Red River (New Mexico) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red River |
|
|---|---|
The Red River of New Mexico
|
|
 
Location of the Red River in New Mexico and the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Wheeler Taos County 13,161 ft (4,011 m) 36°37′16″N 105°23′41″W / 36.62111°N 105.39472°W |
| River mouth | Rio Grande Taos County 6,578 ft (2,005 m) 36°38′52″N 105°41′36″W / 36.64778°N 105.69333°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 187 sq mi (480 km2) |
The Red River in New Mexico, United States, is a river that flows all year round. It starts high up on the north side of Mount Wheeler in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. From there, it flows west past the towns of Red River and Questa. Finally, it turns south and joins the Rio Grande river near the La Junta Campground.
The Red River is a very popular spot for fishing, especially in winter. Many people visit from October through early April to catch fish. It's unique because you can fish and ski on the same trip! Lots of natural springs flow into the river. These springs help keep the water at the perfect temperature for trout, usually between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the Red River an excellent place for trout fishing even in colder months.
Contents
Fishing in the Red River
The Red River is famous for its trout fishing. The lower part of the river is even a special place called the Wild Rivers Recreation Area. This area helps protect the river and its wildlife.
Best Times to Fish
After the summer rainy season ends, usually around October, the river calms down and becomes very clear. This is when the best fishing begins.
In the fall, especially from mid-October to November, larger rainbow trout start to gather near where the Red River meets the Rio Grande. They then swim upstream to lay their eggs. This is a great chance to catch some big brown trout as they also move up and down the river.
How the River Gets Its Water
The Red River gets its water from two main sources. First, it's fed by melting snow from the mountains. Second, it gets water from summer thunderstorms. Because of the regular rain and snow in the mountains, the river always has water flowing, making it a "perennial stream."
New Mexico Red River Fish Hatchery
Below the town of Questa, there is a special place called the New Mexico Red River Fish Hatchery. A fish hatchery is like a farm for fish. They raise young fish here, often trout, and then release them into rivers and lakes. This helps keep the fish population healthy for anglers.
