El Barranco Ranch on the Chama River

El Barranco ranch on the Chama River consists of 440± gorgeous acres, blessed with 1.5± miles of both sides of the Chama River in Northern New Mexico. The El Barranco trio of fly fishing, agriculture, and big game hunting is difficult to match on one property.

The ranch offers excellent fly fishing on the trout-rich Chama River, which winds through a beautiful setting of cottonwoods. Fly fishing is a prominent feature, but the opportunity to hunt elk or mule deer cannot be overlooked. The ranch borders the vast, undeveloped acreage of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, as well as the renowned elk and mule deer habitat that exists on those lands. Elk and mule deer routinely visit El Barranco’s hayfields and river bottom to feed and water. The ranch is eligible for and has received multiple hunting vouchers. It is not unusual at El Barranco in the early fall to hunt elk or mule deer in the morning, fish for large brown and rainbow trout in the middle of the day, and then enjoy another evening hunt.

There is more value than just the first-class recreational aspects of the ranch. Substantial senior water rights lead to great hay production and cattle grazing, which has been the primary focus of the current owners. Farm work can be done hands-on or by retaining existing hay and grazing leases. At a time when live water fishing properties and senior water rights are hard to find, a rare recreational and agricultural opportunity awaits the buyer of this gold medal property. Buyers seeking additional acreage should consider the 270± acre El Barranco East property, located across the highway.