Fish the East Fork Jemez River

Fishing the East Fork Jemez River

NPS

Before the backcountry vehicle route opens for the summer, antsy anglers with a valid New Mexico state fishing license may fish the park's premier frontcountry stream: the East Fork Jemez River. Brown trout and rainbow trout are the dominant species in the National Park Service-managed section of this stream at Valles Caldera National Preserve, whereas Rio Grande chub and longnose dace dominate the lower sections of the stream in the adjacent Santa Fe National Forest.

Beyond its seasonal accessibility, another benefit to fishing the East Fork is its proximity to the highway (NM-4) and Valles Caldera's main entrance. This allows anglers to enter the park on foot or by bicycle before the entrance gate opens to vehicles for the day. Vehicle gate hours in the winter season are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, and summer hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Anglers may enjoy fishing the waters of the East Fork from dawn to dusk as long as their vehicle is parked at one of the designated pedestrian access gates.

Details

Activity

Fly Fishing

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

As of January 1, 2025, a park entrance fee is required to enter Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Location

East Fork Jemez River

The park's main road crosses the East Fork Jemez River about a mile past the entrance gate. A wide road shoulder in this location offers sufficient parking for 3 to 4 vehicles. Anglers on-foot may also access the East Fork along the Jemez River Trail or from the Rincon Trailhead at NM-4 where a two-track road descends toward the stream's headwaters on the southeastern edge of Valle Grande.

Reservations

No

Access to the front-country area of Valles Caldera National Preserve, which includes the East Fork Jemez River, does not require reservations.

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Ice-off usually occurs in April. On high snowpack years, the East Fork floods outside its banks and may be inaccessible and/or in poor condition for fishing until May.

Time of Day

Day

Pedestrian access from outside park boundaries is permitted from dawn to dusk. Vehicular access is limited to 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the off-season and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm in the summer season.

Accessibility Information

The East Fork Jemez River is accessible where the park entrance road crosses the stream about 1 mile from NM-4. There are no established trails or roadways that follow the stream. Service animals are permitted.