Covid 19 sent a great deal of us packing in 2021. So many sought refuge from Zoom meetings and the evening news, in the outdoors. We expect this trend to continue through 2022 with the easing of restrictions and the ability to travel more freely. So where does someone visiting Chama, New Mexico go to fish? From walking and wading the Rio Chama, a drift boat on the world famous San Juan River, or casting form the shore of an alpine lake, the options for fishing in and around Chama are many.

The Rio Chama

The upper Rio Chama begins in the southern portion of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. This freestone stretch flows south through the Village of Chama. The river is accessible with generosity by the motel owners just south of the Y intersection. Please be sure to check in with the front desk of motel that you wish to access the river through and follow their guidelines. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish also provides a public access location south of the Down Home Lodge. Before the Down Home Lodge entrance, make a hard left and follow the two track to the river.

The river then passes through private property south of the motels, but the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has another public access easement located on CR 343 just two miles south of the Village. This access is heavily used and in need of some improvements in order to restore it to a healthy fishery. There is a local initiative to spur these needed improvements to benefit both anglers and the river life as well.

The state record brown trout was caught below El Vado Dam! To fish this public welcome (but privately owned) stretch of the Rio Chama; head south of Chama to NM 112. Take NM 112 13 miles to Cooper’s El Vado Ranch. Check in with Coop for the latest fishing report. There is an $8 parking fee (2022). Now a tailwater, fish upstream toward the dam or hike downstream to the Quality Water section. During summer months, check the flows by either calling Cooper’s El Vado Ranch or by checking the USGS water data web page. The flows fluctuate greatly to accommodate rafters on weekends during summer months.

Rio Brazos

The Rio Brazos is a freestone river with pocket water throughout the canyon. Although the river flows exclusively through private property, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish have two public access points. The first is through the Millstone subdivision and the second is just past the fire station at Yoda Lane. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stocks the river regularly and fishing is primarily rainbow trout with an occasional brown trout. From Chama, take US 64/84 south to NM 512 heading east approximately 8 miles. Enjoy spectacular views of the Brazos Cliffs as a bonus.

Area Lakes

Trujillo Meadows: Trujillo Meadows is a 69 acre reservoir just north of Chama, in Colorado. This alpine lake offers fishing for rainbows, browns and brook trout. Travel north of Chama on CO 17 21 miles to Forest Road 118. Colorado fishing License required.

El Vado Lake: At the time of writing, El Vado Lake dam is under massive reconstruction and repair. When the lake is restored, anglers can enjoy fishing for largemouth bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill and Kokanee salmon. Take US 64/84 south from to NM 112 to the El Vado Lake State Park.

Heron Lake: Heron Lake is the perfect place to spend the day fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and Kokanee salmon. From Chama, take US 64/84 south to NM 95.

While it may appear that fishing along the Rio Chama or the Rio Brazos is difficult through the patchwork of private land, there are plenty of public spots to fish for those adventurous enough to seek them out. You may also consider checking with the Chama Chamber of Commerce for a list quality fishing guides who know the local waters and are happy to spend the day guiding you. The opportunities for fishing around Chama expand with the Conejos just 45 minutes north and the world famous San Juan River just an hour and a half away. We think that you will agree, Chama is the perfect base for a fishing focused getaway. Always check the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish’s fishing proclamation rules and info for fishing regulations. Now get out and go wet a line!