A high meadow (9000′) tailwater, the Costilla provides anglers with dry fly action for Rio Grande Cutts from mid-June through mid-September. Costilla Cutts aren’t the smartest fish in the world, but they may be the fastest. We’ve seen many an experienced angler shake their heads and ask “Am I too late or too early?” Lots of takes here. If you connect on 50% of them you’re doing well. A great place for anglers of all levels.

The Valle Vidal Section is a nine mile section below the Costilla reservoir damn. This area is catch and release flies only and opens July 1st. Flows are regulated so that Friday, Saturday and Sunday are low flow and Monday through Thursday flows are higher. Weekdays are always better here. This area is 1 hour north of Taos and easily accessible by car.
Visibility: 12 inches
Water temperature at mid-day: 60 Degrees F
Water condition: Clear
Best time of day to fish: Late morning through afternoon
Best stretch: Valle Vidal (opens July 1 each year). Rio Costilla Park and the lower private water fishes mid May through September.
Best access point: Rio Costilla Park
Fish species: Cutthroats and Cuttbows
Fishing season: Valle Vidal Section opens July 1 each year. RCCLA open all year but fishes mid May through Sept
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