Santa Fe - Fishing

Anglers will find the Santa Fe area has some of the best fishing opportunities in the state of New Mexico, with numerous lakes, streams & rivers all within a short drive from town. The Rio Chama and Rio Grande both flow close to Santa Fe and offer good fly and cast fishing for trout & catfish. The lower Pecos River flows through Villanueva State Park Area, which is located about 40 miles from Santa Fe on I-25 to NM Highway 3 and is another very popular fishing destination.

There are numerous lakes around the Santa Fe area for anglers who prefer still waters, Morphy Lake State Park being a popular choice. Morphy Lake is one of the most secluded New Mexican state parks and requires 4x4 access, located on the eastern side of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains at the northeastern edge of the Pecos Wilderness area about 60 miles from Santa Fe, and is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout. Anglers looking for more of a challenge will find the upper Pecos River in the Pecos Wilderness Area and Coyote Creek State Park located at the edge of the Jemez Mountains are some of the most rewarding fly-fishing waterways in the state.

Guide services on a variety of streams are available through outfitters based in Santa Fe, easing the learning curve of where to go and what to use a bit. All visitors planning on fishing in the Santa Fe area are encouraged to check with one of the local outdoor outfitters in Santa Fe for more information on specific waterways, their rules & regulations, fishing patterns and licensing requirements.

Fishing guides and outfitters that lead guided fishing trips and/or rent fishing equipment in and near Santa Fe are listed below. Click on any name for more information. For information about rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the Santa Fe area select Fishing Information.