High Desert Angler Announcements

Ed's Fly Fishing News for the Week of July 6, 2009

2009-07-06T09:35:00.000-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net

The Rio Costilla within the Valle Vidal is now open! It is absolutely the most beautiful trout stream in the state and a place where you can reliably catch a Rio Grande Cutthroat. Shuree Ponds also located within the Valle Vidal will also open up tomorrow giving anglers a shot at catching a lunker over 20 inches. High riding and visible dry flies cast tigh to the banks will be the tactics for the Rio Costilla and diving caddis or damsel on a long leader and floating line for Shuree Ponds. Remember that all of the Valle Vidal is No Kill, Catch and Release only.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has stocked some Rio Grande Cutthroats into the Pecos River above the village of Pecos and into the Rio Grande Gorge. It'll be a cool thing to catch a Rio Grande Cutthroat, our state fish, in a place where they were once the only trout species. Take the kids fishing and your entry with their very first Cutthroat on a fly, in one of these beautiful places, could win them their very own fly rod! Remember that there is a reduced bag limit on cutthroat trout and really all cutthroat trout should be released immediately after being caught to protect our resource.

Now that summer is here, it seems that entries into the Youth Photo Contest have dropped off. We wanted to remind you that your daughter or son could be the winner of their very own fly rod by entering your children's photo in our contest. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, fish must be caught this summer, and child must be 12yrs or younger. Send you’re photo to our email address at hda@highdesertangler.com and put Youth Photo Contest in the subject line. Please limit your e-mail to one photo, but enter as many times as you want! So start shooting at every opportunity! By entering your photo you are allowing us to possibly use it on our web site. The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest runs through July 31st, and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Pecos National Historical Park hosts 3 miles of fishing opportunity along the Pecos River. Three fishing seasons have been established for 2009. The Fishing Program at Pecos National Historical Park had been suspended during the high water of spring runoff. The Summer season begins Thursday June 18th and ends Monday August 3rd. The Park will begin accepting reservations for the Summer season beginning May 18. The Fall season begins Thursday September 3rd and ends Monday November 2nd. They will begin accepting reservations for the Fall season beginning August 3. Anglers will be provided the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays; 8:30am-3pm in the Spring and Fall seasons. The Summer season will provide the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays, 8:30am-4:30pm. To make reservations to fish there, visit the Park's website at http://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm or call 505-757-7272.

Ed's Fly Fishing News for the Week of June 29, 2009

2009-06-30T09:44:00.003-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net

The Rio Costilla within the Valle Vidal will open tomorrow, Wednesday July 1st. It is absolutely the most beautiful trout stream in the state and a place where you can reliably catch a Rio Grande Cutthroat. Shuree Ponds also located within the Valle Vidal will also open up tomorrow giving anglers a shot at catching a lunker over 20 inches. High riding and visible dry flies cast tigh to the banks will be the tactics for the Rio Costilla and diving caddis or damsel on a long leader and floating line for Shuree Ponds. Remember that all of the Valle Vidal is No Kill, Catch and Release only.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has stocked some Rio Grande Cutthroats into the Pecos River above the village of Pecos and into the Rio Grande Gorge. It'll be a cool thing to catch a Rio Grande Cutthroat, our state fish, in a place where they were once the only trout species. Take the kids fishing and your entry with their very first Cutthroat on a fly, in one of these beautiful places, could win them their very own fly rod! Remember that there is a reduced bag limit on cutthroat trout and really all cutthroat trout should be released immediately after being caught to protect our resource.

Now that summer is here, it seems that entries into the Youth Photo Contest have dropped off. We wanted to remind you that your daughter or son could be the winner of their very own fly rod by entering your children's photo in our contest. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, fish must be caught this summer, and child must be 12yrs or younger. Send you’re photo to our email address at hda@highdesertangler.com and put Youth Photo Contest in the subject line. Please limit your e-mail to one photo, but enter as many times as you want! So start shooting at every opportunity! By entering your photo you are allowing us to possibly use it on our web site. The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest runs through July 31st, and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Pecos National Historical Park hosts 3 miles of fishing opportunity along the Pecos River. Three fishing seasons have been established for 2009. The Fishing Program at Pecos National Historical Park had been suspended during the high water of spring runoff. The Summer season begins Thursday June 18th and ends Monday August 3rd. The Park will begin accepting reservations for the Summer season beginning May 18. The Fall season begins Thursday September 3rd and ends Monday November 2nd. They will begin accepting reservations for the Fall season beginning August 3. Anglers will be provided the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays; 8:30am-3pm in the Spring and Fall seasons. The Summer season will provide the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays, 8:30am-4:30pm. To make reservations to fish there, visit the Park's website at http://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm or call 505-757-7272.

Ed's Fly Fishing News for the Week of June 22, 2009

2009-06-15T08:46:00.005-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net

Now that summer is here, it seems that entries into the Youth Photo Contest have dropped off. We wanted to remind you that your daughter or son could be the winner of their very own fly rod by entering your children's photo in our contest. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, fish must be caught this summer, and child must be 12yrs or younger. Send you’re photo to our email address at hda@highdesertangler.com and put Youth Photo Contest in the subject line. Please limit your e-mail to one photo, but enter as many times as you want! So start shooting at every opportunity! By entering your photo you are allowing us to possibly use it on our web site. The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest runs through July 31st, and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Volunteers from New Mexico Trout conduct fly fishing clinics for youths on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. They are allowing up to 20 participants the opportunity to fish the headwaters of the East Fork of the Jemez River on the Preserve. Participants spend a half day learning about equipment, tackle, knots, stream insect sampling and identification. They will have time to practice their casting in the morning and then head for the fishing hole in the afternoon. Bring a lunch to enjoy along the stream and be prepared for weather. This activity is extremely popular, so sign up early. At the time of this post, there were only 6 spaces left for the June 28th clinic. This clinic is designed for youths, ages 8 – 16 years. The cost is $15 and reservations can be made by visiting the Valles Caldera National Preserve website at http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/special/. Parents are asked to drop youths off and come back at the end of the day.

Pecos National Historical Park hosts 3 miles of fishing opportunity along the Pecos River. Three fishing seasons have been established for 2009. The Fishing Program at Pecos National Historical Park had been suspended during the high water of spring runoff. The Summer season begins Thursday June 18th and ends Monday August 3rd. The Park will begin accepting reservations for the Summer season beginning May 18. The Fall season begins Thursday September 3rd and ends Monday November 2nd. They will begin accepting reservations for the Fall season beginning August 3. Anglers will be provided the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays; 8:30am-3pm in the Spring and Fall seasons. The Summer season will provide the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays, 8:30am-4:30pm. To make reservations to fish there, visit the Park's website at http://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm or call 505-757-7272.

