Local conservation groups need volunteers! The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited, New Mexico Trout, New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors, the Quivira Coalition and the U.S. Forest Service have an extensive list of projects to improve the health of our rivers and streams. These projects include fencing, trail maintenance, cattle exclosures and lake inventories. Again these projects are to improve the riparian health of our fisheries. Almost all of these projects are located near good fishing. Please, give some time to the cause of better fishing not only for you, but for your children as well. The following people are the contacts for these projects. Truchas Chapter; Art Vollmer 505-476-6004 or Dave Gratson 505-662-0707 x29, Jemez Ranger District; Derek Padilla, Amanda Webb, Chuck Dentino, Sean Ferrell, Mike Dechter, or Phyllis Martinez 505-829-3535.
The Department of Game and Fish will conduct roadblocks statewide through March 31, 2008, in an effort to collect harvest data and to apprehend violators of fish and wildlife laws. Department personnel may be assisted by other law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Police, and local Sheriff's Department officers. Hunters and anglers may encounter minor delays at the roadblocks. To report a violation, contact your local conservation officer or call the toll-free Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-432-GAME (4263). Callers can remain anonymous and earn rewards for information leading to the apprehension of wildlife law violators.
The newly formed Upper Pecos Watershed Association and the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited with the help of numerous volunteers, lead a cleanup of what is arguably the most "loved to death" river in our state, the Pecos River. Volunteers cleaned up close to twenty miles of the Pecos in this annual event. The cleanup ended with a barbecue for the cleanup participants at Cowles Ponds. New Mexico Game and Fish also held a Kid's Fishing Clinic at Cowles Ponds with help from New Mexico Trout. Many thanks to all the volunteers and supporting businesses that helped make this year's cleanup fun as well as good for the health of our closest fishery.
High Desert Angler's senior guide Norman Maktima is hosting a fly fishing trip to the Wind River in Wyoming and a day float on the Bighorn River in Wyoming July 3rd through July 7th 2007. Experience one of the last wild fisheries in the U.S. without the trek into the wilderness. Float down the Wind River for two days and cast big dries to huge browns, rainbows, and cutthroats, then fish the trico hatches on the Bighorn near Thermopolis. The cost is $1250 per person double occupancy (extra charge applies for singles). This includes two days of guided float fishing on the Wind River and one day's guided float on the Bighorn River, plus four nights lodging at the Holiday Inn of the Waters and Spa. The cost does not include Wyoming state fishing licenses, tackle, meals, or transportation to Thermopolis, Wyoming. Lunch will be provided on the fishing days. A presentaion by Norman Maktima will be given at the High Desert Angler at 6 pm on Friday March 16th. For more information call Norman at 505-470-0405.
