My First Time Fishing in New Mexico (Tenkara Fly Fishing)

In this video I head to the great state of New Mexico to fish there for the first time. I find a tiny creek that's home to native Rio Grande cutthroat trout, but can I catch any of them?
► Check out my specialized fly tying shop: flytyingyarn.com/
DATE FILMED: Late September 2021
LOCATION: New Mexico
GEAR USED
** SEE MORE INFO ABOUT MY FLIES AND GEAR HERE: tenkaraaddict.com/gear/​​​​​​
** ROD: Dragontail FoxFire
** LINES: 7-foot level line (#3.5) with a couple feet of tippet
** FLY: Size 12 Black and Gold Kebari (flytyingyarn.com/pages/black-and-gold-kebari)
** NET: Medium Measure Net with rubberized net bag
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: tenkaraaddict.com/gear/
** Instagram (@TenkaraAddict): tenkaraaddict​​​​​​
** My main KZbin channel (SUVRVing): kzbin.info​​​​​​
#tenkara​​​​​​ #fishing​​​​​​ #flyfishing

[@jonathanstoffregen390]

I love it! Another stream on which we have both fished for native trout. I immediately recognized that pool at 2:32. What an absolute thrill to see it again! Your video brought a rush of great memories. I saw a 12" trout in that pool, which was simply massive for this stream. He gave my fly one half-hearted inspection, after which he completely ignored me and my fly, but I sat and admired him for a while as the sun went down behind the mountains. He was the absolute Monarch of his domain. Fortunately, plenty of his smaller brethren in other pools, all pure native Rio Grande Cutthroats and simply gorgeous, were far more cooperative. . . Like you, I, too, thought the stream much too small to hold fish at first. My initial reaction was a sinking feeling that I had made a big mistake and wasted valuable time and gas, both very limited resources during my quest for native trout. As it turned out, fishing the stream proved to be a wonderfully instructive and rewarding experience, much like watching one of your presentations. Thank you as always for your delightful videos, Tristan. I *really* enjoy watching them.

[@Namsu11]

I've been waiting to binge about 12 of your videos and started today! Been a dedicated viewer for about 7 months. After living in Colorado Springs for 12 years and NEVER fly fishing, YOU got me into tenkara fishing with your excellent videos, serene settings, and calm demeanor. Since August 2021 I bought the Shadowfire 365 and a couple of patterns and I've fished all over CO in that short time...I've caught more fish than the past 5 years fishing for warm water species (largemouth, smallmouth, walleye, catfish, etc) and I've been so much more relaxed on my trips. Thanks for the videos and keep up the passion for tenkara. If you're ever in Colorado, let me know and I'd love to connect!

[@kevincanfield4282]

Thanks for stopping by New Mexico, your welcome to come back anytime. I have grown up here my entire life (40 years) and just now realized how much this state has to offer.

[@hectorsilva4595]

Thank you for your response. I was about to comment on it but my 2 year old grandson clicked on it and it went away. Cant wait for my grandson to get older so I can take him fishing. We both watch your videos at night when I’m trying to put him to sleep. He loves to see the fish you catch. Stay safe out there.

[@michaelsmith7193]

I really like your pursuit of native trout in their native habitats. And I’ve long been a fan of smaller waters … so this episode would earn a “two thumbs up” if KZbin offered that option!

[@brentditton7214]

This is my type of fishing. I love watching your videos and look forward to what you have planned this year. Smaller creeks usually bring native fish and they are so much fun to work with. Keep doing what you are doing and thank you for sharing!

[@yoopermann7942]

now your fishing the type/kind of creeks/streams i grew up fishing,, these and ponds/lakes and trickles that you would swear a fish couldnt/wouldnt live in.... thank you for bringing back memories this was great

[@leifnagle8658]

I also love to fish for native trout in their native habitat. I have been Tenkara fishing for thirty years. Starting in Japan for small native trout and char there. The thing I am amazed about New Mexico in particular is how much fishing pressure small streams there get. I like to be able to catch the sexually mature trout because they have different markings then the juveniles. I'm not a New Mexico expert, but they do have some intriguing native trout. The Gila and the Rio grande. I've caught both, but haven't killed it on either sub species yet. Its great the states are putting effort into saving these beautiful fish. Love your channel! Leif

[@jemezdave]

Welcome to NM fishing! I've pulled 10-11 inch cutties out of streams that size. One weekend while backpacking in NNM I caught the same 10" fish from an isolated pool between trickles of the summer stream.

[@jaycegarner1289]

Such an awesome video!! Thanks so much for these they definitely inspire me to get out there and I appreciate the small tidbits of tenkara fishing wisdom as I am a beginner in the tenkara realm. Keep killin it!