Ed

2009-06-15T08:45:00.000-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net

The Bureau of Reclamation has finalized this year's scheduled spring peak release from Navajo Reservoir. The release was increased Tuesday, May 26th until a peak release of 5,000 was reached on Monday, June 1st. The release stayed at 5,000 cfs for seven days, and is expected to ramp down on Monday, June 8th. The release will be decreased until it reaches 500 cfs on Friday June 12th where it will remain until further notice.

New Mexico Trout is partnering with the Albuquerque Wildlife Federation and the New Mexico Environment Division to spend a weekend doing riparian restoration work on the Rio De las Vacas July 19th through the 21st. The work will be led by Bill Zeedyk, who is well known for his innovative and effective approaches to protecting and restoring streams and wetlands. This project is a continuation of the one we worked on last season. There the Vacas is a lovely meadow stream at about 8000 feet, flowing south from San Pedro Parks. Primitive camping is available at the site. The Albuquerque Wildlife Federation will provide breakfast and a potluck dinner Saturday for those who RSVP by the 6/12 deadline. Please RSVP by Friday, June 12th to: ronloehman@gmail.com or (505) 328-1489. For inforamtion on the Restoration Project on the Rio de las Vacas, go to http://www.newmexicotrout.org/events.html

Pecos National Historical Park hosts 3 miles of fishing opportunity along the Pecos River. Three fishing seasons have been established for 2009. The Fishing Program at Pecos National Historical Park had been suspended during the high water of spring runoff. The Summer season begins Thursday June 18th and ends Monday August 3rd. The Park will begin accepting reservations for the Summer season beginning May 18. The Fall season begins Thursday September 3rd and ends Monday November 2nd. They will begin accepting reservations for the Fall season beginning August 3. Anglers will be provided the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays; 8:30am-3pm in the Spring and Fall seasons. The Summer season will provide the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays, 8:30am-4:30pm. To make reservations to fish there, visit the Park's website at http://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm or call 505-757-7272.

A new change to the Game Commission rule regarding trespassing and poaching went into effect April 1, 2009. The exact wording in the new statutes are listed below. Remember that New Mexico state law gives ownership of the streambed to the landowner, and you cannot access the stream as there is no "high water mark" law here. This is an important change; prior to April 1 anglers and hunters were restricted only by the criminal trespass law with its posting or notification requirements. Now if one knows a place is private, the activity of fishing/hunting/trapping itself, not just the entry to the property, is illegal. The authority to seize game taken in violation of this rule is also new.

19.31.10.18 UNLAWFUL TAKING OR KILLING OF GAME ANIMALS, FURBEARERS, GAME BIRDS, OR GAME FISH ON PRIVATE LAND:
A. It shall be unlawful to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish on any private property that is in compliance with 30-14-1 and 30-14-6 NMSA 1978 posting requirements without possessing written permission from the landowner or person in control of the land or trespass rights, unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.

B. It shall be unlawful to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish on private property if the consent to enter or remain has been denied or withdrawn by the owner or person in control of the land or trespass rights, per 30-14-1 NMSA 1978, unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.

C. It shall be unlawful to knowingly enter upon any private property to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish without possessing written permission from the landowner or person in control of the land or trespass rights unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.

D. Any game animals, furbearers, game birds, or game fish taken in violation of this section shall be subject to seizure.[19.31.10.18 NMAC - N, 4-1-2009]

Ed's Fly Fishing News for the Week of June 8, 2009

2009-06-07T10:00:00.005-06:00

Fly Fishing News for the Week of June 1, 2009

2009-06-01T12:05:00.004-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net

The Third Annual Santa Fe River Festival and Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday June 6th. The Festival will be from 10:00 am-- 3:00 pm at De Vargas Park in downtown Santa Fe. With river activities, live animals, games, crafts for youth and adults, river walks, music, and watershed-related booths by non-profit groups, community organizations and local government there will be something for the whole family. Children 11 years and under are also invited to participate in the Fishing Derby in the Santa Fe River from 6:00 am - 12:00 pm. The City of Santa Fe and New Mexico Game and Fish will be stocking the river with rainbow trout. Children can try and catch one of the specially tagged trout to win a prize.

The Bureau of Reclamation has finalized this year's scheduled spring peak release from Navajo Reservoir. The release was increased Tuesday, May 26, 2009, by 1000 cfs per day until a peak release of 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) is reached on Monday, June 1st. The release will stay at 5,000 cfs for seven days. On Monday, June 8th, the release will begin to be decreased until it reaches 500 cfs on Friday June 12th where it will remain until further notice.

A new change to the Game Commission rule regarding trespassing and poaching went into effect April 1, 2009. The exact wording in the new statutes are listed below. Remember that New Mexico state law gives ownership of the streambed to the landowner, and you cannot access the stream as there is no "high water mark" law here. This is an important change; prior to April 1 anglers and hunters were restricted only by the criminal trespass law with its posting or notification requirements. Now if one knows a place is private, the activity of fishing/hunting/trapping itself, not just the entry to the property, is illegal. The authority to seize game taken in violation of this rule is also new.

19.31.10.18 UNLAWFUL TAKING OR KILLING OF GAME ANIMALS, FURBEARERS, GAME BIRDS, OR GAME FISH ON PRIVATE LAND:
A. It shall be unlawful to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish on any private property that is in compliance with 30-14-1 and 30-14-6 NMSA 1978 posting requirements without possessing written permission from the landowner or person in control of the land or trespass rights, unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.

B. It shall be unlawful to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish on private property if the consent to enter or remain has been denied or withdrawn by the owner or person in control of the land or trespass rights, per 30-14-1 NMSA 1978, unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.

C. It shall be unlawful to knowingly enter upon any private property to hunt, capture, take, attempt to take, or kill any game animal, furbearer, game bird, or game fish without possessing written permission from the landowner or person in control of the land or trespass rights unless otherwise permitted in rule or statute.

D. Any game animals, furbearers, game birds, or game fish taken in violation of this section shall be subject to seizure.[19.31.10.18 NMAC - N, 4-1-2009]

Pecos National Historical Park hosts 3 miles of fishing opportunity along the Pecos River. Three fishing seasons have been established for 2009. The Fishing Program at Pecos National Historical Park had been suspended during the high water of spring runoff. The Summer season begins Thursday June 18th and ends Monday August 3rd. We will begin accepting reservations for the Summer season beginning May 18. The Fall season begins Thursday September 3rd and ends Monday November 2nd. We will begin accepting reservations for the Fall season beginning August 3. Anglers will be provided the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays; 8:30am-3pm in the Spring and Fall seasons. The Summer season will provide the opportunity to fish the Pecos River within the park Thursdays through Mondays, 8:30am-4:30pm. To make reservations to fish there, visit the Park's website at http://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/fishing.htm or call 505-757-7272.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of June 1, 2009

2009-06-01T09:16:00.002-06:00

Fly Fishing News for the Week of May 25, 2009

2009-05-25T11:12:00.003-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net

The Upper Pecos Watershed Association is having their annual Spring Cleanup this Saturday May 30th. We will meet at the UPWA office, 78 Main St. in Pecos, at 8:30 a.m. for coffee & pastries. The cleanup will be from 9:00 to 12:00, with the barbeque picnic following from 12:00 to 2:00 (Jamie Koch pavilion). We do have need for 4 or 5 more volunteers to be group leaders for the event. Please email Lexy at Upper Pecos Watershed Association [upwa@cybermesa.com]if you interested in being a group leader. Or call the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, at 505-757-3600.

