When most anglers are hanging up their rods for the winter, a rare window opens on the Pecos River — and if you know where to look, it might just reward you with the fish of a lifetime.

This past March, legendary New Mexico guide Bob King of Santa Fe Guiding Company landed a 26-inch rainbow trout, his biggest ever from the Pecos.

“That was March 15th,” he says. “Cold as hell up there. Our hands were numb.” But the reward was worth it: a fish with brilliant rainbow coloring, thick-bodied, and full of fight.

🎯 A Rare 3-Week Fishing Window

A mild winter created unique access before the spring runoff hit, making deep pools briefly fishable. Once the runoff begins, those very same spots become almost inaccessible.

“That was just a little window we found… probably there every year, but this year we went and did it.”

🧠 Why These Fish Are Getting So Big

Thanks to New Mexico’s hatchery system, triploid trout — genetically modified to grow quickly — are reaching 16 inches in just two years. If they survive a little longer, they become the giants Bob is catching.

“They naturalize. They get real pretty and real healthy looking — and that’s what we’re catching.”

🧵 What They’re Biting On

Bob’s go-to patterns include Rio Grande Kings and swept-wing Calves Tail Royal Coachman flies — classic patterns with a proven track record on the Pecos.

🐟 To Keep or Release?

While anglers can legally keep five fish per trip, Bob prefers to release large trout and only keep smaller ones for the frying pan.

“We release all these big fish. The little ones that fit in the frying pan — that’s what we take home.”

📍 Where It All Happened

Believe it or not, one of the best catches came from the Dalton pools, visible right off the highway — proving once again that local knowledge is priceless.

🎯 Want to Catch a Giant Like This?

These late-winter opportunities don’t last long. The Pecos is unpredictable — but with the right guide, gear, and timing, you could find yourself holding a 26-inch trophy trout too.

👉 Book your Pecos River fishing trip with Santa Fe Guiding Company.
Guided trips available February–April, weather permitting.