What Shuree Ponds Offers

Shuree Ponds is a small cluster of water bodies in the high country north of Taos, sitting at elevation around 9,000 feet where the terrain opens into meadows and scattered timber. The ponds hold cutthroat trout and occasional brook trout, making them a solid option when you want to fish without the crowds that gather on the Rio Grande or the main Taos Box trails. The water stays cold year-round because of the altitude, and the setting feels remote even though you can reach it in under an hour from town.

These are not large ponds — most are shallow and weedy, which means they warm quickly in summer and freeze solid by November. The fishing is best from late May through September, when the ice is gone and the water temperature stays in the range where trout feed actively. Early morning and late evening produce better than midday, especially in July and August when the sun heats the shallow water.

Key Takeaways

  • Shuree Ponds sit at 9,000 feet north of Taos and hold cutthroat and brook trout in shallow, weedy water that fishes best from late May through September.
  • The hike is roughly 3 miles one way on a trail that gains about 800 feet, making it accessible for most anglers but not a casual walk.
  • You will need a New Mexico fishing license and must follow state regulations, which include a daily limit of 8 trout and a 12-inch minimum size for cutthroat.
  • Bring a headlamp and plan to fish early or late in the day, because the shallow water and bright sun make midday fishing difficult.
  • The ponds freeze by November and remain inaccessible until late May, so timing your trip within the open season is essential.

How to Reach Shuree Ponds from Taos

From Taos, drive north on US 285 toward Questa for about 12 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 3, which is marked but easy to miss — look for it just past the small community of Costilla. Follow FR 3 for roughly 8 miles until you reach the trailhead parking area. The road is gravel and can be rough after heavy rain or snow, so a high-clearance vehicle is safer than a sedan, though not always required.

The trail itself is well-marked and climbs steadily through ponderosa pine and aspen. You will gain elevation gradually, and the path becomes more open as you approach the ponds. The hike takes most people 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. Once you reach the ponds, you can fish multiple water bodies within a short walk of each other, so you are not locked into one spot.

What Gear and Tackle Work Best

Bring a 4-weight or 5-weight fly rod if you fish with flies — the trout here are not large, and lighter gear makes the experience more enjoyable. Cutthroat trout in high-altitude ponds respond well to small dry flies, especially in the early morning. Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, and small Parachute Hoppers work throughout the season. If you prefer spinning gear, small spinners and spoons in sizes 1 and 2 will take fish, and they are easier to cast in the wind that often picks up in the afternoon.

The water is clear, so use a long leader — at least 9 feet — and thin tippet if you are fly fishing. Wading is possible but the bottom is often soft and weedy, so felt-soled waders or boots with good grip help you move safely. Bring polarized sunglasses to see fish in the shallow water, and do not overlook a net, because landing a trout in weeds without one often ends in a lost fish.

Seasons and Weather Conditions

The ponds are snow-free and fishable from late May through mid-September in most years. June and July are the most reliable months, with stable weather and consistent fishing. August can be hot and bright, which pushes trout deeper and makes them harder to catch during the day, but early morning and dusk remain productive. By September, the water cools and fish feed more actively throughout the day, though afternoon thunderstorms become common.

Afternoon thunderstorms are a real hazard at this elevation. They can develop quickly and bring lightning, so plan to be off the water and heading down by mid-afternoon. Bring a rain jacket even on clear mornings, and do not linger if you see clouds building. The weather changes fast in the high country, and hypothermia is a risk if you get wet and the temperature drops.

New Mexico Fishing Regulations for Shuree Ponds

You must carry a valid New Mexico fishing license, which you can purchase online through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website or at sporting goods stores in Taos. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you are only making one trip. The daily limit for trout at Shuree Ponds is 8 fish, and cutthroat trout have a 12-inch minimum size. Brook trout have no minimum size, so you can keep smaller ones if you choose.

Bait fishing is allowed, but fly and lure fishing are more effective in these shallow ponds. Check the current regulations before you go, because rules can change year to year. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish publishes an annual fishing guide that lists all water bodies and their specific rules, and it is worth reading the section on northern New Mexico high-country ponds.

When Shuree Ponds Is Crowded and When It Is Quiet

Shuree Ponds does not draw the same volume of anglers as the Rio Grande or the Taos Box, but it is not empty either. Weekends in June and July see more traffic, especially on Saturday mornings. If you want solitude, fish on a weekday or wait until late August when many anglers have moved on to other water. Early morning also helps — most people do not start hiking until 8 or 9 a.m., so you can have the ponds to yourself from sunrise until mid-morning.

The ponds are popular with local Taos anglers who know them well, so you may encounter other fishermen. That said, the water is spread across multiple ponds, so you can usually find a section to yourself without conflict. Respect other anglers' space, and do not crowd a pond if someone is already fishing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide to fish Shuree Ponds?

No. The trail is well-marked, the hike is straightforward, and the ponds are easy to find once you reach the trailhead. If you are unfamiliar with high-altitude hiking or fly fishing, a guide can make the day more enjoyable, but it is not necessary. Local fly shops in Taos can point you toward guides if you want one.

Can I fish Shuree Ponds in winter?

The ponds freeze solid by November and remain under ice until late May. Winter access is not practical for most anglers. If you are interested in winter fishing near Taos, the Rio Grande below the dam stays open year-round and is a better option.

What is the best time of day to fish?

Early morning from sunrise to mid-morning and late afternoon from 4 p.m. until dusk are most productive. The shallow water warms quickly in the sun, and trout become less active during the brightest part of the day. Bring a headlamp if you plan to fish into the evening.

Are there other ponds near Shuree I can fish on the same trip?

Yes. Several other high-altitude ponds sit in the same area, and some are accessible with a short additional hike. Ask at local fly shops in Taos about nearby water, and bring a map of the Carson National Forest. The terrain is open enough that you can explore and find other ponds if you have time and energy.

What should I do if I encounter a bear?

Bears are present in the high country north of Taos, though encounters are rare. Store food and trash in a bear bag or bear canister, and make noise as you hike so you do not surprise one. If you see a bear, back away slowly and give it space. Do not run or approach it. Report any aggressive behavior to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.