The new fishing license year starts April 1st! New annual New Mexico state fishing licenses are avilable now. We also sell permits for the Jicarilla Nation (Stone Lake) and fishing there looks better than ever! Come in get a your new license, stock up on leader, tippet, and flies, and go fishing!
Sage joins forces with Redington and Rio to Save Bristol Bay
Sage has teamed up with Redington and Rio to offer a very special, limited edition rod, reel and fly line package as a fundraiser for Trout Unlimited - Alaska. Northern Dynasty Mines Inc., a multinational mining company, is currently conducting a deep drilling program to further explore the Pebble East Deposit. They are planning on building the largest open pit and hard rock mine in North America at the headwaters of Bristol Bay. If the copper, gold and molybdenum mine called Pebble Mine is constructed, it will produce three billion tons of waste over its 30 – 60 year life, and will compromise a viable renewable resource in favor of a non-renewable resource. Sage has released a very special Ready-To-Fish Outfit, as a fundraiser for Bristol Bay. The Limited Edition outfit will come with a Sage Z-Axis 9-foot 8-weight rod and a Redington moss-colored CD 7/8 reel pre-spooled with RIO Gold fly line. Only 300 of these outfits will be available. A case will also be included, which will be embroidered with a unique graphical slogan, “More Precious Than Gold – Save Bristol Bay”. Purchased separately, this outfit would retail for more than $875. The retail price on this special outfit is $700. From every outfit purchased, we will be donating $200. The outfit package, of which only 300 will be made, will be available to purchase directly from Sage dealers like the High Desert Angler.
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!
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is looking for partners to help defend New Mexico from alien organisms that threaten our fish, wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. More than 100 aquatic invasive species already are seriously impacting New Mexico's natural resources, and the threats continue to grow despite regulations prohibiting their introduction to the state. Eurasian watermilfoil and Brazilian waterweed are present in the state and can reduce waterfowl populations and cause fish die-offs. Toxins produced by golden alga have killed thousands of fish in the Pecos River. Other potential threats include zebra and quagga mussels, which can wipe out native species and force costly repairs to water systems and water craft. To battle these invasive species, the Department is forming an advisory committee to help in the development of an Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan. The plan will make New Mexico eligible for substantial matching federal assistance funding. Currently, New Mexico is not eligible for the funding because it has no plan. Individuals, groups, organizations, tribes and agencies are encouraged to participate in the process by joining the advisory committee. The committee's initial tasks will be to review a preliminary draft management plan developed by the Department. A final draft will be presented to Governor Bill Richardson and the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force for approval. Those interested in participating on the committee are encouraged to contact Brian Lang at 505-476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. More information about invasive aquatic species is available on the Department website http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/documents/invasive_species.htm
Kids, learn to fish from a pro for free! Casting a line and catchin' fish - the basics of angling -offer fun for entire families in New Mexico's enchanting outdoors. For those who have never fished or are a little rusty, yet eager to get started, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's Fishing Skills Program offers FREE clinics with all the equipment you need for learning from experienced, professional trainers. Students of all ages learn basic skills of assembling tackle, knot tying, identifying fish and good fish habitat, casting, fish handling, New Mexico's fishing rules and regulations, angling ethics, aquatic food webs, and outdoor safety and fishing safety. To schedule a fishing clinic at your community or school, contact Ti Piper, Fishing Skills contractor, at (505) 250-9994 or (505) 281-5647. Watch for New Mexico Free Fishing Day events on the first Saturday in June each year and local community fishing events in your area. 2008 Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 7th.
