Rio Bonito (New Mexico) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rio Bonito |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| Counties | Lincoln |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sierra Blanca Mountains Lincoln County 3,002 m (9,849 ft) 33°24′57″N 105°49′16″W / 33.41583°N 105.82111°W |
| River mouth | Rio Hondo (New Mexico) Hondo, New Mexico 1,615 m (5,299 ft) 33°22′54″N 105°16′17″W / 33.38167°N 105.27139°W |
| Length | 44 miles |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Pecos |
The Rio Bonito is a small river in the Sierra Blanca mountains. These mountains are located in southern New Mexico, United States. The name "Rio Bonito" means "Beautiful River" in Spanish.
The river begins high up in the Lincoln National Forest. It flows down the sides of the Sierra Blanca mountains. The river then travels east. It meets another part of the Rio Bonito just before Bonito Lake. This lake is a reservoir, which means it is a man-made lake.
After the lake, the river keeps flowing east. It goes past the old Fort Stanton. It also flows near Lincoln, New Mexico, a town with a lot of history. About 10 miles (16 km) past Lincoln, the Rio Bonito joins with the Rio Ruidoso. This happens in the town of Hondo, New Mexico. When these two rivers meet, they form the Rio Hondo. The Rio Hondo then flows towards the Pecos River. However, it usually only reaches the Pecos River when there are floods.
Fish in the Rio Bonito
The waters of the Rio Bonito are home to several types of fish. These fish make the river a lively place.
Types of Fish You Might Find
- Several kinds of trout live here. Trout are popular fish for fishing.
- The Rio Grande Sucker is another fish found in the river. It has a mouth shaped like a sucker.
- The Rio Grande Chub also swims in these waters. Chubs are small, active fish.
- Longnose Dace are small fish with long snouts. They are good at living in fast-moving water.
- You might also see the fathead minnow. These are small fish often used as bait.
