Each year, New Mexico's anglers purchase more than 265,000 fishing licenses and spend more than 4 million days in pursuit of the various sport fish that are plentiful statewide. Fishing contributes an estimated $343 million to New Mexico's economy annually. It is the goal of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to assure that anglers have the most satisfying fishing experience possible. The New Mexico Fishing Rules & Information Proclamation is available at Red River stores that sell fishing licenses and equipment and can also be found at the Chamber of Commerce office in Town Hall.
WHERE CAN I CATCH FISH?
The Upper Valley and Red River through town are heavily stocked by the Red River Chamber of Commerce, thanks to your tourism dollars. The NM Department of Fish & Game also stocks the rivers and lakes in the area. Upper Red River - Fishing in the beaver ponds above the Upper Valley is excellent for brooks and stocked rainbows. Between town and the Upper Valley is a 1-mile section designated Special Trout Waters. Red River - Fishing through town is excellent, with some of the best angling under bridges and around bushes. All fishing is open unless marked otherwise. Below town is good also, especially below Fawn Lakes. Lower Red River - Approximately 2 miles west of Questa is the Red River Fish Hatchery. The Red River runs beside it; you can fish upstream or down from the parking lot. Rio Grande -You can reach the Rio Grande from the John Dunn Bridge, located north of Arroyo Hondo or from the Wild Rivers area, just north of Questa, where there are numerous trails leading down to the water. Carry plenty of drinking water. The Rio Grande is full of rainbows, browns, cutbows and pike. The best fly fishing is in the fall when the flow and water temps are best. Cimarron River - Located in Cimarron Canyon, the Cimarron, located east of Red River, is a good fishing spot, particularly in the Special Trout Waters in the upper canyon. There's trees and brush to cast around: be careful and patient.
THE LOCALS KNOW
Fishing guides are available to show you those special places. Guides like Red River's Jeff Fagan - call 754-2504 - offer complete services for veterans and beginners alike. He can teach you how and show you where, but you get to catch them.