Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout: Considered the most beautiful fish in fresh water

This is a rare win for native trout. We have all heard the stories of our favorite species struggling to hold on to their native ranges. Yet we turn around and celebrate catching non-native fish all the time (I am guilty of it myself). In a lot of ways, it is due to the folly of our grandfathers, but that doesn't make it right. A story like this should bring hope and encourage more just like it. Rio Grande Cutthroat trout are the furthest southern ranging species of cutthroat. Their native range used to span from Southern Colorado, down to New Mexico, and even parts of Texas. But in this day and age, New Mexico's state fish is now relegated to around 10% of its native range. This is a sad situation for a once thriving species. HOWEVER, I want to highlight an important win for the Rio's. Especially, because this particular population is so special. In 2017 New Mexico Fish and Game, US Fish & Wildlife, and a few other entities partnered up to restore this watershed. The goal was to purge 32 miles of this stream. Once this was complete in 2019 the Rio Grande Cutthroat were reintroduced. The amount of work involved in something like this is hard to even imagine. In a place this remote, the conservation agents who worked this project should receive a massive round of applause. If anything let this video stand as my "thank you", because I so deeply appreciate it.
That being said this is a "type 2" fun adventure. Thorn bushes cover the trail and downed trees snag at your clothes. Sorry folks no boat launch! And the best access point is going to put you at a 16 mile round trip with over 4500 feet of elevation gain (and that's just to get there). Leave your super special IPA's at home and pack some extra water. This is not an adventure for the faint of heart. Muster up all the grit you can and pack light. The Gila National Forest is remote as hell and will show no pity. A day trip is not advisable, if I had more time I would have done an overnight trip.
If you have any questions about my experience, Instagram is the best place to reach me.
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[@MrSofthackle]

Watching this video makes me wish I was 30 years younger. I used to do these type of trips in my younger days but even though I’m in pretty decent shape an 8 mile one way hike is pretty much out for me. So thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through your videos.

[@FLYALLSZN]

These kind of trips are numbered for me as well.. It sucks to think about but it fuels the fire to get out and do them. You never know when it can all be take away! Dale I am so glad I could take you along on this adventure, it was one for the books.

[@TheBabadush]

I'm there with you. I see 2 miles now a days and I'm like, "I'll camp here".

[@intothewildwego7085]

This video was freaking epic, dude. Videos and trips like this are what i live for

[@FLYALLSZN]

It was incredible! Such an awesome interaction with a native trout!

[@ConnerCannonwhiteboy]

The Spot Burning Bible part got me. So funny

[@FLYALLSZN]

Lets all pretend there is zero literature available for public consumption that literally lists 99.99% of streams across every state in the union... Its more fun that way..

[@stevenschoppmann4946]

What an adventure! 8 miles in. 8 miles out to seek a land a rare trout. Well done. Informative and inspiring.

[@FLYALLSZN]

An adventure that requires an angler to go above and beyond parking next to the river and hoping for fish.. I hope this does inspire folks to get out and about on water just like this! The more folks that know, the more that will care.

[@harryhunt5728]

Great adventure and thanks for sharing this story

[@travismiller9841]

Awesome channel representing New Mexico in a great way

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!

[@christianglitto5399]

That’s one hell of an adventure. I love the storytelling in your videos. I know how much effort goes into the planning of something like this… then there’s actually doing it. Great job and thanks so much for sharing.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much Christian! It was an incredible adventure!

[@bluelineoutfitters3964]

Awesome video. I traveled to New Mexico from Georgia in April 2021 to check Gilas and Rio Grandes off the life list. When I got to the area where I planned to catch rios the snow was still there and the road closed. Ended up doing 10 miles round trip and catching 4 Rios on dry flies. This was my 9th cutthroat subspecies. It wasn’t easy but I will never forget it. This video made me relive it. Keep up the solid work.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! I’m glad someone out there can relate to the grind! So worth it though

[@eddieesler]

8 miles in for a bow and arrow shot at a bath tub, 8 miles out.. Mad respect. This my friends is FISHING. Incredibly informative video, and one of my favorite channels. Keep it up!

[@FLYALLSZN]

An adventure like this really rides the line between flat out stupid and bold.. Luckily that bow and arrow landed me on the "bold" side of this equation haha Thank you so much Eddie! I am so happy you enjoyed this adventure!

