Before the backcountry vehicle route opens for the summer, antsy anglers with a valid New Mexico state fishing license and a Valles Caldera fishing permit may fish the park's premier frontcountry stream: the East Fork Jemez River. Brown trout and rainbow trout are the dominant species in the National Park Service-managed section of this stream at Valles Caldera National Preserve, whereas Rio Grande chub and longnose dace dominate the lower sections of the stream in the adjacent Santa Fe National Forest.
Beyond its seasonal accessibility, another benefit to fishing the East Fork is its proximity to the highway (NM-4) and Valles Caldera's main entrance. This allows anglers to enter the park on foot or by bicycle before the entrance gate opens to vehicles for the day. Vehicle gate hours in the winter season are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, and summer hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Anglers may enjoy fishing the waters of the East Fork from dawn to dusk as long as their vehicle is parked at one of the designated pedestrian access gates.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service