On the Brazos River Lodge property, the river is 20- to 30-feet wide, and includes an enticing variety of runs, riffles, pools and cutbanks, in truth, all the features a dry fly fisher dreams about. Trout thrive here, primarily fat rainbows in the 16- to 22-inch class, but also an occasional chunky brook trout or even a brown that ventures up from well downstream. Dry fly fishing with wide-open casting is superb, with fishing rising to mayfly, caddis and terrestrial patterns throughout the summer. Two small tributaries up to 4 feet wide support smaller brook trout, and could be enhanced with larger pools for larger fish. Stillwater anglers can also find plenty of action on two trout-filled lakes, the larger of which is about 10 acres.
Big game hunting supplements the fishing in the fall. With no public access through the ranch, the property is surrounded by a combination of the Carson National Forest and Chama Land & Cattle Property. Brazos River Lodge defines privacy! Elk herds are constantly seen here in the summer and fall, attracted to the many water sources. Currently, Brazos River Lodge receives 23 bull tags and 11 cow tags annually. In the winter, the solitude and blue skies here have to be experienced to be believed, and snowmobiling or snowshoeing will access areas that very few humans ever get to see.
Long operated as a high-end fishing and hunting property, Brazos Lodge is already set up to cater to the most discerning of clients. A newly constructed lodge boasts eight suites, a large kitchen, and a very comfortable dining room and great room with fireplace. The lodge is complemented by several individual guest cabins as well. Other improvements include a ranch manager’s residence, a new shop and a network of 4WD and ATV roads to reach the far corners of this large property.
Located just south of the Colorado border, the ranch is approximately a 2 hour drive from historic Taos and its unsurpassed downhill skiing at Taos Valley. Taos offers a jet capable airport, as does Alamosa, Colorado, only a bit further away. If so inclined, a helicopter ride from either airport would be only about 15 minutes.
In short, there is no place else in New Mexico like Brazos River Lodge. In fact, there are very few places like it anywhere in the West. If you’re looking for a true wilderness property with a first-class trout river running through the middle of it, look no further. Brazos Lodge may well be the quality fly fishing and hunting retreat that you thought had disappeared long ago.
