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/
