January 7th 2011
by Van Beacham
Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado have had the longest, warmest fall fishing season on record, and the browns successfully spawned clear into late December on the Rio Grande and its tributaries, ensuring good recruitment of juvenile browns again this year. That was followed by two of the coldest weeks I can remember in a long time, although now things are warming up a little bit.
It has been dryer than normal so far but that trend is changing lately. Already we’ve had a couple of good snow storms and we have snow in the forecast. Our reservoirs are doing well and we should be in good shape for next year if we have an average snow year.
Winter in Taos – Skiing, Galleries & Flyfishing
Taos, without a doubt, offers the best blend of things to do and see of any ski area in the Rockies. Our southern latitude is ideal for the flyfisher visiting Taos with folks who have other interests like skiing (and now snow-boarding), gallery hopping and attending pueblo celebrations.
You can be at the top of the world skiing in Taos Ski Valley powder one day and at the bottom of the Rio Grande Gorge fishing in the sun the next day! It’s the perfect family place because there’s something for everyone to do.
Culebra Creek – Winter Fly Fishing at its Best!!
If you haven’t fished the Culebra during the winter, you better try it this year! Midges hatch daily and some days fish actually come to the surface. Light tippets and tiny flies are the ticket at this time of the year and landing the scrappy bows and browns is challenging and rewarding. Let us show you how to catch these wary truchas.
Give us a call today or contact us online to book a trip on this blue ribbon trout stream and you’ll see why it has become, by far, our most popular fishery. Call (
575-758-5653 or
1-866-502-1700) or visit (204 B Paseo del Pueblo Norte) Jack or Stephanie at The Tailwater Gallery & Fly Shop for latest flows and conditions.
Rio Grande Gorge and Lower Red River
The Rio Grande Gorge and the Red River both provide great winter flyfishing opportunities. Midges hatch virtually every day on the Rio Grande but the fish rarely rise to them except in the flats near Pilar after the light leaves the water or on overcast days. In the Gorge above and below the Red River and in the Red itself one can have excellent results throwing a weighted double nymph rig with a small (size 16) mayfly nymph like Van’s Rag Fly or a double hackle peacock plus an egg pattern or a medium size Copper John. Hi-sticking the deep pockets, holes and riffles can produce some nice cutbows and browns 12 to 20 inches.
Just yesterday I caught a couple of fat cutbows and two post-spawning browns between 16 and 18 inches in just a couple of hours on the Rio Grande above the Red River, and another four or five nice fish in the Red River.
Observe caution as the trails in and out and along the rivers can be icy and slick. Do not wear felt soles, use lug soles for best traction. Call 1-866-502-1700 or go to www.thesolitaryangler.com to book a guided trip on the Rio Grande or Red River today.
Limited booking space due to permit restrictions.
Solitary Angling Club Winter Special!!
15% Holiday Discount thru January 31st, 2011
I am offering great discounts on Annual and "Modified Annual Memberships!!"
Season – April 1st 2011 through March 31st 2012
Call me at 575-776-5585 or email me at van@thesolitaryangler.com for prices and an application to become a member of this exclusive angling club of flyfishing enthusiasts and start enjoying “quality flyfishing without the crowds”.
For a full color brochure and more information on the Solitary Angling Club go to our web site at www.thesolitaryangler.com and click on “the Solitary Angling Club.” Be sure to check out our blog there for latest news and announcements, including the TV broadcast of Van's Wyoming flyfishing feature later in January!
Call The Solitary Angler and Tailwater Gallery & Fly Shop in Taos at 575-758-5653 or 1-866-502-1700 for current conditions or to book a guided trip on The Solitary Angler's eleven private miles of Culebra Creek or the Rio Grande and Red River today.
We are located at 204 B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, one block north of the Plaza and across from Kit Carson Park in Taos, New Mexico. Please drop in next time you're in town. Open 9 to 5 six days a week (closed Sundays) in the winter.
