1

Download the "NM Stream Pack" found from the ">NM Downloads" link on the "NM Resources" menu in the sidebar of this page.   This is a single zip archive containing the two stream-level KMZs that are shown in the overview photo.  One codes every cold water stream in the state, the other links you to the NMED's 305b assessments of each stream.

2

Download key KMZs from the USA Datasets category in the "Streams" section of the download system:

• NHD.KML (essential). This nifty link file (it links Google Earth to the NHD server) gives access to virtually every stream-line in the US, plus stream names for any stream that shows up on the 100K topo maps (which is most of the ones big enough to fish).  I'll warn you that this file updates pretty slowly, and can make your screen look like a mess.  So I turn it off until I'm zoomed in close, mostly to see stream names.
• GEONAMES.KML (essential).  Gives you the geographic names of everyplace in the US (streams, mountains, canyons, springs, as well as towns and historic sites).  Incredibly useful to figure out the names of the places you find.  It will make a mess of your screen, so turn it on only when you're zoomed in and need the info.

3

(Optional) Download KMZs about Gila Trout and Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout from the "Natives" section of the "Downloads" tab. Or use the download links in the NM Resources menu in the sidebar.

4

Unzip the files (as necessary) and save them somewhere.  Make sure you unzip the files somewhere on your hard drive where you can find them easily, and where you won't want to move them later.  I've set up a folder in my Documents folder for these things, but it's up to you. 

5

Open Google Earth (if it's not already open)

6

From the Google Earth application, load all of the KMZ layers using the File... Open... menu.  Google Earth will open the file in the "Temporary Places" folder.  If you want to keep this stuff permananently, you may want to move each layer into your own folders in "My Places".