The Santa Fe Watershed Association and Santa Fe 400th Anniversary, Inc. will join together to honor the Santa Fe River by partnering on the All River Cleanup. The clean-up partnership recognizes the historical significance of the Santa Fe River and will take place on Saturday, May 30th beginning at 10:00 A.M. The project is in conjunction with National River Cleanup, a series of community-based river cleanings happening throughout the country sponsored by American Rivers, a national non-profit conservation organization. Volunteers are invited to join the cleanup by showing up at Alto Park, located at 1043 Alto Street, any time between 10:00 am and noon. Volunteers will be given trash bags, gloves and assigned to various stretches of the River. The goal is to have enough volunteers so that the entire Santa Fe River, from the Santa Fe River Preserve to Highway 599 is cleaned. The May 30th All River Cleanup is being conducted in preparation for the River Festival and Fishing Derby which will take place the following Saturday, June 6th. Following the River Cleanup will be a Kids Fishing Clinic on Saturday, May 30th. The Santa Fe Watershed Association and the New Mexico Game and Fish Department will be sponsoring a Kid's Fishing Clinic at Alto Park, from 2-4pm. Kids of all ages, and their parents or adult companion will learn how to assemble fishing tackle, how to handle hooks, weights, bobbers, fishing line, rods and reels and will learn how to cast, how to adjust a fishing reel and how to undo a big tangle. Live trout food (water bugs!) will also be on display. Kids are encouraged to bring their own gear and learn how to use it. However there is no need to purchase fishing gear prior to the clinic. The Game and Fish Department will have extra equipment on hand. The clinic will also address the differences between cheap, inexpensive, good, and expensive gear. This will assist parents in learning what fits their budget and how to become an effective consumer when shopping for fishing gear. The Kid's Fishing Clinic is free of charge

The Third Annual Santa Fe River Festival and Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday June 6th. The Festival will be from 10:00 am-- 3:00 pm at De Vargas Park in downtown Santa Fe. With river activities, live animals, games, crafts for youth and adults, river walks, music, and watershed-related booths by non-profit groups, community organizations and local government there will be something for the whole family. Children 11 years and under are also invited to participate in the Fishing Derby in the Santa Fe River from 6:00 am - 12:00 pm. The City of Santa Fe and New Mexico Game and Fish will be stocking the river with rainbow trout. Children can try and catch one of the specially tagged trout to win a prize.

The Bureau of Reclamation has finalized this year's scheduled spring peak release from Navajo Reservoir. The release was increased Tuesday, May 26, 2009, by 1000 cfs per day until a peak release of 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) is reached on Monday, June 1st. The release will stay at 5,000 cfs for seven days. On Monday, June 8th, the release will begin to be decreased until it reaches 500 cfs on Friday June 12th where it will remain until further notice.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We've received some really good photos so far. There is almost three months of summer to take the kids flyfishing and get some great pics. So email pictures of your child with their fish! Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger, and photo must be from now until July 31st. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com and put "Youth Photo Contest" in the subject line. Please limit your e-mail to one photo, but enter as many different photos as you want! So start shooting at every opportunity! By entering your photo you are allowing us to possibly use it on our web site. The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of May 18, 2009

2009-05-18T09:09:00.006-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net
The Bureau of Reclamation has finalized this year's scheduled spring peak release from Navajo Reservoir. The release will begin to be increased next Tuesday, May 26, 2009, until a peak release of 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) is reached on Monday, June 1st. The release will stay at 5,000 cfs for seven days. On Monday, June 8th, the release will begin to be decreased until it reaches 500 cfs on Friday June 12th where it will remain until further notice.

The Upper Pecos Watershed Association is having their annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday May 30th. We will meet at the UPWA office, 78 Main St. in Pecos, at 8:30 a.m. for coffee & pastries. The cleanup will be from 9:00 to 12:00, with the barbeque picnic following from 12:00 to 2:00 (Jamie Koch pavilion). We do have need for 4 or 5 more volunteers to be group leaders for the event. Please email Lexy at Upper Pecos Watershed Association [upwa@cybermesa.com]if you interested in being a group leader. Or call the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, at 505-757-3600.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We've received some really good photos so far. There is almost three months of summer to take the kids flyfishing and get some great pics. So email pictures of your child with their fish! Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger, and photo must be from now until July 31st. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com and put "Youth Photo Contest" in the subject line. Please limit your e-mail to one photo, but enter as many different photos as you want! So start shooting at every opportunity! By entering your photo you are allowing us to possibly use it on our web site. The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of May 11, 2009

2009-05-11T15:41:00.002-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net

The Bureau of Reclamation has revised their high water release schedule planned for the third week of May. A 14-day peak release of 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) is now scheduled. For now, the current spring peak release schedule is as follows: Reclamation will begin ramping up the release at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. The release will be increased gradually over the next several days until the maximum release rate of 5,000 cfs is reached on Thursday, May 28th. The release will remain at 5,000 cfs through Tuesday, June 9th. On Wednesday, June 10th, the release will begin to be gradually decreased until it reaches 500 cfs on Thursday, June 18th. Fishing can be great on the San Juan during the peak release, especially from a drift boat. If your planning on wading, be careful and don't exceed you abilities!

The Upper Pecos Watershed Association is having their annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday May 30th. We will meet at the UPWA office, 78 Main St. in Pecos, at 8:30 a.m. for coffee & pastries. The cleanup will be from 9:00 to 12:00, with the barbeque picnic following from 12:00 to 2:00 (Jamie Koch pavilion). We do have need for 4 or 5 more volunteers to be group leaders for the event. Please email Lexy at Upper Pecos Watershed Association [upwa@cybermesa.com]if you interested in being a group leader. Or call the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, at 505-757-3600.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We've received some really good photos so far. There is almost three months of summer to take the kids flyfishing and get some great pics. So email pictures of your child with their fish! Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger, and photo must be from now until July 31st. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com and put "Youth Photo Contest" in the subject line. Please limit your e-mail to one photo, but enter as many different photos as you want! So start shooting at every opportunity! By entering your photo you are allowing us to possibly use it on our web site. The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of May 4, 2009

2009-04-27T10:12:00.008-06:00

Learn more about Aquatic Invasive Species at www.protectyourwaters.net

The Bureau of Reclamation has revised their high water release schedule planned for the third week of May. A 14-day peak release of 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) is now scheduled. Approximately, a one-week ramp up period, beginning May 20, 2009, will increase the release by 1000 cfs a day to a 14-day 5,000 cfs peak release. At the end of the peak release period, the release would be ramped back down 500 cfs per day over an approximately one-week period, and would be back to 500 cfs around June 10th. Fishing can be great on the San Juan during the peak release, especially from a drift boat. If your planning on wading, be careful and don't exceed you abilities!

