What flies are hatching on the Rio Chama right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Rio Chama include Midge, Blue-Winged Olive, Caddis. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Rio Chama?

The Rio Chama is running at 40.9 CFS at the Below El Vado Dam gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Rio Chama fishable today?

Rio Chama is outside its fishable window right now. Flow is 40.9 CFS at the Below El Vado Dam gauge. Check back when conditions return to the normal range.

Rio Chama Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Rio Chama — Below El Vado Dam

Unfishable

40.9CFS

Discharge

1.86ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 20 min agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↓ Falling

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

23.79 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

60°FOvercast

Wind 3 mph23.79 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

🌦️

Drizzle

76° / 56°

0.02"

Tomorrow

🌧️

Rain

69° / 57°

0.24"

Thu

🌧️

Rain

75° / 57°

0.14"

Fri

🌧️

Rain showers

72° / 56°

0.59"

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

2

Time of Day

Using: 40.9 CFS · BWOs returning

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Rio Chama conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Rio Chama · September · Early Fall

Full calendar →

Showing typical dates — water temperature data unavailable for live hatch predictions.

Select month

JanDec

BWOs returning (size 18-20). Hoppers still effective. Cooling water, active fish. Fall colors in the Chama canyon spectacular.

Blue-Winged Olive

River Map

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USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Rio Chama

Scenic tailwater below El Vado Dam flowing through red-rock canyon country. Diverse hatches and good public access through Wild & Scenic stretches.

MidgeBlue-Winged OliveCaddisPale Morning DunHopper

Regulations

Standard New Mexico trout regulations apply on the Rio Chama; brown and rainbow trout are the primary species. New Mexico fishing license required. Verify current regs at wildlife.state.nm.us before fishing.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Rio Chama with more confidence.