Whether you are a seasoned fisherman looking for new water or new techniques to improve your game, or if you are needing a fishing buddy, or if you have never held a fly rod, we have you covered. We offer both full and half day trips throughout the area. Our local waters vary from high alpine, hike access cutthroat lakes, to road accessed wade rivers – and everything in between! We customize each trip based on the experience you desire, current area fishing conditions, size of group and experience level. A few of our favorites are the Conejos River and the Rio Costilla.

The Conejos is the largest tributary to the Rio Grande. It runs from the southern aspect of the San Juan mountains and flows eastward toward the small Colorado town of Antonito. This river is well known for its fickle personality. To the newcomer, the Conejos can be difficult to find success in catching fish. The guides at Zia Fly have put a lot of time and effort into figuring out the puzzle that the Conejos presents. The Conejos fishes reasonably well in April, until the spring runoff begins. Then in early to mid-June, the river can be good to excellent fishing as the stream flows subside.

The Rio Costilla, located in the Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest, is a beautiful meandering meadow stream great for beginners and experienced alike. The Costilla features a healthy population of native Rio Grande Cutthroat trout and has been the focus of many conservation and habitat projects. The Valle Vidal is home to thousands of elk, bear, Bighorn sheep and many other creatures. Those interested in fishing, wildlife spotting and photography cannot miss this one of a kind place. Access is restricted, with part of the public stretch open July 1st – December 31st.

The friendly guides from Zia Fly and Sport are CPR and First Aid certified and will make every effort to accommodate any disabilities or concerns to the best of our ability. We are licensed and insured to guide on New Mexico’s greatest waters.  Call our partners at Zia Fly directly at 575-779-3000 for more information and to reserve your trip.

Whether you are a seasoned fisherman looking for new water or new techniques to improve your game, or if you are needing a fishing buddy, or if you have never held a fly rod, we have you covered. We offer both full and half day trips throughout the area. Our local waters vary from high alpine, hike access cutthroat lakes, to road accessed wade rivers – and everything in between! We customize each trip based on the experience you desire, current area fishing conditions, size of group and experience level. A few of our favorites are the Conejos River and the Rio Costilla.

The Conejos is the largest tributary to the Rio Grande. It runs from the southern aspect of the San Juan mountains and flows eastward toward the small Colorado town of Antonito. This river is well known for its fickle personality. To the newcomer, the Conejos can be difficult to find success in catching fish. The guides at Zia Fly have put a lot of time and effort into figuring out the puzzle that the Conejos presents. The Conejos fishes reasonably well in April, until the spring runoff begins. Then in early to mid-June, the river can be good to excellent fishing as the stream flows subside.

The Rio Costilla, located in the Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest, is a beautiful meandering meadow stream great for beginners and experienced alike. The Costilla features a healthy population of native Rio Grande Cutthroat trout and has been the focus of many conservation and habitat projects. The Valle Vidal is home to thousands of elk, bear, Bighorn sheep and many other creatures. Those interested in fishing, wildlife spotting and photography cannot miss this one of a kind place. Access is restricted, with part of the public stretch open July 1st – December 31st.

The friendly guides from Zia Fly and Sport are CPR and First Aid certified and will make every effort to accommodate any disabilities or concerns to the best of our ability. We are licensed and insured to guide on the Carson National Forest and on selected private waters. Please contact our partners at Zia Fly directly at 575-779-3000 for more information and to reserve your trip.

The professional guides of New Mexico River Adventures and our partners at High Desert Angler know the waters around Santa Fe like few others. Not only do they take you to where the fish are but are expert in helping you catch them. We can teach first timers of all ages in the basics and guide them to success. Seasoned anglers have the opportunity to fine tune skills and increase their knowledge. We have the finest and most professional guides in the region and you can be assured a great experience every time you fish with us.

​New Mexico’s alpine desert environment has it all, majestic rivers, high mountain streams, tail-waters, alpine lakes, spring fed creeks and freestones. Don’t forget that we also have exclusive access to miles of privately leased waters inaccessible to the general public and only made available to clients.

Contact our partners at High Desert Anglers, 505-988-7688, today or, when in Santa Fe, just stop our Santa Fe Rafting and Fishing Headquarters to meet the staff. We are always happy to talk fishing.

Full Day Fishing Trip from Santa Fe – What To Expect

Meet the guide.
Guides normally meet clients at 8 am. Introductions, outfitting with the proper rental equipment, including waders and boots, purchasing fishing licenses and getting an orientation for the day’s activities may take up to an hour. You also may wish to browse the store for items you may want for future trips or personal use.

​Travel to the fishing destination.
Destinations are chosen by the guide based on fishability and weather conditions, as well as on the client’s stream type preference. Travel time is 1–2 hours. Client transportation by client’s own vehicle is strongly encouraged. The guide will transport fishing equipment, supplies, spare outdoor clothing and first aid kit.

Prepare to fish.
The guide will get all the equipment ready for the day while clients put on their fishing gear. A casting lesson will follow if necessary.

Fish!
Your guide will provide whatever fishing supplies and attention you should need to enjoy your fishing day. Beginners will learn basic skills and how to “read” water to locate fish, abilities necessary to become a successful fly fisher.

Eat lunch.
Lunch and drinks will be provided by your guide. A picnic lunch by the water is one of the most relaxing parts of a fly fishing excursion. Lunches are not provided on half-day trips. (If you have special dietary restrictions, please mention them when making your reservations.)

Fish more!
Your guide can provide more advanced fly fishing instruction if you wish, or simply direct you to the “fishy” spots. Your guide is an experienced outdoor professional who can point out other features of interest, giving you the opportunity for a personalized introduction to New Mexico’s diverse environments.

Return home tired, with some great experiences and stories to share. At the end of the day your guide will retrieve all of your borrowed gear and return it to the shop themselves so that you are free to return to town at your own pace or prepare for the evenings activities.

What To Bring on Your Full Day Fishing Trip from Santa Fe

• Valid NM Fishing License with “Habitat” and “HMVA” Stamps (can be purchased online ahead of your trip)
• Sunscreen for high-altitude protection
• Hat with visor
• Polarized sunglasses for eye protection and to permit superior vision on the water
• Warm sweater and waterproof rain jacket (mountain temperatures are cooler and weather can change rapidly)
• Comfortable, warm clothing. Warm socks are essential as mountain water is always cold
• Non-absorbent nylon pants or polypropylene long johns if available, are best under waders
• Change of clothing, including socks, in case of getting wet
• Snacks (for half-day trips where lunch is not provided)