[@isaacelliott472]

This is absolute gold bud. I have many of my other fishing buddys, even the avid fly guys, not understand why i can be so thrilled catching a 6" inch native trout in small hard to get waterways but i truly think its the natural value thats in each individual fish. Nice quality narrative and footage too.

[@FLYALLSZN]

It can be really hard to describe! It is just the best! Thank you so much Isaac!

[@TheXeniaman]

What a beautiful trout. Well done! So glad those trout still are around.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@mightymurkem]

That was an amazing video and fish. Thank you for sharing that. I can’t wait to try my hand at it.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you Chris! It was absolutely amazing!

[@rockykeim5018]

I'm with Dale. It was a joy to watch and reminded me of the high sierras 30 yrs ago. I want a fly box like that! where can I get one? I really like these videos. Your enthusiasm is magnetic. Keep them rollin'! and you don't "ramble" we actually like your commentary. Thanks for the videos!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! This was such an incredible adventure! I will make sure the rambles keep coming!!

[@garycampbell7999]

Great stuff! Plus, Love the maps 🐜 & great “volume”..

[@FLYALLSZN]

Had to run in there for one cast haha

[@knightfour6171]

Next level as always Mike. So cool to meet u that morning on the Ruidoso River. Keep it up.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!! It was awesome meeting you too!

[@leemowers9395]

Thank you for your passion for these rare trout. Keep up your hard work. Great video.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much Lee!

[@joshdumais]

Dude, I have been researching this same spot for the past year. It is number one on my to-do list right now. I was wondering if you'd beat me to it.....congrats on such a beautiful specimen! I'm either going at the end of this month or at the end of May. The Black Range is brutal. I have a family friend who has been telling me about this spot for a while. I was excited to go, but then discovered the same about the wildfires from a guy who documents his waterfall-searching adventures in a blog online. I was devastated to find out that most, if not all of the original natives were wiped out, but it sounds like they pulled the new trout from an old lineage in northern New Mexico (the name of the creek is escaping me right now). Keep up the good work! Your videos are my favorite on KZbin right now.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! It was an incredible adventure! I am thinking all the snow should be gone by then.If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out.

[@SHH_Fishing]

Yo glad to see you on my feed again bro !!! Love your videos, the visuals and the education! You, Addicted Fishing & Fly Fish Dan are my three favorite channels ! Stay Motivated!!! Keep It Tight! Cpl. Hood🦈🦈🦈

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! I am so glad you like the vids!

[@SHH_Fishing]

Yeah I was wondering what happened to you bro but somehow I guess I got unsubscribed. No worries. I resubscribed and I hit the bell.

[@ianjones6910]

What a way to wake up on a Sunday, getting ready for church. I plan on being in the Gila this summer, but on the other side for the Gila Trout - bucket list.

[@FLYALLSZN]

If you do get down that way hit me up! I can give you all the info I got!

[@ianjones6910]

@@FLYALLSZN Sure will....I'd like to get some Gilas, some Apaches, and maybe some of the less common varieties of cutthroat, like Bonneville. I love catching natives.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Gilas I can help, the others I am unfamiliar with at the moment! I need to make my way over to AZ and get aquatinted

[@bradyhill2136]

Reminds me of the time I went to Minnesota with my buddy. We did no research and went out on last second trip to mix it up. Little did we know it would be a 6 mile hike in to the the stream we went to. Caught my first Tiger trout and it made the entire trip worth it!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Tiger Trout? That is one I am still searching for! That is such a cool memory that you and your friend can share.

[@garyrafferty7625]

PhD level (Trout 401) at its best! To work each of those grueling and meticulous steps, and then get the victory on film? ... PRICELESS.

[@FLYALLSZN]

I’m so happy you enjoyed! This still could be one of my all time favorite memories

[@thatoneguy4412]

Good work! Awesome fish!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!

[@gilamonsteroutdoors]

We made this trip in March of this year. It’s some beautiful country! Those cutthroats would bite on almost anything! Great video!

[@bretmason7162]

You are a beast to hike 8 miles for one shot at a cutthroat! Great video

[@FLYALLSZN]

Haha I like to ride the line of bold & dumb! Young legs and a hunger for more helps keep my adventures in the "bold" category

[@scottcandelaria2581]

I learned to fly fish in the Gila, and learned something watching this. Great video, and I'm glad you're in this state doing this, and the places you go into are sure to keep the rif raf out....nobody wants to work that hard to fish thats why I also like to walk. Thanks again!

