October is the sweet spot for trout in northern New Mexico. Summer's heat has loosened its grip, water temperatures are dropping into the trout's comfort zone, and fish that spent the summer holding deep are feeding with purpose. This week's state fishing report, compiled from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, shows favorable conditions across Carson country — from the Pecos River to the Rio Grande near Questa.
The Pecos River is running strong for this time of year, and fish are holding deeper than usual. According to the latest report, trout fishing on the Pecos is fair to good, with Pat's Rubber Legs producing for anglers willing to fish deep. One northern New Mexico angler who fished the Pecos in late September reported that nymphing was the way to go, landing trout on Pat's Rubber Legs while working the deeper runs. The pattern is classic October: colder water, shorter days, and fish looking down rather than up.
On the Rio Grande near Questa, rainbow trout fishing has been good on olive streamer flies. The big river holds good numbers of rainbows, and streamer fishing covers water efficiently — a cast-and-strip approach through the deeper slots and around structure. The Rio Grande Gorge's dramatic setting makes this one of the most scenic October outings anywhere in the Carson country, and the recent report suggests the fish are cooperating.
Still-water anglers have a solid option at Lake Maloya, where trout fishing has been good on PowerBait. Maloya sits in Sugarite Canyon near Raton, and it remains one of the region's most reliable fall still-water spots. For spin anglers, it's about as simple as October fishing gets: PowerBait on the bottom, patience, and a thermos of coffee.
Farther afield, the report notes exceptionally good rainbow fishing on the San Juan River's quality waters near Farmington, where nightcrawlers have been producing. It's a longer drive from the high country, but the San Juan's October reputation speaks for itself.
A few October reminders: mornings are cold, and cold water means sluggish fingers and stiff tippet — take your time on knots. Fish the warmest part of the day, when sun hits the water and insects stir. And as always, check the current New Mexico fishing regulations before heading out, and make sure your license is current. Conditions change fast this time of year; the river that fished well Tuesday can be a different river after a cold front.
Enjoy the golden cottonwoods, the empty weekdays, and the crunch of leaves under your waders. October in the Carson country doesn't last long, and neither does the best of the fall bite.