Friday, July 25, 2008

Fly Fishing News for the Week of July 21, 2008

The Valles Caldera Trust has opened the East Fork to fishing on the Valles Caldera National Preserve a few weeks ago. To apply, use this link to their website at /www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/fish/EastFork.aspx. Otherwise access the East Fork reservation page from their home page by clicking on Come Visit. Then click on the fishing tab and select East Fork. I've already heard some very positive reports from anglers fishing the East Fork recently.

The 18th Annual Kids' Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery is on Saturday July 26, 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 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 your tippet over the bend of the hook. If the tippet catches on your "pinched" barb you may get cited.

New Mexico Trout is seeking help for some Volunteer Projects this summer. The next one involves building elk exclosures on the Rio de las Vacas. If you can help, the list of projects are listed below.
>July 26th, 2008: 18th Annual Kid’s Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery.
Contact: Kimberly DeVall (USFS)
>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)

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is requesting your help defending our state from an invasion of alien organisms, aquatic invasive/nuisance species that threaten our water supplies, fish, wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. More than 100 aquatic invasive species already are impacting New Mexico's natural resources, and the threats of zebra mussels and quagga mussels continue to grow despite regulations prohibiting their introduction to the state. To battle these invasive species, the Department, acting on behalf of the Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Council of New Mexico, is requesting your input on the Draft New Mexico Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan. Once established, the plan will make New Mexico eligible for federal matching funds to address activities specified in the management plan. Currently, New Mexico is not eligible for this funding because it has no plan. A final draft will be presented to the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and Governor Bill Richardson for approval. Individuals, groups, organizations, NGOs, tribes and agencies are encouraged to participate in this 30-day public participation period by submitting comments on this draft plan. For more information, please visit the Department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us and click on “Public Comments,” or contact Brian Lang at (505) 476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. Additional information about aquatic invasive species is available by visiting www.protectyourwaters.net or www.fws.gov/answest.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Fly Fishing News for the Week of July 14, 2008

The High Desert Angler is having a fly fishing day class this Sunday July 20th. Cost of the class is $150 and includes rental gear, instruction, and private water use fees. It's an all day class with emphasis on casting and fishing on rivers or streams. Advanced payment and registration are required. There are currently 2 spaces left. Please call the flyshop for more details or to register at 505-988-7688.

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 your tippet over the bend of the hook. If the tippet catches on your "pinched" barb you may get cited.

New Mexico Trout is seeking help for some Volunteer Projects this summer. The next one involves building elk exclosures on the Rio de las Vacas. If you can help, the list of projects are listed below.
>June 21-22nd, 2008: Mushroom Basin Fencing Project.
Contact: Derek Padilla (USFS)505-829-3535
>July 26th, 2008: 18th Annual Kid’s Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery.
Contact: Kimberly DeVall (USFS)505-829-3535

The 18th Annual Kids' Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery is on Saturday July 26, 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/

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Fly Fishing News for the Week of July 7, 2008

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.

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 your tippet over the bend of the hook. If the tippet catches on your "pinched" barb you may get cited.

New Mexico Trout is seeking help for some Volunteer Projects this summer. The next one involves building elk exclosures on the Rio de las Vacas. If you can help, the list of projects are listed below.
>July 12-13th, 2008: Rio de las Vacas stream restoration and exclosure project.
Contact: Julie Walker, NMENV (505-476-3069)
>June 21-22nd, 2008: Mushroom Basin Fencing Project.
Contact: Derek Padilla (USFS)505-829-3535
>July 26th, 2008: 18th Annual Kid’s Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery.
Contact: Kimberly DeVall (USFS)505-829-3535

The 18th Annual Kids' Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery is on Saturday July 26, 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/

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Fly Fishing News for the Week of June 30, 2008

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 your tippet over the bend of the hook. If the tippet catches on your "pinched" barb you may get cited.

The 18th Annual Kids' Fishing Day at the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery is on Saturday July 26, 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/