New Mexico
Rio Chama below El Vado Dam
Location Snapshot
Rio Chama below El Vado Dam is a regulated northern New Mexico river reach below El Vado Reservoir. Brown and rainbow trout define the principal coldwater opportunity across canyon runs and pools.
Current River Rating
Fair · 62
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Current conditions do not support a reliable fishing window.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 156 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.08 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 08285500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Partly cloudy
Temperature
48°F
Feels like
46°F
Wind
0 mph SE
Wind gust
0 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 3:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 4 AM
Partly cloudy
Temp 47°F
Chance 11%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 8 AM
Clear
Temp 43°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 12 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 61°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 4 PM
Clear
Temp 66°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 55°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 12 AM
Partly cloudy
Temp 49°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 66°F / Low 42°F
Chance 24%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Drizzle
High 61°F / Low 46°F
Chance 65%
Precip 0.09 in
Max gust 15 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Showers
High 66°F / Low 51°F
Chance 87%
Precip 0.59 in
Max gust 25 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Showers
High 63°F / Low 47°F
Chance 96%
Precip 0.40 in
Max gust 27 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Rainbow trout are in the mixed fishery on the Rio Chama below El Vado Dam, a tailwater.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Rio Chama.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Tailwater
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Rio Arriba, New Mexico
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Rio Arriba
Management Category
Tailwater trout river
Regulation Scope
Rio Chama below El Vado Dam / Cooper’s USGS reach.
Regulation Summary
Rio Chama below El Vado Dam: NMDOW Special Trout Water / Rio Chama Wildlife and Fishing Area. Confirm current NMDOW Fishing Rules and Information.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, brown-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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