Red River flows westward, from Questa, to the Red River fish hatchery. Stockers are caught in the river from NM 522 to the hatchery. The aquatic insect life is meager but is slowly recovering as described in the "Upper Red River"  watershed description.

The Red River fish hatchery is a 2-mile drive from NM 522 to the end of NM 515. Red River is fed by several springs, on its way to the Rio Grande, which keeps the water temperature constant year-round. Below the hatchery, Red River closes into the box canyon at an elevation of 7,000 feet. From this point on deep pools, deep runs, and pocket water predominate.

Three miles later the Red converges with the Rio Grande at an elevation of 6200 feet. The lower part of Red River is not stocked but does hold an abundance of wild browns but rainbows predominate. Near the confluence, browns are the predominate species. Fishing is incredible with dry flies in the evenings, terrestrials on hot afternoons, and nymph/wet fly-fishing all day. Because of the near constant water temperature, hatches of different insects occur year-round. 

The Rio Grande Gorge referred to by many, as the Box is about 70 miles long. The headwaters of the Rio Grande are in the San Juan Mountains near Crede, Colorado. The Rio Grande Box is open water, 30 to 40 feet wide at times, with very large boulders throughout, and some vegetation along the banks, such as trees and brush. The river is easily fishable with the possibility of catching some very large fish. The predominate fish are browns. Portions of the river have special fishing regulations.

Take I-25 north from Albuquerque exit at St. Francis Drive in Santa Fe, travel north on US 84/285 to Espanola and travel north on NM 68 to Taos then Take NM 522 to NM 515 to the Red River Fish hatchery (about 2 miles south of Questa to NM 515).