Even with all of the great fishing on the Mundy Ranch, you will likely want to explore the many fishing holes nearby.  For variety of trout species, incredible scenery and solitude, you can’t beat the Chama River Valley.

It all begins high in the Rocky Mountains just north of Chama.  Here you’ll find Chama’s West Fork and dozens of deep alpine lakes teaming with Brook Trout, Browns, Rainbows and the occasional Cutthroat.  Here the fishing and scenery can be as rugged and wild as you like as this untamed river cuts its way through steep box canyons and long runs of freestone fishing.

As the Chama River enters town, it tames down a bit, offering a chance to lure huge Browns and Rainbows to your fly as it floats through one of the many magnificent pools and riffles.

Here, a number of smaller creeks and tributaries feed the waters of the Chama River.  The Brazos River especially offers the wading fly fisher a chance to stalk Brook Trout, Browns and Rainbows in spectacular surroundings.

As the Chama River tumbles further, it flows through verdant farmland and forests till it reaches the Rio Chama Wildlife Area, open to public fishing for large native Brown Trout and stocked Rainbows most of the year. 

For stillwater fishing, you can’t beat Heron Lake, El Vado Lake and Hopewell Lake, all public waters open to great fishing. Limited to trolling speed,  Heron is the first choice for truly huge trophy fishing.  Here you have the chance of hooking into Lake Trout up to 20 pounds or more!  For a great morning of family fun, troll the deep waters of Heron Lake for tasty Kokanee Salmon.  Though rarely more than 3 pounds, these feisty land-locked salmon put up a real struggle.  And they taste great too!

Below El Vado dam, the Chama River dashes through steep basalt cliffs.  The Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River is a popular stretch with white water rafters.  If you enjoy fishing big fast rivers, this part of the Chama River will delight you with its huge Brown Trout and Rainbows, too.