunfish and northern pike.
There are four species of trout to be found in the Red River and tributaries that drain into the Rio Grande. Rainbow trout are easy to identify by their colorful sides. German Browns were introduced into New Mexico waters in the early 1900s. Brook trout are plentiful and are surface feeders and like to hit tied flies.
It’s Official: The Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout has been designated as New Mexico’s State Fish and for good reason. This handsome fish, which is native to the waters of the Land of Enchantment, is exciting to catch, an aggressive feeder that has been known to hit almost anything, from lures to spinners and flies. They will give you a fight.
They’re named for the bright red slash mark under the jaw (cutthroat). Their spots are mostly near the tail. They can also be identified by the presence of small teeth behind the base of the tongue. Cutthroats are often found in stream fed lakes and tributaries and the young ones enjoy hiding among fallen trees, rocks and other structures.