With extensive knowledge about the best public waters and exclusive access to numerous private fisheries, our professional guides can provide the fishing experience you want. And no matter how experienced an angler you are, our expert fly instructors can help you improve your fishing, tying and casting techniques. Call us at 505-995-8114 to arrange your guided trip!

Guide Services

The Reel Life Guide Service ...

Call 1-505-995-8114 To BookGuide, Ben Casares, With A Very Happy Client


Fly Fish New Mexico With The Best!


The Reel Life provides professional guide services on hundreds of miles of public water and on several private fisheries to which we hold exclusive fishing rights. Whether you want to fish a small mountain creek or lake, a larger stream for larger fish, or simply a private stretch of water without competition from other anglers, The Reel Life will deliver the angling experience you most desire.

The goal of The Reel Life's guiding program is for our clients to come away from their trips as improved anglers. Our talented guides possess an intimate knowledge of every watershed in northern New Mexico. They know the seasons and the hatches. They know where the big fish live and the techniques required to catch them. Plus, all guides are hired based on their ability to teach, to clearly impart their knowledge in a personable and low-pressure fashion to novices and experts alike. Each of our guides is first aid and CPR certified.

Clients will need a valid New Mexico state fishing license and some personal items for their own comfort. We recommend breathable, non-cotton clothing (including socks) for maximum comfort in our often unpredictable climate. Raingear, sunscreen, a long-sleeved fishing shirt and polarized sunglasses will go a long way towards making your guided trip a comfortable one.

Rates

Number of People                   1                      2                      3

Full Day Public Water            $285                $325                $395

½ Day Public Water               $235                $270                $375

Exclusive private ranch options are available for an additional fee. Custom pricing is available for large groups.

All gear: rod, reel, waders and terminal tackle are included. License, tax and guide gratuity (typically 15%-20%) not included.

The Reel Life is conveniently located in Sanbusco Market Center in the historic Railyard District right next door to Borders Books. Summer hours are 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Guide trips meet at the shop at 7:30 AM, or your guide can pick you up.

For specific trip questions, please click here.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A 1/2 DAY GUIDED TRIP ON PUBLIC WATER!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A FULL DAY GUIDED TRIP ON PUBLIC WATER!

Private Waters

The Reel Life holds leases to several ranches with excellent fishing opportunities for anglers wanting to escape the crowds on public waters.  We go to great lengths to maintain fish populations by stocking our leased water and by improving the habitat to the standards demanded by wild trout.  An additional landowner fee applies for access to these leases, but the quality of the fishing and spectacular, untrammeled scenery make our private trips well worth the price.
Happy Cow Creek rainbow with guide clientCorkins Lodge

Corkins Lodge is an incredible destination and fishery with miles of the relatively untouched Brazos River to explore. The world famous Brazos cliffs frame this beautiful section of river where you will find healthy wild rainbow and brown trout eager to take a fly. The Brazos has prolific hatches of many different mayfly, caddis and stonefly species. Streamers and terrestrials round out the menu.

Corkins is located about 1 1/2 hours from the shop so 1/2 day trips are not offered. If you would like to experience a wonderful multi-day trip, Corkins gives you a central hub for the Brazos, Chama, San Juan and Jicarilla fisheries. Corkins is a "blue chip" destination, and The Reel Life is proud to guide there. Try not to miss this opportunity!

Brazos Brown
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRIP AT CORKINS LODGE!

Perea Ranch

The Perea Ranch is located about 45 minutes from Santa Fe along the banks of the Pecos River. The Perea boasts about three miles of meandering private river through a high desert canyon environment. There you will find a solid population of wild rainbows and brown trout. Additionally, The Reel Life carefully stocks Kamloops strain rainbows to add to the diversity. This stretch of the Pecos is beautiful and fishes well throughout the year when water temperatures remain below sixty five degrees or so. Expect to fish a variety of techniques including traditional dry fly, nymphing, hopper-dropper and streamer fishing. Available for both 1/2 and full days. The Perea Ranch delivers fantastic fishing and is relatively close to town.



CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRIP ON THE PEREA!

Cow Creek Ranch

An angler’s paradise, this fly fishing lodge is one of New Mexico’s angling treasures. Fish 4 ½ miles of private stream and seven high mountain lakes teeming with trophy rainbows, browns and brookies. Never open to the public, this well-nurtured section of Cow Creek is a small stream, one of those tight shady marvels with riffles and deep pools, and a population of trout that average 16” – 20”in size and many larger. Cast close to willows or work a fly through pockets. Cow Creek Ranch is located approximately 1 1/2 hours from Santa Fe and is only available for full days.

While Cow Creek Ranch is a full service guest ranch during the summer months, The Reel Life is pleased to be able to offer day-trip guiding during the shoulder seasons. In 2010 you could plan on March 15th-May 15th and October 9th-November 15th.

Huge Cow Creek Ranch rainbow with guide client

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TRIP AT COW CREEK!