The 18th Annual Kids' Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery is on Saturday July 28, 2008. Share the joy of fishing with the young one you know -- a friend or family member -- at the 18th Annual Fishing Day for youths ages 4-11 years old. There will be fishing and interactive educational booths, along with exciting hands-on activities to learn about our state fish, fly tying, casting, fishing and creative fish art. The first 250 participants who attend the required number of booths will receive a prize. This event is FREE to the public. For more details see New Mexico Trout's website at http://www.newmexicotrout.org/
The fall fishing lottery on the Valles Caldera closes on Sunday June 29th. The fall fishing season on the Valles Caldera runs from August 14th to September 29th. If you haven't had a chance to fish the Caldera, get in on one of the available dates left. There are limited number of anglers and the scenery and wildlife is stunning.
The Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest opens Tuesday July 1st. The Valle Vidal is closed to protect calving elk as well as Rio Grande Cutthroat trout during their springtime spawn. The Rio Costilla flows through the heart of the Valle Vidal and is one of the places to reliably catch a Rio Grande Cutthroat; our state fish. Shuree Ponds also open on the Valle Vidal and are known for it's trophy sized rainbows. Don't squander your vacation time over the Fourth, take leave or play hookie and make it to the Valle Vidal for the opener!
The New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearance on the San Juan. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation. They check for a barb by running you tippet over the bend of the hook. If the tippet catches on your "pinched" barb you may get cited.
