New Mexico Grand Slam -2026

Yeah, that's what I call it. The New Mexico Grand Slam of Trout. Hunting and landing our state's five species of trout is a fun pursuit for me each year. As we're moving into the latter days of May, I have so far netted three trout species in my home state: Gila Trout; Brown Trout; and Rainbow Trout. So, you know what that means? Going forward, I'm focusing on small streams where our state fish, the Rio Grande Cutthroat swims, and any waters holding a Brook Trout.

When I achieved The Slam last year, I was at the very same number of trout species in May as I am now. And hopefully, I'll have the last two species in the net by the end of July.

Of note, here in New Mexico, the Game & Fish Department sponsors what they call The New Mexico Trout Challenge. Anglers who catch all five trout species found and inhabit lakes and streams within New Mexico are eligible to receive a special recognition, and be included in the Trout Challenge Hall of Fame on the Department's website.

I have never entered the G&F challenge. Why? The program requires the angler to name the streams where they caught their trout, along with photos. I'm of the belief that "hot spotting" locations where anglers catch fish is one of the main reasons trout populations suffer and decline. So I don't do it. I just pursue my own Grand Slam of Trout for the personal satisfaction.

The Gila Trout was caught with my Winston WT 7' 2wt fly rod. Yeah, my trusted workhorse for the smallest of streams where I float a dry fly. The particular stream where I caught this native trout has a tight canopy of tree branches arching over the water, with very close quarters in places...why I rig up short rods when fishing it.

The Brown Trout was landed with my Winston WT 7'6" 4wt fly rod in one of my favorite small streams in northern New Mexico. Easy to say, this WT 476 along with the WT 270 makes for a very good pair of rods to pack into the truck for fishing trips. My intentions are to fish them much this coming summer. Maybe one of them will be the rod to finalize my Grand Slam. However. I have this sneaky feeling there will be a Winston IM6 7'6" 3wt model in play for the pursuit of our state fish, the Rio Grande Cutthroat Tout.