In this lower stretch of the Rio Chama below Abiquiu Dam there exists a plentiful of aquatic habitats, whether that be in the form of amphibians; fish or frogs, reptiles; lizards, snakes or turtles, birds or even trees. This river is a perfect place for animals to live and breed. Below is a list of all these animals that have been recorded in the area. More details on these animals can be found online at the New Mexico State Parks, New Mexico Game and Fish, United States Department of Agriculture, or the Bureau of Land Management. All the links to these sites have been provided on the contact page. Since fishing is a major economic opportunity for the area and a main hub of some of the best fishing around the world, more detail will be discussed. Fishing along the Rio Chama is allowed year-round, to participate in this activity a fishing license from NM game and fish must be acquired. In this river Brown trout, Rio Grande chub, Fathead minnow, Rainbow trout, Longnose dace, Carp and kokanee salmon like to call home. Typically, the water released below the dams (El Vado, Heron and Abiquiu) is rather cold so fish will tend to congregate in these areas. Along the Chama the bulk of the water is delivered in the spring and the summer, this is what allows the Chama to have that nice red color. But during the month of October releases are scaled back which allows for great fishing conditions. The army corps of engineers has put a minimum flow of 75 cubic feet per second (cfs) through areas of brown trout spawning and incubation. Big trout are stocked more heavily in waters that are more popular to fish at (more colder waters) whereas smaller trout’s and salmon are stocked in waters that can better support their growth. Stocking reports can be found on line at the New Mexico Game and Fish Website.
For more information, this document provides descriptions of all fish, in what watershed, the species, management type and management direction for these fish.