Chama River, not far from Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico
(Hint - Turn Your Speaker Volume Up and Enjoy The Sounds of the River Flowing By)
If you are looking for some great trout fishing, I suggest you make a visit to New Mexico. There are plenty of great spots, loaded with scrappy Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout, just waiting to meet you. If you've never been to the state, I highly recommend a visit. There is just something about this place that is absolutely magical. For me, it's the majestic mountain ranges, rivers and incredible smell of the sage brush, junipers and river reeds. I can go there and within minutes those wonderful aromas are drifting through my nostrils and I am at peace.
The Chama river is stocked, but, is full of native Browns that are usually in the mood to eat. The best natural baits are worms and salmon eggs. If you are more of a purest, try a number 12 or 14 Elk Hair Caddis or a streamer, such as an olive Woolly Bugger. The bait choice really depends on the time of year that you are fishing this river. There is no shame in using a worm if it's a slow fishing day! Remember, the idea is to catch fish and have a great time on the river. Sometimes, people become so focused on fly fishing they forget that rule! This river can sometimes challenge even the most experienced fisherman. In all my years of fishing the Chama, I have walked past hundreds of decked out fly guys who had empty creels. Not me :-)!
Here are a few more pictures of the area to give you an idea of just how beautiful this place is.
