Valles Caldera Fly Fishing

Valles Caldera is a special place.  In a state with tremendous natural beauty, Valles stands out as a unique experience. 

From Santa Fe, your first impression on cresting the rim of the extinct volcano (which is what a ‘caldera’ is) can range from breathtaking to eerie.  On a clear morning, the wide, rolling Valle Grande spreads out before you, often providing the opportunity to watch large herds of elk make their way to their daytime hideouts.

 

Other days, you cross into an otherworldly fog.

The fly fishing

In short, fly fishing the Valles Caldera consists of small meadow streams, solitude, incredible scenery and trout that aren’t shy about taking a dry fly.

Two main creeks drain the caldera: San Antonio Creek and the East Fork of the Jemez River.  Several smaller tributaries sometimes provide fishing opportunities as well, especially Jaramillo Creek.

The East Fork of the Jemez runs through the Valle Grande, and you cross over it as you enter the park.  It meanders through the valley before descending into a canyon and leaving the Preserve to the south. 

Jaramillo Creek

Jaramillo Creek is a tiny stream.   You wouldn’t be blamed for asking “are there any trout in there?”  But there are, and if you can hit the stream with your fly (it can be as little as 18 inches across) you usually will be rewarded with a rising trout.  The browns aren’t huge, but given the size of the stream they can be respectable.  Some of the better fish reside in fenced in elk enclosures, which typically have gates for angler access.  In low water years it can be too small to fish effectively.

San Antonio Creek

Most of the guided fly fishing in Valles Caldera takes place on San Antonio Creek.  Still not large, it is big enough to provide hours of fun fishing to rising browns.  I tend to take guide trips away from the road, and a short hike often means you don’t see anyone else all day.  Fish here (depending on season and flows) are typically aggressive in their takes of caddis, ant patterns, beetles, hoppers, and small attractor flies like stimulators.  If you are not getting any action, try adding a dropper.

A day in the Caldera is always a special experience.  Fishing does vary with water levels and temperatures, so it is a good idea to check conditions or hire a guide before you go.  In addition to fishing, the opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing are fantastic.  Kestrels especially like to make Valles their home, often posing on signs or soaring across fields.  In addition to elk, prairie dogs are everywhere and coyote are a fairly common sight.