Getting There: This special catch-and-release trout fishery is several hours from any major airport. The Rio Peqasco is a five-hour drive from Amarillo, a four-hour drive from Albuquerque, and an even shorter drive from Lubbock. But most out-of-state anglers fly into El Paso, just a three-hour drive away. There is also a small airport in Alamogordo, just an hour from the river.

Playing a trout

Fees: The Foley Ranch cost $300 per day to fish, including a guide, flies, lunch and tippet. Add another $75 for two anglers. Overnight lodging and meals is $75 per night. To fish the Foley section, anglers can make reservations through the Reel Life shops in Santa Fe, (505) 995-8114, or Albuquerque (505) 268-1693.

The Mulcock Ranch costs $300 per day to fish, including a guide, flies, lunch and tippet. Add another $75 for two anglers. Overnight lodging and meals is $75 per night. To fish the Mulcock section, anglers can make reservations through the Reel Life fly shops or by calling Mulcock Ranch directly at (505) 687-3352 or (505) 746-6785.

Fishing the Rio Peqasco may not be cheap, but it compares to the costs of spring creeks in the West, and in this case you are paying for having the river to yourself. It's not for everyone, but it is a unique angling experience.

Equipment: Rods: 8½ to 9-foot, 35 weight (a 4-weight is ideal), especially a fine tip or bamboo. February is windy, which calls for high backcasts and much mending. Lines: Floating, weight-forward. Tippets: 5X to 7X. Wading: Can wet wade, but hip or chest waders are useful in fall and winter. Felt soles not necessary.

Harsh beauty, great fishing

Fly shops: Reel Life in Santa Fe, (505) 995-8114; Albuquerque, (505) 268-1693; Angler's Nook in Las Cruces, (505) 522-3810.

Chambers of Commerce: Ruidoso, (800) 253-2255; Cloudcroft (505) 682-2733.

Lodging: On the River: Blue Roof Inn Bed and Breakfast, (505) 687-2143; Cloudcroft: Lodge at Cloudcroft (800) 395-6343; Rudiso: Inn of the Mountain Gods (505) 257-5141.

Seasons/Limits: Open year-round. Artificial flies, barbless hooks. Droppers allowed. Catch and release only.