The Upper Pecos Watershed Association is having their annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday May 30th. We will meet at the UPWA office, 78 Main St. in Pecos, at 8:30 a.m. for coffee & pastries. The cleanup will be from 9:00 to 12:00, with the barbeque picnic following from 12:00 to 2:00 (Jamie Koch pavilion). We do have need for 4 or 5 more volunteers to be group leaders for the event. Please email Lexy at Upper Pecos Watershed Association [upwa@cybermesa.com]if you interested in being a group leader. Or call the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, at 505-757-3600.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We've received some really good photos so far. There is almost three months of summer to take the kids flyfishing and get some great pics. So email pictures of your child with their fish! Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, and child must be 12yrs or younger. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com and put "Youth Photo Contest" in the subject line. Please limit your e-mail to one photo, but enter as many different photos as you want! So start shooting at every opportunity! By entering your photo you are allowing us to possibly use it on our web site. The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of April 20, 2009

2009-04-20T16:19:00.004-06:00

Take the Clean Angling Pledge at www.CleanAngling.org

The Bureau of Reclamation has revised their high water release schedule planned for the third week of May. Based on the latest inflow forecasts, the Bureau of Reclamation has revised this year's planned Navajo Reservoir spring peak release from what had previously been reported last month. A 14-day peak release of 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) is now scheduled (a 3-week release had previously been anticipated). Approximately, a one-week ramp up period, beginning the week of May 18, 2009, would precede the 14-day 5,000 cfs peak release. At the end of the peak release period, the release would be ramped back down over an approximately one-week period, and would be back to 500 cfs around the middle of June. A more detailed schedule showing daily release rates throughout the spring peak release period will be developed and provided to the public in early May.

The Upper Pecos Watershed Association is having their annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday May 30th. We will meet at the UPWA office, 78 Main St. in Pecos, at 8:30 a.m. for coffee & pastries. The cleanup will be from 9:00 to 12:00, with the barbeque picnic following from 12:00 to 2:00 (Jamie Koch pavilion). We do have need for 4 or 5 more volunteers to be group leaders for the event. Please call, or email Lexy at Upper Pecos Watershed Association [upwa@cybermesa.com]if you interested in being a group leader. Or call the Upper Pecos Watershed Association, at 505-757-3600.

The Jicarilla Game and Fish Department is pleased to announce the first annual Stone Lake Open Fishing Derby. The derby is going to be a semi-competitive (FUN!!!!) 3 day event with cash prizes. The event will be held beginning Friday, May 8th and continue through Sunday, May 10th 2009. Entry fees for the event will be $200.00 per individual participant. This $200.00 entry fee will include your 2009-2010 Annual Jicarilla Fishing Permit!! Cash prizes will be awarded on a percentage breakdown, with $170.00 out of every $200.00 entry fee going directly into the cash prize pot. Entry fees, via check or money order, must be received by the Jicarilla Game and Fish Department no later than Monday May 4th, 2009. An entry form can be downloaded from the www.jicarillahunt.com website under the fishing menu. Make the check or money order payable to the “Stone Lake Open”. Mail the entry fee and the completed entry form to PO Box 313 Dulce, NM 87528. Call Kevin Terry at the Jicarilla Game and Fish Department (575) 759-3255 if you need the entry form faxed or mailed to you directly. The Stone Lake Open Fishing Derby will be a catch and release event based on the Stone Lake Special Regulations (see 2009-10 Fishing Proclamation on www.jicarillahunt.com). Camping at Stone Lake will be FREE for participants of the Stone Lake Open. Please call Kevin Terry at(575) 759-3255 with any questions

The new fishing license year started April 1st! The new licenses are available now at the fly shop. Anglers in New Mexico spent an estimated $295,874,000 in 2006. More than $125 million was spent on trip-related expenses, and more than $50 million was spent on food and lodging. As you can see, fishing is an important part of New Mexico's econmomy. Consider that fishing is still an affordable form of recreation. Just about wherever you live, there is some fishing to be had within an hour's drive. And please take a kid fishing. It's free if they are 11 and under and $18 for ages 12 to 17.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We would like to see the future of fly fishing grow and what better way than to get our kids involved. So we would like you to email pictures of your child with their fish. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by the child in the photo, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger, and fish must be caught this year. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com, and please limit your e-mail to one photo per day. You can enter daily if you like. So start shooting at every opportunity and pick your best ones! The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The grand prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of April 6, 2009

2009-04-05T16:18:00.000-06:00

Take the Clean Angling Pledge at www.CleanAngling.org

The new fishing license year starts April 1st! The new licenses are available now at the fly shop. Anglers in New Mexico spent an estimated $295,874,000 in 2006. More than $125 million was spent on trip-related expenses, and more than $50 million was spent on food and lodging. As you can see, fishing is an important part of New Mexico's econmomy. Consider that fishing is still an affordable form of recreation. Just about wherever you live, there is some fishing to be had within an hour's drive. And please take a kid fishing. It's free if they are 11 and under and $18 for ages 12 to 17.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We would like to see the future of fly fishing grow and what better way than to get our kids involved. So we would like you to email pictures of your child with their fish. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by the child in the photo, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger, and fish must be caught this year. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com, and please limit your e-mail to one photo per day. You can enter daily if you like. So start shooting at every opportunity and pick your best ones! The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The grand prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of March 30, 2009

2009-03-29T12:14:00.004-06:00

Take the Clean Angling Pledge at www.CleanAngling.org

The new fishing license year starts April 1st! The new licenses are available now at the fly shop. Anglers in New Mexico spent an estimated $295,874,000 in 2006. More than $125 million was spent on trip-related expenses, and more than $50 million was spent on food and lodging. As you can see, fishing is an important part of New Mexico's econmomy. Consider that fishing is still an affordable form of recreation. Just about wherever you live, there is some fishing to be had within an hour's drive. And please take a kid fishing. It's free if they are 11 and under and $18 for ages 12 to 17.

