The Rio Chama is a pristine waterway that flows approximately 130 miles from its headwaters in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado through northern New Mexico before joining the Rio Grande. This scenic river carves through dramatic sandstone canyons, peaceful meadows, and forested areas, creating diverse habitats for fish. The Chama offers excellent fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers, with various sections presenting different challenges and fishing experiences. Known for its wild brown trout and stocked rainbow populations, the river's character changes dramatically as it passes through wilderness areas, beneath canyon walls, and through tailwaters below dams, making it one of New Mexico's most diverse fishing destinations.
Learn what type of fish are at Rio Chama and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Ameiurus melas
Ictalurus punctatus
Cyprinus carpio
Lepomis cyanellus
Carpiodes carpio
Ictiobus bubalus
Catostomus commersonii
Perca flavescens
Learn how to get on Rio Chama. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
What you need to float or boat Rio Chama, and when to apply.
Wild and Scenic section
Lottery permit · Private trips · Required Apr 15 to Sep 15
Launches from Apr 15 to Sep 15 need a permit, and Friday and Saturday launches are drawn in a winter lottery.
Checked Nov 4, 2026 with BLM Taos Field Office
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
While fishing in New Mexico, anglers 12 years and older must possess a valid New Mexico Fishing License or Game-hunting & Fishing License. Licenses are valid April 1 through March 31 of the following year. A New Mexico Fishing License is not required on tribal reservations and private Class-A lakes.
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Criminal trespass consists of knowingly entering or remaining upon posted private property without possessing written permission from the owner or person in control of the land. The provisions of this subsection do not apply if: 1) the owner or person in control of the land has entered into an agreement with NMDGF granting access to the land to the general public for the purpose of taking any game animals, birds or fish by hunting or fishing; or 2) a person is in possession of a landowner license given to him by the owner or person in control of the land that grants access to that particular private land for the purpose of taking any game animals, birds or fish by hunting or fishing. It is unlawful to knowingly enter upon any private property to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish without possessing written permission from the landowner or person in control of the land or trespass rights unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around Rio Chama to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for Rio Chama to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish Rio Chama and check the forecast before you go.
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