[@Greg-ed7ss]

You fish the same sort of streams that I do, although I use a short fly rod. I really enjoy your content. Your laid back style and easy presentation is perfect for these back country streams. I have found that New Mexico is not like Colorado, in that there isn't a fish behind every rock, ha ha. If you want some info on catching some Gila trout, I can pass that on (off the internet of course)

[@jeffreybrown3603]

Thanks so much for your videos. I look forward to watching them every week. Yet to make the leap to Tenkara fishing but enjoy the beautiful scenery and trout that you catch.

[@danielo3279]

The gila trout is another one in NM you can add to your list

[@vincechan455]

That wood trout at the 8:00 mark was my favorite. I've caught plenty of those in my day.

[@Yodudedan]

You are fishing in my backyard now. We have plenty of small creeks with even smaller fish in them. I hope that you enjoyed yourself here in New Mexico.

[@jsimons9630]

I got into Tenkara to fish streams just like that! Very nice. Would you consider doing a "get ready for spring fishing" video covering your preferred lines, knots, flies, etc. and any changes since your earlier videos on the subject.

[@rphilip2768]

I applaud your pursuit (and success) hunting for fish in such a small creek. You just never know.

[@jonowen2699]

Thanks for coming here to NM! I’d love to see you fish the San Juan.

[@scotedler3984]

Loved this video! I miss fishing small streams

[@robinrapport8728]

I used to do a lot of backpacking in the Pecus wilderness area and fish on the Pecos river you would enjoy that area.

[@reggiebald2830]

1st time Tenkara; just came over from SUV RVing in Bryce & zion Canyons! Flyfished b4, but never seen the Bow'nArrow Technique ~ Enjoyed my visit & I'll be back ~

[@sugriv3405]

It's 1pm here in Nepal🇳🇵 & love to watch your mexico fishin trip...🙂

[@TenkaraAddict]

Nepal is great! Been there twice 👍🇳🇵

[@sugriv3405]

@@TenkaraAddict 🙂 now I'm flattered sir coz u noticed glad to know you were here..🙏

[@outdoorswithjustin]

nice job, you have the touch for small creeks and streams. i got my Rio Grande cutty un the Taos junction bridge

[@timothywilliams7264]

Its cool I mentioned using it as a sling shot an then you actually use it. Glad to see in your stuff.

[@chubsteriffic]

Growing up on tiny tributaries of the Allegheny River…we would camo up…including face paint……to “hunt” these little trout… Lots of fun! Love the channel!

[@jemezray1660]

I really enjoy your videos. Good Job. Thank you for visiting New Mexico.

[@jeanfrancoisgirard6899]

Thank you very much to share your expérience ,je suis un fan de cette technique de pêche que j'ai encore jamais pratiqué mais qui se rapproche beaucoup de la pêche au toc ,i am from a village near Toulouse, France,happy new year and good health to you and all your familly

[@chamaplays7019]

I love fishing that creek caught up to 14” in there before!

[@NeoClassicalFan]

Good evening Tristan. My name is Jamie and I’ve been following your KZbin channel for the past month and absolutely love your videos. Love them so much that I’m thinking of getting into Tenkara. I usual cast a 2 handed fly rod and swing flies for steelhead and salmon. Absolutely love it, but fishing small rivers and creeks for trout looks like a blast and very enjoyable/relaxing. Been looking at the Dragontail rods. What would you recommend as my first rod? Thanks. Keep up the great content. Cheers and tight lines.

[@kc195556]

Better luck next time, Tristan! Did you go back to the pool with the large fish and try it again, but we didn't see it?

[@robertmajor4904]

Great video, challenging creek, made you work, you did well, I’d call that a great couple of hours fishing.

[@TheDude1776]

I am over in the West side of your state. Close to the Snake. I want to get started small stream Tenkara fishing. Do you have any recommendations on locations that you like over this way? I haven't seen any Tenkara video of you on this side but I have seen camping vids over this way. So I figure you probably gave it a go.

[@AnonymousOtters]

I spent the last 2 years working in NM, some of it developing trout habitat in several private and one public fishery. If you are ever back that way, let me know and I could point you towards some trophy sized natural trout. That is classic NM terrain though, definitely made me love Tenkara down there

[@rogerperry6717]

Enjoy your channel. I found a foxfire 280 can’t wait to put it to use. I enjoy the small trout stream and light equipment I have been fortunate enough to get both the mini Teton and the mini sawtooth from tenkara rod co. Both are fun and easy to pack but they’re length in the brush for me is a break hazard. I tried tiny ten it is to short,you mentioned tiny ten 2. With it’s added length? Thank you for sharing your experience’s.

[@bruceallen6377]

Really enjoy your channel, still wondering how your going to handle a 20+ inch fish with one of those rods! Thanks again!

[@John-ve3gg]

Tough fishing..still great video thank you for sharing your adventures!

[@sanjuanwarrior8937]

Go north to the San Juan if you have a chance, I’ve caught a couple good browns on my tenkara last month

[@robinrapport8728]

I used to back pack into the Pecus wilderness area and fish on the Pecos river. You would enjoy that

[@robinrapport8728]

@@curbozerboomer1773 never had a issue with snakes.

