Rio Valdez

Rio Valdez is a river in north-central New Mexico's Pecos Wilderness designated as Special Trout Water (Red chile), accessible from 0.25 miles below Smith Cabin upstream to its headwaters. The segment is managed for Rio Grande cutthroat trout under strict catch-and-release rules; only artificial fly or lure with a single barbless hook is permitted. A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. Managed by the USFS Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Photography is permitted.