El Vado / El Vado Tailwaterson Rio Chama
What's working on Rio Chama
- 01Clear skies and moderate 51°F temperatures create pleasant fishing conditions on the Rio Chama.
- 02Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are the most anticipated hatch, particularly on overcast afternoons, with emergers and adults being key.
- 03Midges remain a consistent year-round food source; target subsurface larvae and pupae, or clusters on the surface.
- 04Streamers are effective for enticing aggressive Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout targeting baitfish and leeches in the cooler fall waters.
- 05Opportunistic feeding on egg patterns can occur, especially in deeper pockets.
- 06Focus efforts on the productive tailwater sections below El Vado Dam and Abiquiu Reservoir.
- 07Look for trout holding in slower runs, current seams, and deeper pools.
What to tie on at El Vado / El Vado Tailwaters
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most prolific and active insect in the Rio Chama during the winter months. A size 20-24 Zebra Midge is a mandatory staple for tailwater trout right now.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
BWOs are actively hatching in spring, especially on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Hare's Ear Nymph
A reliable general searching nymph, mimicking various active aquatic insects subsurface.
Beetle
Effective for trout feeding on terrestrial beetles dislodged from streamside vegetation during summer.
Pale Morning Dun Sparkle Dun
PMDs are actively hatching in May, and this emerger is excellent for fish feeding in the film, indicating a shift towards surface activity.
Buy at AmazonSan Juan Worm
The Rio Chama often fishes similarly to the San Juan; a worm pattern serves as a high-visibility attractor and "bread and butter" food source in cold water.
Buy at AmazonIced Out Midge Pupa
Specifically designed for icy tailwater conditions, this fly matches the pupating midges that trout target in the deep, slow pools of the Chama in February.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Year-round staple, especially effective in tailwaters where midges are consistently present.
Buy at AmazonJujubaetis
Excellent Baetis nymph, mimicking active BWO nymphs that are a primary food source in spring, particularly in tailwaters and spring creeks.
Buy at AmazonNew Mexico season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.