Rio Grande Fly Fishing Report - September 6, 2026

Fly Fishing Report

RIO GRANDE

Report
SEP 6 — 13, 2026
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Flow
37CFS
RIO GRANDE NEAR CERRO, NM
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Water Temp
Updated 2026-09-05
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Weather
48–85°F
Mostly Cloudy
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
Flow is critically low at 36.7 CFS (gauge height 1.08 ft near Cerro, NM), leaving the river gin-clear and trout highly pressured and spooky; afternoon water temperatures are pushing into thermal stress territory, so morning and evening windows are non-negotiable. A BLM hazardous algal bloom warning is in effect for portions of the Rio Grande — rinse all gear thoroughly after fishing.
Hatch Chart
Insect Size Activity Prime Time
Midge (Chironomid) 20-24 Heavy 7 AM - 10 AM
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) 20-22 Moderate 9 AM - 12 PM
Caddis 18-20 Light 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Terrestrials (Ants) 16 Moderate 10 AM - 1 PM
Sculpin / Baitfish 4-6 Light 6:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Best Time Window
  • 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Prime nymphing and streamer window before sun penetrates the canyon; fish are actively feeding and water temps are at their lowest.
  • 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: BWO and midge dry-fly opportunity on flat pools and tailouts as hatches peak under partly cloudy skies.
  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Evening caddis and terrestrial window along shaded banks; fish the riffle lips and willow edges before dark.
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith flows at 36.7 CFS and gin-clear water, stealth is everything — stay low, wade slowly, and approach pools from downstream. Fish the first two hours of daylight with a tight-line nymph setup using a long 6X or 7X fluorocarbon tippet, keeping your flies drifting within 12 inches of the bottom in the deeper slots and seams. Once the sun hits the water and temperatures climb toward midday, get off the river — trout are thermally stressed and fighting them in warm water does real harm. Return in the last 90 minutes before dark for the evening caddis and terrestrial window.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout
Report generated September 6, 2026 — Next update: September 13, 2026