Come join New Mexico Trout for their Rio Guadalupe cleanup on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Meet at the gate on FR 376 above the Gilman tunnels. Bring work gloves and wear sturdy shoes. We will need 3 to 4 members with pickups to haul the trash we pick up. Ron Loehman of New Mexico Trout will provide one of them. The gate will be locked, but Ron Loehman will have a key. We can’t leave the gate open so we will all need to go in together. Trash bags will be provided by the Forest Service. The Forest Service will arrange for somewhere in the area where we can dump the trash we pick up, possibly at the dump site on SR 4 south of Canon. Those who want to carpool as drivers or riders are encouraged to meet in the Bernalillo Park and Ride between 7:30 and 7:45. Free Lunch will be provided. Please tell us you will be participating no later than 5:00 pm Wednesday, April 1, 2009. RSVP to Ron Loehman ronloehman@gmail.com. Also, tell him if you can provide a pickup.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We would like to see the future of fly fishing grow and what better way than to get our kids involved. So we would like you to email pictures of your child with their fish. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by the child in the photo, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger, and fish must be caught this year. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com, and please limit your e-mail to one photo per day. You can enter daily if you like. So start shooting at every opportunity and pick your best ones! The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The grand prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of March 23, 2009

2009-03-22T15:36:00.003-06:00

Take the Clean Angling Pledge at www.CleanAngling.org

Come and participate in HDA’s first annual Spring Fling, and learn almost every aspect of fly fishing there is. On March 28th, we will have several clinics that will be held on our private waters. It’s an all day event! The cost is $150 and includes the private land use fees. Clinics will include; casting, nymphing (European and Indicator), pocket water, entymology, photography, and gear!!! Jarrett, Norm, Tad, Isaac, Tom, Doug, and Everett will be instructing these various clinics. Bring your rod, reel, boots, waders, and an open mind to new techniques. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so call now to reserve your spot and for more info. Get on this! Currently there are only three spaces left!

Thanks to all who attended the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited annual banquet this past Saturday March 21st. Dave Whitlock gave a presentation on fishing at El Saltamontes lodge in Chile. He was a very entertaining speaker. The annual banquet is a fundraiser for the Truchas Chapter which helped boost their Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Restoration Fund as well as the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We would like to see the future of fly fishing grow and what better way than to get our kids involved. So we would like you to email pictures of your child with their fish. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger, and fish must be caught this year. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com, and please limit your e-mail to one photo per day. You can enter daily if you like. So start shooting at every opportunity and pick your best ones! The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The grand prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of March 16, 2009

2009-03-14T11:35:00.002-06:00

Take the Clean Angling Pledge at www.CleanAngling.org

Truchas Chapter is proud to announce Dave Whitlock, the reknowned author, teacher, illustrator and fly tyer extraordinaire, has been confirmed as Guest Speaker for their 2009 Annual Banquet this Saturday, March 21st at the Inn at Loretto in Santa Fe. Dave's program will be EL SALTAMONTES: A CHILEAN HOPPER PARADISE as he takes us on an entertaining slide tour of Chile. It's a visual feast that includes the dramatic flight over the Andes, a stop at Puerto Montt, views of the mountains, the ranch, the alpaca, the local gauchos and the ox-drawn carts as well as some of the most exciting and explosive hopper fishing you can imagine. Festivities begin with cocktails at 6:00 pm with dinner served promptly starting at 7:00 pm.

Come and participate in HDA’s first annual Spring Fling, and learn almost every aspect of fly fishing there is. On March 28th, we will have several clinics that will be held on our private waters. It’s an all day event! The cost is $150 and includes the private land use fees. Clinics will include; casting, nymphing (European and Indicator), pocket water, entymology, photography, and gear!!! Jarrett, Norm, Tad, Isaac, Tom, Doug, and Everett will be instructing these various clinics. Bring your rod, reel, boots, waders, and an open mind to new techniques. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so call now to reserve your spot and for more info.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We would like to see the future of fly fishing grow and what better way than to get our kids involved. So we would like you to email pictures of your child with their fish. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com, and please limit your e-mail to one photo per day. You can enter daily if you like. So start shooting at every opportunity and pick your best ones! The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The grand prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Innovation has brought some real change in wading boots and shoes. In an effort to stem the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, some wading boot manufacturers have developed new rubber soled boots that rival felt in terms of surefootedness. As a result, Simms and Cloudveil have quit using Aquastealth soles on their boots. Simms has a brand new StreamTread Vibram sole. Korkers also has a new replacement for Aquastealth. Simms has committed to phasing out their felt soles by the end of this year. This is good for you, the angling consumer, to get the latest in sole technology, or scoop up a felt soled or Aquastealth soled boot at a discount for those of you that really like these soles.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of March 9, 2009

2009-03-07T15:53:00.001-07:00

Take the Clean Angling Pledge at www.CleanAngling.org

Come and participate in HDA’s first annual Spring Fling, and learn almost every aspect of fly fishing there is. On March 28th, we will have several clinics that will be held on our private waters. It’s an all day event! The cost is $150 and includes the private land use fees. Clinics will include; casting, nymphing (European and Indicator), pocket water, entymology, photography, and gear!!! Jarrett, Norm, Tad, Tom, Doug, and Everett will be instructing these various clinics. Bring your rod, reel, boots, waders, and an open mind to new techniques. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so call now to reserve your spot and for more info.

Youth Fly Fishing Photo Contest!! We would like to see the future of fly fishing grow and what better way than to get our kids involved. So we would like you to email pictures of your child with their fish. Here are the rules: fish must be caught and landed by child, fish must be caught with fly rod and artificial fly, child must be 12yrs or younger. Send you’re photo to hda@highdesertangler.com, and please limit your e-mail to one photo per day. You can enter daily if you like. So start shooting at every opportunity and pick your best ones! The HDA staff will be judging these photos. That being said, it’s not all about size, although it won’t hurt. Any species of fish counts. We want to see good times being had by the kids, good backdrops of where they were fishing, and massive fish catching grins!!! The grand prize will be a Ross Worldwide “Journey Series Youth Fly Rod,” either a blue rod for boys or a pink rod for girls. The contest starts now and the judging and results will be announced August 1st!! Get the kids out this summer and have a great time.

Truchas Chapter is proud to announce Dave Whitlock, the reknowned author, teacher, illustrator and fly tyer extraordinaire, has been confirmed as Guest Speaker for their 2009 Annual Banquet on Saturday, March 21st at the Inn at Loretto in Santa Fe. Dave's program will be EL SALTAMONTES: A CHILEAN HOPPER PARADISE as he takes us on an entertaining slide tour of Chile. It's a visual feast that includes the dramatic flight over the Andes, a stop at Puerto Montt, views of the mountains, the ranch, the alpaca, the local gauchos and the ox-drawn carts as well as some of the most exciting and explosive hopper fishing you can imagine. Festivities begin with cocktails at 6:00 pm with dinner served promptly starting at 7:00 pm.

