WE'VE MOVED, AGAIN! This time we're a lot easier to find as we've only moved next door in the space formerly occupied by Wild Mountain Outfitters. We are gaining a bigger and brighter space with better visibility on Cerrillos Road.
Upper Pecos Watershed Association (UPWA) seeks public input on Pecos Recreational Use Study. The UPWA is conducting a study on the impact of present types of recreational use in the Pecos Canyon on water quality in the Pecos River. A public meeting is set for Wednesday, January 16, 6:00 pm at the Village of Pecos hall to provide an overview of the study and to solicit pubic input to the study. David Johnson, of The Nelson Group, UPWA’s consultant for this study will outline study progress to date, and discuss potential solutions and desirable outcomes for the Pecos. It is essential that input from the local community, agencies, sportsmen, and advocacy groups is incorporated in the final report from the study. Please plan to attend this important meeting.
The New Mexico Game and Fish is seeking public comment on a fishing regulation proposal that would limit fly fishing anglers to two flies per rod. This new regulation is being proposed due to concerns from anglers in the San Juan River. The concern is that multiple fly rigs may cause damage to trout and other wildlife. It stems from anglers using three or more fly rigs and a fish taking the bottom fly then breaking the line taking all the top flies. The fish will then get snag into root wads and brush piles. Game and Fish has scheduled five public meetings across the state to discuss the proposed fishing rule change. The State Game Commission will take action on the proposed change during its February meeting. Unfortunately, as usual, the period for public comment is very short and hasn't been very well publicized. For more information call Rick Castell in Albuquerque, 222-4700; Joey Vega in Las Cruces, 532-2100; Eric Frey in Raton, 445-2311, or Shawn Denny in Roswell, 624-6135. Or submit your comments online at the Department’s web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us/. Use the "Public Comment" page to file an e-mail. Meetings are scheduled for the following dates and places:
Albuquerque -- 6-8 p.m., Jan. 15, Game and Fish office, 3841 Midway Place,
Farmington -- 6-8 p.m., Jan. 17, Farmington Civic Center, Room A, 200 West Arrington.
Roswell -- 7 p.m., Jan. 22 at the Game and Fish office, 1912 W. Second St.
Raton -- 6 p.m., Jan. 28 at the Game and Fish office, 215 York Canyon Road.
Las Cruces -- 6 p.m., Jan. 28, at the Game and Fish office, 2715 Northrise Drive.
The High Desert Angler is a member of the Santa Fe Alliance and is also a participating member of Locals-Care. With Locals-Care, card holders earn and redeem points at many local merchants and also earn money for a local non-profit of your choice. Sign up for a Locals-Care card at the High Desert Angler and start earning points today!
Closeout and discontinued merchandise sale! Sage Manufacturing and Scott Fly Rods have both announced discontinuations of their SLT line and S3 and S3s lines respectively. We have a few left and are offering them at 30% off of 2007 retail prices or buy any one rod at regular price and get the next one free. Simms and Cloudveil have also announced discontinuations in their Gore-Tex wader lines and will be discounted at 30% off of 2007 retail prices or buy any one wader at regular price and get one free. Please call the shop for details at 505-988-7688.
The 2008 New Mexico Trout Conclave will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2008 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Past efforts by the organization include Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout reintroductions, riparian rehabilitations, trout spawning studies, trout stockings, beginner's fishing clinics and kid's fishing projects. Current projects include restoration of Rio Grande Cutthroat habitat on Comanche Creek and efforts to help the endangered Gila Trout in southern New Mexico’s Black Canyon. The main function of their conclave is to raise funds for the organization to operate on a yearly basis. They do this by holding a raffle at the end of the conclave where items such as custom-built rods, reels, flies, guided trips, fishing passes, fly tying material and much more are given away. New Mexico Trout then uses the money raised for the projects mentioned above. This year, they are pleased to announce Joe Humphreys and Landon Mayer as guest speakers for the event. The conclave is being held at Sandia Prep School in Albuquerque, NM from 8:30am – 5:00pm.
The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited is seeking individuals willing to serve on their local Board of Directors. Many of the current board members are nearing the end of their terms and some are feeling a bit stretched. The only requirement is a desire to contibute ideas, opinions, expertise, and a certain amount of time. Many current conservation projects underway and need new blood with vigor and enthusiasm. Contact Arnold Atkins, the Truchas Chapter president for more details at oldrzif@yahoo.com.
Please save the date of March 1, 2008 for the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited annual banqet. It will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Santa Fe. Cocktails start at 6 pm and dinner at 7 pm. The featured speaker is Dr. Robert J. Behnke. He is a professor emeritus of Colorado State University and one of the world's foremost experts on trout and salmon. He provided the scientific underpinnings offor the work of last year's speaker, James Prosek, artist and author of several well regarded books. Dr. Behnke also writes the column "About Trout" in Trout Unlimited's national journal "Trout". We are please to have Dr. Behnke at the High Desert Angler for a signing of his latest book "About Trout" on Saturday March 1st. The time will be announced as details become available.
Sorry, but Jack Schlotter, will not be able to come to Santa Fe to teach the class we had scheduled for an all day tying seminar on Saturday April 26th. The High Desert Angler will gladly host Jack again if his schedule allows. We will post dates for another class if at all possible. Thanks to all who have shown their interest.
