When it comes to New Mexico fly fishing, few names are as respected as Ed Adams. With decades of experience under his belt, Ed has become a trusted guide for fly fishing enthusiasts who come from all over the world to experience the beauty and bounty of New Mexico’s rivers. His knowledge of local rivers, expertise in fly selection, and deep connection to the land make him the go-to “New Mexico fly fishing guide.” Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, a day spent with Ed on the river is more than a fishing trip—it’s an immersion in the rhythms of the Southwest’s wild beauty.

A Lifelong Passion for Fly Fishing

Ed Adams didn’t just stumble into guiding; it’s been in his blood since childhood. Growing up in a small rural town in Northern New Mexico, Ed was introduced to fishing at an early age by his father and grandfather. They would take him to fish the pristine waters of the Rio Grande and Chama River, places where the trout run deep and the scenery feels untouched by time.

“My old man taught me how to read the river, understand the current, and pick the right fly,” Ed recalls. “But my grandfather taught me patience, and that’s the most important part of fishing, really.”

His deep understanding of New Mexico’s rivers and the fish that call them home comes from years of personal exploration, trial, and error. Ed spent countless summers chasing the trout in remote mountain streams and casting a line in high desert lakes. By the time he was in his 20s, friends and acquaintances began asking him to guide them on fishing trips. It didn’t take long for word to spread, and soon, Ed was recognized as one of the most knowledgeable fly fishing guides in the area.

Rivers Fished: Ed’s Favorite Spots

New Mexico is a land of diverse waters—from the cool, mountain-fed streams in the north to the sprawling, slower-moving rivers of the southwest. Each river offers its own challenges and rewards, and Ed Adams has fished them all. Below are some of his favorite places to take clients.

1. The Rio Grande

The mighty Rio Grande is one of New Mexico’s most iconic rivers, and Ed has spent years mastering its waters. Stretching through a rugged canyon landscape, the river is home to wild brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroats. The Rio Grande Gorge, with its deep, rocky walls, offers some of the most scenic fishing in the state.

Ed’s clients love the challenge of fishing the fast-moving currents and pocket waters in the gorge. He often recommends nymphing techniques with fly patterns like the Copper John or Pheasant Tail, depending on the season.

“Spring runoff is tough, but the fish are more active,” Ed explains. “You’ve got to know where to cast and when. That’s where experience counts.”

2. The Chama River

Another one of Ed’s go-to spots is the Chama River, which offers some of the most diverse fly fishing opportunities in New Mexico. Flowing through the mountains and meadows, the Chama is rich with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. The upper reaches of the river, near the El Vado and Heron reservoirs, are especially popular in the spring and early summer.

“The Chama is all about timing,” Ed says. “In the spring, you’ll want to use streamers like the Woolly Bugger. In the summer, dry flies like the Elk Hair Caddis or Adams work wonders.”

The Chama’s flow is regulated by dams, which means that understanding water releases and how they affect fishing conditions is key. Ed has honed this skill over decades of fishing the river, making him the ultimate guide for anglers seeking success in its waters.

3. The San Juan River

For those looking to catch trophy-sized trout, Ed often takes clients to the world-famous San Juan River below Navajo Dam. Known for its year-round fishing and consistent hatches, the San Juan is a mecca for serious fly anglers. The clear, cold waters provide ideal habitat for large rainbow and brown trout, many of which can grow to be over 20 inches long.

Ed emphasizes the importance of using small flies on the San Juan, particularly in the “Quality Waters” section. Flies like the RS2, WD-40, and Griffith’s Gnat are staples in his fly box when guiding on this river.

“The San Juan is technical,” he says. “You’ve got to be patient and precise. But when you hook into one of those big rainbows, it’s all worth it.”

4. The Pecos River

If you’re looking for a more tranquil setting, Ed also guides trips on the Pecos River. Flowing through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Pecos offers great fishing in a picturesque, forested setting. This river is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, with plenty of opportunities for dry fly fishing in its slower pools and riffles.