[@marshall6225]

What creek are you fishing? It looks familiar

[@rickchandler2570]

I’ve shied away from fishing tight creeks like this because I’m not sure how to set the hook and land the fish if I’m got a bunch of brush overhead. How do you do that?

[@OutdoorNomad]

When you say 7' of line, does that include the tippet? How long is your tippet?

[@ianjones6910]

I think I know where you were - I haven't fished it, but I have it targeted for the future. I've caught a bunch of Rios in Colorado, but I've only caught one questionable one in New Mexico - the stream I caught it out of was heavily grazed, and the fish wasn't well marked like these, so it might have been some sort of hybrid. BTW - if you think those conditions are tight, I have a stream for you in the Smokies ;)

[@yourname-xx3kp]

Not to many little steams have native cutthroat in New Mexico. Only a couple of steams by me have them and one lake. Wonder what's next the Gila cutthroat?

[@grijgran]

Hi. Super. Kyrgyzstan watching

[@Gambitbeer]

woohoo... new vid!!

[@finefishing3560]

Hey I live in New Mexico and tenkara fly fish crecks often here if you are looking for good places to fish I believe that the rio de las vacas is your best bet tons of fish beutifal scenery and good content.

[@oxfd611]

But if you Grab a hole of the fly to pull back and let go doesn’t your scent remain on the fly and scare the fish away?

[@gregjoubert5118]

Curious if this was on the Rio en Medio? Or possibly the creek up the backpay to the ski basin? Great video! Glad you got your first NM fish.

[@TenkaraAddict]

I don't talk about creek names or locations. Sorry!

[@brianbelchuk9612]

Love it!!! Try long point in sw Ontario

[@mr.romero4799]

Dang you’re getting closer to the Gila River maybe in the next couple videos, that Gila trout is calling your name lol

[@TenkaraAddict]

Spoiler: Watch the next video that will be coming out this Saturday 😁

[@mr.romero4799]

@@TenkaraAddict 👍🏽

[@myotherlinefishing]

How do you usually tie the tippet to the line? Like what type of knot? Nice vid!

[@TenkaraAddict]

I use what I think Tenkara USA calls the One Knot 👍

[@myotherlinefishing]

@@TenkaraAddict thanks! I’m just bad at knot tying creek side and it always takes too long so figured I’d ask 😂

[@wobdeehomestead]

What size fly do you like for those small streams?

[@AndrewRodda]

Congrats on a technically challenging creek. Great video as always. Q: With the soft flex of the foxfire do you find hook set a little trickier than the mizuchi?

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yes. It's softer and requires more action to set.

[@battlefor1billiondollars]

Welcome to New Mexico. What stream is that it doesn't look familiar to me

[@TenkaraAddict]

I don't talk about stream names or locations, sorry!

[@battlefor1billiondollars]

@@TenkaraAddict ? Well looks like a nice place

[@robertblanco6279]

That looks like the jemez mountains

[@mariomancha4112]

Pecos

[@deanfirnatine7814]

I enjoy that kind of fishing once in a while but most of the time prefer it a bit easier

[@Joeyza-uo1xj]

What length rod are you using?

[@davidhall8874]

Fishing that creek is like me trying to fish the storm drain behind my house and hoping. Yes I am fishing...but...???

[@timothywilliams7264]

Should come to my an go steel head fishing or lake trout an salmon fishing with me.

[@williama.walker2287]

I think that a 5' line would have been too long where you filmed the intro.

[@fishfoolishness4222]

Got an Amazon $100.00 gift card for X-mas . What would you suggest for a small stream tenkara rod? Would be willing to throw another $50.00 in for a better rod. I'm an avid traditional fly fisher and have found that "Huge Fly Fishermans" hatred for tenkara has inspired me to give it a try.😁 Thanks for your help

[@jayfishing8764]

👍👍👍👍

[@mariomancha4112]

Looks like Pecos Baldy.

[@АланДжиоев-ц9в]

👍💪

[@mannydale4200]

New Mexico is not green in all it's freaky cold that s got to be in summer friend next time you're in new Mexico try north new Mexico Navajo dam and dulce chama to love your show to I'm glad you don't play music on your show stay that way all water and wind

[@jeremypierce1979]

I Prefer I little bit bigger fish! Like on the rivers!

[@richardingraham6353]

Do you pay attention to your shadow . That will spook fish just as much as you .

[@TenkaraAddict]

Yep

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Another Native Targeted and caught!! Wow! At some point I'm gunna stop being happy for ya and get jealous....😁. JK. If I wasn't me, I'd wanna be me.... And you didn't beg. You worked and earned the catches!

[@robertkemp622]

Stealth isn't a choice; it's a necessity. Otherwise, you're accidentally catching the fish. Stealth greatly increases your odds.

[@TenkaraAddict]

It certainly is a choice. I chose to not worry about it too much here. Thanks for watching.