Innovation has brought some real change in wading boots and shoes. In an effort to stem the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, some wading boot manufacturers have developed new rubber soled boots that rival felt in terms of surefootedness. As a result, Simms and Cloudveil have quit using Aquastealth soles on their boots. Simms has a brand new StreamTread Vibram sole. Korkers also has a new replacement for Aquastealth. Simms has committed to phasing out their felt soles by the end of this year. This is good for you, the angling consumer, to get the latest in sole technology, or scoop up a felt soled or Aquastealth soled boot at a discount for those of you that really like these soles.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of February 23, 2009

2009-02-22T12:10:00.004-07:00

Take the Clean Angling Pledge at www.CleanAngling.org

High Desert Angler's senior guide, Norman Maktima will be teaching a clinic on Czech Nymphing on Saturday, February 28th. European fly fishers are way ahead of their U.S. counterparts when it comes to catching fish subsurface. One of the more productive techniques is Czech Nymphing. Learn the famed Czech nymphing techniques used by Norman and the other National and international competitors. Saturday is set up as a class room style venue, learn the proper set up for the leaders, find out the quick change tricks, see some of the recommended flies and build your own Czech leader to use on Sunday when the class heads out to the river to put it all into action. If you plan on fishing in the qualifier Norm is holding in April this is your chance to learn some of the rules and start getting ready for practice. The cost for the class with Norman is $60 for the class room day on Saturday and $100 for both days. Each participant will receive the Czech nymping book. You must have or rent gear if you need anything and plan on bringing your own lunch!! Participants MUST call or e-mail to sign up prior to the Saturday class, space is limited to 10 students!! By presenting weighted flies to the fish and being able to follow the contours of the streambed, nymphing in this style can help you not only catch more fish, but quite often the larger ones and during the colder months. If you like to tie flies as well, it will open a whole new door into tying weighted patterns.

The Rio Grande winter trout stocking is set for March 4th, and this year’s stocking has an added bonus!! Due to some hatchery issues in Wyoming, the normal Brown trout fry we normally stock did not make it this year, but there is some extra Rio Grande Cutthroat Fingerlings available. They will be a much needed replacement and real help to the Rio Grande and Red River. If you fish either of these awesome rivers, this is your opportunity to really give something back and lend a hand. There will be a sign up sheet as always here in the shop, so come by, call, or email so we can get a head count. High Desert Angler staff has participated in this almost every year I can remember and I would really like to see a healthy turn out this year. We will have all the info, so put March 4th on your calendar for a killer hike into the gorge to help stock some Rio Grande Cutthroats!

Truchas Chapter is proud to announce Dave Whitlock, the reknowned author, teacher, illustrator and fly tyer extraordinaire, has been confirmed as Guest Speaker for their 2009 Annual Banquet on Saturday, March 21st at the Inn at Loretto in Santa Fe. Dave's program will be EL SALTAMONTES: A CHILEAN HOPPER PARADISE as he takes us on an entertaining slide tour of Chile. It's a visual feast that includes the dramatic flight over the Andes, a stop at Puerto Montt, views of the mountains, the ranch, the alpaca, the local gauchos and the ox-drawn carts as well as some of the most exciting and explosive hopper fishing you can imagine. Festivities begin with cocktails at 6:00 pm with dinner served promptly starting at 7:00 pm.

Lastly, come in or call us at the shop. Innovation has brought some real change in wading boots and shoes. In an effort to stem the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, some wading boot manufacturers have developed new rubber soled boots that rival felt in terms of surefootedness. As a result, Simms and Cloudveil have quit using Aquastealth soles on their boots. Simms has a brand new StreamTread Vibram sole. Korkers also has a new replacement for Aquastealth. Simms has committed to phasing out their felt soles by the end of this year. This is good for you, the angling consumer, to get the latest in sole technology, or scoop up a felt soled or Aquastealth soled boot at a discount for those of you that really like these soles.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of February 16, 2009

2009-02-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

February is guest tyer month!! Come in and see some of our local tyers show off their stuff. Every Saturday for this month we have a local guest tyer scheduled to demo their favorite flies and techniques for free from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come in and hang out and talk tying and fishing for a couple hours, see flies for all kinds of species from trout to peacocks, and bones to taimen!!!

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Please save the date for the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited's annual banquet. It will be Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Inn at Loretto. We were given the incorrect date of March 7th initially, so please note the correct date is Saturday, March 21st. The featured speaker is Dave Whitlock,so it promises to be one of the best banquets to date. We'll have more info on the banquet as we get closer.

The Department of Game and Fish is urging anglers and others to prevent the spread of an invasive species of algae that could present many problems for the Pecos River and other state waters. Commonly called "didymo," the single-celled algae's large, ugly growths on stream gravels have earned it the descriptive name, "rock snot." It is an aquatic nuisance species known to be transferred around the world on boats, fishing equipment and footwear. This is the second aquatic invasive species known to exist in the Pecos River. Whirling disease, also is known to "hitchhike" on unwashed fishing tackle and waders. To help prevent the spread of didymo and whirling disease, anglers and others are urged to check, clean, and dry any equipment that has been in contact with water. Please see the following websites on how to properly clean your gear and how to protect our local waters. http://www.tu.org/site/c.kkLRJ7MSKtH/b.3349147/k.DA5C/Aquatic_Invasive_Species_AIS.htm, www.proectyourwaters.net, www.anstaskforce.org, www.cleanangling.org, www.stopans.org or for more information contact Brian Lang at New Mexico Game and Fish at, (505) 476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. To review the New Mexico Invasive Species Plan, please visit the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a Rio Grande Cutthroat Restoration Fund last year. The monies in this fund are to assist governmant agencies and non-profits like the Truchas Chapter and New Mexico Trout carry out specific Rio Grande Cutthroat restoration projects. The High Desert Angler is lending support to the Truchas Chapter by carrying some great Truchas Chapter branded merchandise. These ballcaps and shirts look terrific and sport the Truchas logo. All money for merchandise sold goes into the Restoration Fund. Come into the High Desert Angler and have a look at this stuff and help the Truchas Chapter restore our native fish.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of February 9, 2009

2009-02-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

Fly Fishing News for the Week of January 26, 2009

2009-01-27T13:49:00.001-07:00

New Mexico Trout's Annual Fly Fishing Conclave is going to be on Saturday January 31, 2009. This year's featured speakers are Jeff Currier and Barry Reynolds. Jeff is manager of fishing operations at Jack Dennis fly shop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He has traveled extensively to fly fish and has written many articles on fishing and his travels. Barry is a co-author of Pike on the Fly and Carp on the Fly, and did his own follow up, Mastering Pike on the Fly. He is on Scott Flyrods pro staff and is a fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants. The conclave starts at 8:00 am and runs till 5:00 pm at Sandia Prep School at 532 Osuna Raod NE in Albuquerque. Please see Mew Mexcio Trout's website at www.newmexicotrout.org for more information.

January and February are guest tyer months!! Come in and see some of our local tyers show off their stuff. Every Saturday for these two months we have a local guest tyer scheduled to demo their favorite flies and techniques for free from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come in and hang out and talk tying and fishing for a couple hours, see flies for all kinds of species from trout to peacocks, and bones to taimen!!!

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Please save the date for the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited's annual banquet. It will be Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Inn at Loretto. We were given the incorrect date of March 7th initially, so please note the correct date is Saturday, March 21st. The featured speaker is Dave Whitlock,so it promises to be one of the best banquets to date. We'll have more info on the banquet as we get closer.

