Monday, April 28, 2008

Fly Fishing News for the Week of April 28, 2008

The new fishing license year started 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!

Mark your calendar! The Upper Pecos Watershed Association and the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be hosting their annual Pecos River Cleanup on Saturday June 7, 2008. For more information contact Doug Jeffords at dcjeffords@aol.com or 505-424-0644.

Cloudveil, makers of Gore-Tex waders and other fine angling apparel, is asking all anglers to “Take the Pledge”. Invasive species are impacting fisheries and recreational opportunities around the world. Anglers are inadvertently spreading invaders to new waters because they fail to properly clean their equipment. Don’t be part of the problem. Take these simple actions: Inspect your wading AND fishing gear for plants or dirt and remove, clean your gear with fresh water, dry your gear between outings. We encourage responsible wading. Support the clean angling pledge. For more information on invasive species, go to www.cleanangling.com.

There are some new products coming out seemingly every day to help combat the spread of invasive species. Many companies now offer wading boots with rubber (Aquastealth) soles. These soles aren’t porous like felt soles and are easier to clean. Net makers are making their net bags out of rubber or silicone. Like Aquastealth soles, rubber nets aren’t porous and are easier to clean, but they are also less damaging to fish and your flies don’t get snagged in the material. Help protect our diminishing resources. Come in and have a look at these boots by Korkers, Cloudveil and Simms or the nets by Brodin and Fisknat.

New Mexico Trout is seeking volunteers for some summer projects in their homewaters; the streams of the Jemez Mountains. These projects are all related to improving fish habitat, and are also located near good fishing. Pick a date, pack your fishing gear, and give back to our resources. Below is a list of projects, dates, and contacts. For more information contact Amanda Webb (505) 829-3535 of the Jemez Ranger District.
>May 10th, 2008 : Annual BBQ! Upper Rio Cebolla Kiosk Installation; Upper Rio Cebolla gates and signage and three miles of fencing repair/maintenance.
Contact: Amanda Webb or Kimberly DeVall (kiosk) or Derek Padilla (fencing) (USFS)
>June 21-22nd, 2008: Mushroom Basin Fencing Project.
Contact: Derek Padilla, USFS (505-829-3535)
>July 12-13th, 2008: Rio de las Vacas stream restoration and exclosure project.
Contact: Julie Walker, NMENV (505-476-3069)
>July 26th, 2008: 18th Annual Kid’s Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery.
Contact: Kimberly DeVall USFS (505-829-3535)
>August 2-3rd, 2008: Rio de las Vacas stream restoration and exclosure project.
Contact: Julie Walker, NMENV (505-476-3069)
>September 27th, 2008: Oat Canyon Erosion Control and Stabilization.
Contact: Jo Wargo USFS (505-829-3535)

There are still some spaces left in the Adult and Kid's Fly Fishing Clinics on the Valles Caldera this summer. The adult clinics are $150 and includes gear, instructuion, and lunch. Available dates are June 21st and 22nd, and September 6th and 7th. The kids clinic scheduled for August 23rd has few spaces left! The cost is only $15 for the kids and includes gear and instruction. Sorry Mom, lunch isn't provided so you'll have to still pack them a lunch. More information can be found on the Valles Caldera website at www.vallescaldera.gov

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. We only have one left!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Fly Fishing News for the Week of April 21, 2008

The new fishing license year started 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!

New Mexico Trout has a volunteer day scheduled for Saturday April 26th.The goal is to rehabilitate a number of informal campsites along the Rio Guadalupe. This will involve assisting USFS staff Amanda Webb and Kimberly Devall in removing fire rings, picking up trash and litter, and otherwise restoring those areas to a more natural state. Plan to meet at 9:00 AM at the Walatowa visitor's center, which is on SR 4 about 8 miles north of San Ysidro. Those who want to help, but cannot make the 9:00 meeting time, can find us on FR 376 north of the tunnels. The gate on FR 376 above the tunnels is open. The Forest service will provide a pickup to haul the trash, tools, and garbage bags. Everyone should bring work gloves, water, and lunch. Sturdy shoes, hat, long sleeved shirt, and sunscreen are recommended. We plan to finish by about 3:00 PM so bring your fishing gear!

Mark your calendar! The Upper Pecos Watershed Association and the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be hosting their annual Pecos River Cleanup on Saturday June 7, 2008. For more information contact Doug Jeffords at dcjeffords@aol.com or 505-424-0644.

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. We only have one left!

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

Monday, April 14, 2008

Fly Fishing News for the Week of Monday April 14, 2008

The new fishing license year started 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!

The lottery for the spring fishing season on the Valles Caldera closed on April 13th. The summer lottery closes on May 25th and the fall lottery closes on June 29th. The Valles Caldera has added morning and evening fishing this year, so be sure to check the start and end times of the day you are interested in. Please see the Valles Caldera website at www.vallescaldera.gov for more information.

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. We only have one left!

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.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Fly Fishing News for the Week of April 7, 2008

The new fishing license year started 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!

The lottery for the spring fishing season on the Valles Caldera closes on April 13th. the summer and fall seasons are still open. The Valles Caldera have added morning and evening fishing this year, so be sure to check the start and end times of the day you are interested in. Please see the Valles Caldera website at www.vallescaldera.gov fro more information.

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.