“In the summer, there’s nothing better than tossing a dry fly on the Pecos,” Ed says with a smile. “The fish aren’t huge, but the setting makes it special.”

Ed recommends using attractor patterns like the Royal Wulff or Stimulator during the summer months, when the river’s hatches are in full swing.

Fly Selection: Ed’s Go-To Lures

One of the things that set Ed Adams apart from other fly fishing guides is his meticulous attention to fly selection. He’s spent years observing the habits of trout in New Mexico’s rivers and has an intuitive understanding of what flies work best depending on the season, weather conditions, and water levels.

Spring

In the spring, when the rivers are often swollen from snowmelt, Ed recommends using larger nymphs and streamers. Flies like the Woolly Bugger, Stonefly Nymph, and Hare’s Ear are effective during this time. Streamer fishing can be particularly productive in the faster-moving waters of the Rio Grande and Chama.

“Spring fishing can be challenging, but if you know how to fish the runoffs, you can still have a great day on the water,” Ed says.

Summer

Summer is prime dry fly season in New Mexico, and Ed loves fishing topwater patterns during this time. The Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Adams, and Hopper patterns are some of his favorites for targeting trout rising to feed on the surface.

“Nothing beats watching a trout rise to take a dry fly,” Ed says. “It’s the most exciting way to fish, hands down.”

Fall

In the fall, as the temperatures begin to cool, Ed switches back to nymphs and small streamers. The Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, and Zebra Midge are his go-to patterns for fall fishing. The fall season is also a great time to fish streamers like the Sculpzilla or Muddler Minnow, as trout are looking to bulk up for the winter.

Time of Year to Fish

Ed is a year-round guide, but the best time to fish New Mexico’s rivers can vary depending on what you’re looking for. The spring months, from April to June, are great for nymphing and streamer fishing, especially in the faster-moving waters of the Rio Grande and Chama.

In the summer, from July to September, dry fly fishing is at its peak. This is the best time for topwater action on rivers like the Pecos and Chama. For those looking to fish the San Juan River, Ed recommends anytime between April and October, though the river fishes well all year.

Fall, from September to November, is an underrated time to fish New Mexico’s rivers. The cooler weather brings the trout out in full force, and the scenery, with golden aspens and cottonwoods lining the banks, is nothing short of spectacular.

Winter can also be a productive time, particularly on the San Juan River, where the water stays relatively warm thanks to the outflow from Navajo Dam. While fishing in the cold can be tough, the reward of hooking into a big trout makes it worthwhile.

Why Choose Ed Adams as Your New Mexico Fly Fishing Guide?

Ed Adams has earned a reputation as one of the best fly fishing guides in New Mexico for good reason. His deep knowledge of the state’s rivers, expertise in fly selection, and genuine love for sharing his passion with others make him the perfect guide for anglers of all skill levels.

When you book a trip with Ed, you’re not just hiring a guide; you’re getting a mentor, someone who will teach you the finer points of fly fishing while also ensuring you have a great time on the water. Whether you’re looking to chase wild browns in the Rio Grande Gorge or spend a relaxing day dry fly fishing on the Cimarron, Ed will tailor the trip to your preferences and skill level.

Moreover, Ed is committed to conservation and responsible fishing practices. He practices catch-and-release and is always mindful of preserving the natural beauty of New Mexico’s rivers for future generations.

So, if you’re planning a fly fishing trip to the Land of Enchantment, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Reach out to Ed Adams, the top New Mexico fly fishing guide, and let him show you the magic of fly fishing in this beautiful, rugged land.

Conclusion

New Mexico is a hidden gem for fly fishing, offering a variety of rivers and streams teeming with trout. With Ed Adams as your guide, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the very best that the state has to offer. His decades of experience, intimate knowledge of the waters, and passion for the sport make him the ideal “New Mexico fly fishing guide.” Whether you’re a novice looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler seeking out trophy fish, Ed will ensure your time on the river is one you won’t soon forget.

Book your trip today and discover why New Mexico fly fishing, with Ed Adams as your guide, is an experience like no other.