The Department of Game and Fish is urging anglers and others to prevent the spread of an invasive species of algae that could present many problems for the Pecos River and other state waters. Commonly called "didymo," the single-celled algae's large, ugly growths on stream gravels have earned it the descriptive name, "rock snot." It is an aquatic nuisance species known to be transferred around the world on boats, fishing equipment and footwear. This is the second aquatic invasive species known to exist in the Pecos River. Whirling disease, also is known to "hitchhike" on unwashed fishing tackle and waders. To help prevent the spread of didymo and whirling disease, anglers and others are urged to check, clean, and dry any equipment that has been in contact with water. Please see the following websites on how to properly clean your gear and how to protect our local waters. http://www.tu.org/site/c.kkLRJ7MSKtH/b.3349147/k.DA5C/Aquatic_Invasive_Species_AIS.htm, www.proectyourwaters.net, www.anstaskforce.org, www.cleanangling.org, www.stopans.org or for more information contact Brian Lang at New Mexico Game and Fish at, (505) 476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. To review the New Mexico Invasive Species Plan, please visit the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a Rio Grande Cutthroat Restoration Fund last year. The monies in this fund are to assist governmant agencies and non-profits like the Truchas Chapter and New Mexico Trout carry out specific Rio Grande Cutthroat restoration projects. The High Desert Angler is lending support to the Truchas Chapter by carrying some great Truchas Chapter branded merchandise. These ballcaps and shirts look terrific and sport the Truchas logo. All money for merchandise sold goes into the Restoration Fund. Come into the High Desert Angler and have a look at this stuff and help the Truchas Chapter restore our native fish.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of January 19, 2009

2009-01-20T14:10:00.003-07:00

High Desert Angler's senior guide, Norman Maktima will be teaching a clinic on Czech Nymphing on Saturday, January 24th. European fly fishers are way ahead of their U.S. counterparts when it comes to catching fish subsurface. One of the more productive techniques is Czech Nymphing. Learn the famed Czech nymphing techniques used by Norman and the other National and international competitors. Saturday is set up as a class room style venue, learn the proper set up for the leaders, find out the quick change tricks, see some of the recommended flies and build your own Czech leader to use on Sunday when the class heads out to the river to put it all into action. If you plan on fishing in the qualifier Norm is holding in April this is your chance to learn some of the rules and start getting ready for practice. The cost for the class with Norman is $60 for the class room day on Saturday and $100 for both days. Each participant will receive the Czech nymping book. You must have or rent gear if you need anything and plan on bringing your own lunch!! Participants MUST call or e-mail to sign up prior to the Saturday class, space is limited to 10 students!! By presenting weighted flies to the fish and being able to follow the contours of the streambed, nymphing in this style can help you not only catch more fish, but quite often the larger ones and during the colder months. If you like to tie flies as well, it will open a whole new door into tying weighted patterns.

January and February are guest tyer months!! Come in and see some of our local tyers show off their stuff. Every Saturday for these two months we have a local guest tyer scheduled to demo their favorite flies and techniques for free from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come in and hang out and talk tying and fishing for a couple hours, see flies for all kinds of species from trout to peacocks, and bones to taimen!!!

New Mexico Trout's Annual Fly Fishing Conclave is going to be on Saturday January 31, 2009. This year's featured speakers are Jeff Currier and Barry Reynolds. Jeff is manager of fishing operations at Jack Dennis fly shop in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He has traveled extensively to fly fish and has written many articles on fishing and his travels. Barry is a co-author of Pike on the Fly and Carp on the Fly, and did his own follow up, Mastering Pike on the Fly. He is on Scott Flyrods pro staff and is a fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants. The conclave starts at 8:00 am and runs till 5:00 pm at Sandia Prep School at 532 Osuna Raod NE in Albuquerque. Please see Mew Mexcio Trout's website at www.newmexicotrout.org for more information.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Please save the date for the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited's annual banquet. It will be Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Inn at Loretto. We were given the incorrect date of March 7th initially, so please note the correct date is Saturday, March 21st. The featured speaker is Dave Whitlock,so it promises to be one of the best banquets to date. We'll have more info on the banquet as we get closer.

The Department of Game and Fish is urging anglers and others to prevent the spread of an invasive species of algae that could present many problems for the Pecos River and other state waters. Commonly called "didymo," the single-celled algae's large, ugly growths on stream gravels have earned it the descriptive name, "rock snot." It is an aquatic nuisance species known to be transferred around the world on boats, fishing equipment and footwear. This is the second aquatic invasive species known to exist in the Pecos River. Whirling disease, also is known to "hitchhike" on unwashed fishing tackle and waders. To help prevent the spread of didymo and whirling disease, anglers and others are urged to check, clean, and dry any equipment that has been in contact with water. Please see the following websites on how to properly clean your gear and how to protect our local waters. http://www.tu.org/site/c.kkLRJ7MSKtH/b.3349147/k.DA5C/Aquatic_Invasive_Species_AIS.htm, www.proectyourwaters.net, www.anstaskforce.org, www.cleanangling.org, www.stopans.org or for more information contact Brian Lang at New Mexico Game and Fish at, (505) 476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. To review the New Mexico Invasive Species Plan, please visit the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a Rio Grande Cutthroat Restoration Fund last year. The monies in this fund are to assist governmant agencies and non-profits like the Truchas Chapter and New Mexico Trout carry out specific Rio Grande Cutthroat restoration projects. The High Desert Angler is lending support to the Truchas Chapter by carrying some great Truchas Chapter branded merchandise. These ballcaps and shirts look terrific and sport the Truchas logo. All money for merchandise sold goes into the Restoration Fund. Come into the High Desert Angler and have a look at this stuff and help the Truchas Chapter restore our native fish.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of January 12, 2009

2009-01-11T12:44:00.003-07:00

High Desert Angler's senior guide, Norman Maktima will be teaching a clinic on Czech Nymphing on Saturday, January 24th. European fly fishers are way ahead of their U.S. counterparts when it comes to catching fish subsurface. One of the more productive techniques is Czech Nymphing. Learn the famed Czech nymphing techniques used by Norman and the other National and international competitors. Saturday is set up as a class room style venue, learn the proper set up for the leaders, find out the quick change tricks, see some of the recommended flies and build your own Czech leader to use on Sunday when the class heads out to the river to put it all into action. If you plan on fishing in the qualifier Norm is holding in April this is your chance to learn some of the rules and start getting ready for practice. The cost for the class with Norman is $60 for the class room day on Saturday and $100 for both days. Each participant will receive the Czech nymping book. You must have or rent gear if you need anything and plan on bringing your own lunch!! Participants MUST call or e-mail to sign up prior to the Saturday class, space is limited to 10 students!! By presenting weighted flies to the fish and being able to follow the contours of the streambed, nymphing in this style can help you not only catch more fish, but quite often the larger ones and during the colder months. If you like to tie flies as well, it will open a whole new door into tying weighted patterns.