[@FLYALLSZN]

I really appreciate that Scott! Most folks don't realize how lazy anglers can be. The brass tax of the trail will separate the wheat from the chaff. I am so glad I could take you along on this adventure and I am so happy there are others out there willing to put in the work! Tight lines brother!

[@scottcandelaria2581]

Also that book you use has contributions from Dutch Salmon. He lived in my neck of the woods and I remember him well. His conservation efforts were strong in the Gila. It really is refreshing to see younger generations keeping up this work, and I am sure he would be proud of your efforts. If you have any questions about this great state feel free to reach out to me. Stay well!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Some see it as conservation and others look at it as "spot burning". If folks don't know they don't care and to try and keep something "secret" for your own selfish gain is gross. I really appreciate it Scott, I will for sure reach out.

[@adamgeezy2000]

Van Beachams book is my Bible bro. Great trip!!!

[@FLYALLSZN]

This was an amazing trip!

[@FlickyFlies]

Good stuff man, that was a tough hole to fish but you nailed it! The pain from the miles always fade away eventually :)

[@FLYALLSZN]

Bingo! Nothing but type two fun in this adventure!

[@tea60]

Been there done that ...back in 2012 ...did a 3 day / 2 night backpack trip. Can't imagine doing it in one day! We found a lot of Rio Grandes along with a lot of hybrids... but that was before the Silver Fire of 2013 and it was my understanding the fire wiped out the entire watershed. I knew NMGF was eventually planning on restoring once the watershed recovered and had often wondered what the status was. Somewhere I have a picture of me leaning on that same tree at the half way mark! Thanks for the update.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Howdy Terry! This info might be outdated after last years fires.. I heard it absolutely decimated that area yet again.. so it is a wonder if these fish are still there..

[@MrKindermusik]

Epic catch!

[@FLYALLSZN]

I’m going to remember that one for a long time!

[@TheBabadush]

What a great video Mike. It makes me miss NM.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much!!

[@johnwilkes4090]

Fantastic! Next challenge.... outlet 2 at Taney? 😆

[@FLYALLSZN]

I don’t think I have the mental stamina for that sort of undertaking 😵‍💫

[@samsojourner2265]

Plan executed perfectly! You should have played “Loose Yourself” after that one

[@FLYALLSZN]

Oh man that would have fit perfect!

[@scottrick5190]

That's quite an outing Mike...way to get after it. Keep up the great work!

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Cool trip! I would have wasted to make it an overnighter, but I don't know the rules in that area for that type of thing. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@FLYALLSZN]

You can and you should! I decided to make it a day trip because a day was all I had!

[@Rustyhook1]

Terrific video. Thanks

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much Richard!

[@mattier3030]

You should write short stories for a fly magazine or as a book. You’d be good at it. Your vocabulary is good and you have a story telling style that’s engaging.

[@FLYALLSZN]

I really appreciate that Matt! I can't imagine most fly fishing mags would like what I have to say.. But who knows!

[@mattier3030]

I wanted to fish the Gila after that bad fire some years ago..5 maybe…so I call the ranger station and the she tells me “ you have to hike about 7 miles in for a chance to even see a trout” ….ouch! Love your videos man, inspirational and just fun! Your passion for the sport may even rival mine lol. We should go fishing my man! Conejos? Red River and Rio Grande junction at Junta point ? Or maybe some spots up in Wy, Co? Hit me up anytime!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Fishing the Gila can be a fickle ordeal! Weather and fires have a way of sobering you up! You have to be ready for the miles.. I'd be down! I am always down to meet new fishy folk!

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great fishing.

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you!

[@gt_outdoorexcursions]

Damn son! What a trip, that my kind of fishing! Rios are definitely my favorite of the cuttys and I never realized they were in the gila nf. Probably be an overnighter for me to get in there, but maybe something ill need to try. Planning on being out that way first week of may for the start of trout season in the white mountains, az. Could it just be an apache, gila, rio kind of trip!!?

[@FLYALLSZN]

Oh man if you could pull that off.. THAT WOULD BE EPIC.. Please let me know if you do! Tight lines!

