Rio Ruidoso
Rio Ruidoso
- Boat Ramps
- 0
- Access Points
- 2
- Species
- 3
The Rio Ruidoso is a picturesque mountain stream flowing through the heart of southern New Mexico's Sacramento Mountains. Beginning in the high alpine regions, this noisy river (as its Spanish name translates) meanders through the town of Ruidoso before eventually joining the Hondo River. Known as one of Southern New Mexico's premier fishing destinations, the Rio Ruidoso offers year-round angling opportunities and is regularly stocked by New Mexico Game & Fish. The river's accessible nature and consistent fish populations make it popular with both locals and visitors, particularly those from Texas who travel to enjoy the cooler mountain climate and productive waters of this scenic stream.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Rio Ruidoso and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
White Sucker
Catostomus commersonii
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Rio Ruidoso. 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.
Know where you can legally fish on Rio Ruidoso
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.
New Mexico licenses and regulations
New Mexico Boating Regulations
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.
New Mexico Fishing License
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.
New Mexico Fishing Regulations
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.
New Mexico Stream Access Laws
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.
Take Rio Ruidoso with you
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.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Rio Ruidoso to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Rio Ruidoso to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Rio Ruidoso and check the forecast before you go.
RIO RUIDOSO AT RUIDOSO, NM
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