January and February are guest tier months!! Come in and see some of our local tiers show off their stuff. Every Saturday for these two months we have a local guest tier scheduled to demo their favorite flies and techniques for free from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Come in and hang out and talk tying and fishing for a couple hours, see flies for all kinds of species from trout to peacocks, and bones to taimen!!! This week’s guest tier is our very own Tom Meier. Tom is one of the new guys on the crew, he is a great guide and a great fly tier, come in and meet Tom and let him show off a few of his favorite ties.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Participating in educating our youth during the school year is also another way to stay connected to our sport or craft during the off season, leaving summers wide open to you own fishing and time with family.Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Please save the date for the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited's annual banquet. It will be Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Inn at Loretto. We were given the incorrect date of March 7th initially, so please note the correct date is Saturday, March 21st. The featured speaker is Dave Whitlock,so it promises to be one of the best banquets to date. We'll have more info on the banquet as we get closer.

The Department of Game and Fish is urging anglers and others to prevent the spread of an invasive species of algae that could present many problems for the Pecos River and other state waters. Commonly called "didymo," the single-celled algae's large, ugly growths on stream gravels have earned it the descriptive name, "rock snot." It is an aquatic nuisance species known to be transferred around the world on boats, fishing equipment and footwear. This is the second aquatic invasive species known to exist in the Pecos River. Whirling disease, also is known to "hitchhike" on unwashed fishing tackle and waders. To help prevent the spread of didymo and whirling disease, anglers and others are urged to check, clean, and dry any equipment that has been in contact with water. Please see the following websites on how to properly clean your gear and how to protect our local waters. http://www.tu.org/site/c.kkLRJ7MSKtH/b.3349147/k.DA5C/Aquatic_Invasive_Species_AIS.htm, www.proectyourwaters.net, www.anstaskforce.org, www.cleanangling.org, www.stopans.org or for more information contact Brian Lang at New Mexico Game and Fish at, (505) 476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. To review the New Mexico Invasive Species Plan, please visit the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a Rio Grande Cutthroat Restoration Fund last year. The monies in this fund are to assist governmant agencies and non-profits like the Truchas Chapter and New Mexico Trout carry out specific Rio Grande Cutthroat restoration projects. The High Desert Angler is lending support to the Truchas Chapter by carrying some great Truchas Chapter branded merchandise. These ballcaps and shirts look terrific and sport the Truchas logo. All money for merchandise sold goes into the Restoration Fund. Come into the High Desert Angler and have a look at this stuff and help the Truchas Chapter restore our native fish.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of January 5,, 2009

2009-01-05T15:21:00.001-07:00

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Please save the date for the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited's annual banquet. It will be Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Inn at Loretto. We were given the incorrect date of March 7th initially, so please note the correct date is Saturday, March 21st. The featured speaker is Dave Whitlock,so it promises to be one of the best banquets to date. We'll have more info on the banquet as we get closer.

The Department of Game and Fish is urging anglers and others to prevent the spread of an invasive species of algae that could present many problems for the Pecos River and other state waters. Commonly called "didymo," the single-celled algae's large, ugly growths on stream gravels have earned it the descriptive name, "rock snot." It is an aquatic nuisance species known to be transferred around the world on boats, fishing equipment and footwear. This is the second aquatic invasive species known to exist in the Pecos River. Whirling disease, also is known to "hitchhike" on unwashed fishing tackle and waders. To help prevent the spread of didymo and whirling disease, anglers and others are urged to check, clean, and dry any equipment that has been in contact with water. Please see the following websites on how to properly clean your gear and how to protect our local waters. http://www.tu.org/site/c.kkLRJ7MSKtH/b.3349147/k.DA5C/Aquatic_Invasive_Species_AIS.htm, www.proectyourwaters.net, www.anstaskforce.org, www.cleanangling.org, www.stopans.org or for more information contact Brian Lang at New Mexico Game and Fish at, (505) 476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. To review the New Mexico Invasive Species Plan, please visit the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a Rio Grande Cutthroat Restoration Fund last year. The monies in this fund are to assist governmant agencies and non-profits like the Truchas Chapter and New Mexico Trout carry out specific Rio Grande Cutthroat restoration projects. The High Desert Angler is lending support to the Truchas Chapter by carrying some great Truchas Chapter branded merchandise. These ballcaps and shirts look terrific and sport the Truchas logo. All money for merchandise sold goes into the Restoration Fund. Come into the High Desert Angler and have a look at this stuff and help the Truchas Chapter restore our native fish.

Fly Fishing News for the Week of December 29, 2008

2008-12-29T13:08:00.002-07:00

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a youth education program. The program has several education projects in the works. They include Trout in the Classroom, summer camps, fly casting, fly fishing clinics, and field trips. Trout in the Classroom enables schoolchildren to raise trout in their classrooms, learn about the trouts lifecyle and ecosystems, to be later release into the wild. Lets face it; we've all seen and have complained about the litter problem on many of our local streams. This is a start in changing the hearts and minds of the people who matter most; the future stewards and community members of our local fishing resources. Nothing happens until you get involved. Please consider volunteering in the Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program. To get involved, contact John Wright at twe@grappawireless.com.

Please save the date for the Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited's annual banquet. It will be Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Inn at Loretto. We were given the incorrect date of March 7th initially, so please note the correct date is Saturday, March 21st. The featured speaker is Dave Whitlock,so it promises to be one of the best banquets to date. We'll have more info on the banquet as we get closer.

The Department of Game and Fish is urging anglers and others to prevent the spread of an invasive species of algae that could present many problems for the Pecos River and other state waters. Commonly called "didymo," the single-celled algae's large, ugly growths on stream gravels have earned it the descriptive name, "rock snot." It is an aquatic nuisance species known to be transferred around the world on boats, fishing equipment and footwear. This is the second aquatic invasive species known to exist in the Pecos River. Whirling disease, also is known to "hitchhike" on unwashed fishing tackle and waders. To help prevent the spread of didymo and whirling disease, anglers and others are urged to check, clean, and dry any equipment that has been in contact with water. Please see the following websites on how to properly clean your gear and how to protect our local waters. www.proectyourwaters.net, www.anstaskforce.org, www.cleanangling.org, www.stopans.org or for more information contact Brian Lang at New Mexico Game and Fish at, (505) 476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. To review the New Mexico Invasive Species Plan, please visit the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a Rio Grande Cutthroat Restoration Fund last year. The monies in this fund are to assist governmant agencies and non-profits like the Truchas Chapter and New Mexico Trout carry out specific Rio Grande Cutthroat restoration projects. The High Desert Angler is lending support to the Truchas Chapter by carrying some great Truchas Chapter branded merchandise. These ballcaps and shirts look terrific and sport the Truchas logo. All money for merchandise sold goes into the Restoration Fund. Come into the High Desert Angler and have a look at this stuff and help the Truchas Chapter restore our native fish.