[@aidancall8515]

nice fly south shirt. nashville baby!

[@FLYALLSZN]

That shirt is a mega throwback! Took a trip out there m 2017!

[@gt_outdoorexcursions]

Can't wait!!

[@stevevedra5302]

Sweet video

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much Steve!

[@richardfleming4850]

Absolute passion dude! Beautiful story told in words and footage, artistry. I’m going to share this in the TU open forum. Thanks!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much Richard!!

[@richardfleming4850]

@@FLYALLSZN I did post it on TU. You have some fans! Keep it up.

[@chasefear]

Music choice was dope in the hike out

[@FLYALLSZN]

A little laid back trap for the exit haha

[@PaulN-x2q]

This is about as good as it gets. Thank you for sharing this with us. I have quite a bit of respect for your adventures. The Continental Divide and the great divisions of basins. The Gila, Rio Grande, Colorado, and Arkansas Rivers all have their headwaters in New Mexico. Plus, we have a few closed-basins; has anyone wondered about Tajique Creek in the Estancia Basin, and Three Rivers in the Tularosa Basin - were they ever habitat for native trout, or could they be? How far south can you go to find Colorado River Cutthroats? Maybe they will re-introduce them into New Mexico? San Juan River, or maybe they already live in the Chuskas, or near Dulce? How about Greenback Cutthroat? I was told that they were in the Rio la Casa cascades, but, I was told that those were Rio Grande Cutthroats? It is in the Arkansas / Canadian drainage. I landed one, one day. All I remember was (illumination) rainbows from the lowering western-sun striking a group of three clouds of mist originating from the consecutive waterfalls. I love just visiting waterfalls, even without a fly rod. Bighorn sheep visited us at the lake, awesome day. The Rio la Casa www.dougscottart.com/hobbies/waterfalls/casa.htm Fish barriers are there, so what is swimming in those waters? I failed to ID them back before the Hermits Peak / Calf Canyon Fire. I helped with the restoration of Rio Grande Cutthroats in Jack's Creek, quite a long time ago, still in high school. It is a superb creek now. New Mexico is naturally isolated. The streams run off the mountain, and absorb into sand, so populations of fish don't easily mix. I've found wild-rainbow ('Shamu'), cutt-bow, Rio Grande Cutthroat at top, brook, and brown, three streams in a group which are less than 16-miles from my home. Getting there is serious work. I try to remember to take leather work gloves, as I often take a spill hiking on a decent trail. Canyons in New Mexico often have no flat or solid ground, just getting back home is challenging at times. Vegetation density can be really overwhelming. Trails that experience fire take years to get cleared, and it is lots of work scaling over a partly charcoal toppled-forest. It gets tricky, if you follow the tracks that wildlife normally use, you eventually find a thicket of oaks that will not let you thru. Last year, I found a debris flow that prevented me from visiting a favorite section of stream; these places are still wild. I've also followed a map and guidebook, and only realized it when I got there that I will have to wait until runoff is over to safely ford the creek if I want to reach the headwaters. So much challenging hiking, so little fishing. It might be hard for some to understand, but it is so worth it.

[@yussefedwards]

Your dedication to the fly fishing game is respectable and that hike in and out just proved it. ALSO... I hope you are ignoring the fool over at another fishing channel that is talking trash about everyone creating fly fishing videos. It's pretty sad that he would spend the time making a video that trolls his own peers. Anyway.. keep up the content and hope you stick around NM for a while. 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! I am a gluten for punishment! I am doing my best! So funny how negative this sport can be sometimes.

[@rockykeim5018]

What was your go to dry dropper rig for that moment? after all the sacrifice it has to be the ultimate number and number two

[@FLYALLSZN]

I was actually fishing double dries!! I had on a small ant and then an even smaller ant trailing it!!!

[@chasefear]

Fly All SZN 👍🏻

[@FLYALLSZN]

Much appreciated Clark!

[@chasefear]

"Huge fly fisherman" 👎🏻

[@FLYALLSZN]

Who..?

[@rtistmedia5636]

@@FLYALLSZN stay stoked ALL SZN 🤙🤙🤙

[@allexkowalsky4168]

Crispy

[@FLYALLSZN]

Texas toast crispy

[@stripping.streamers]

Amazing video man!

[@FLYALLSZN]

Thank you so much! I am going to remember this trip for awhile!