Weekly Fishing Report: June 1, 2021
Los Alamos Daily Post
One of the results of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be an increase in the fishing pressure, especially on our trout streams and lakes. It appears that this is not just limited to New Mexico, but is happening nationwide. The pressure on our fishing resources has increased dramatically.
Our State Game and Fish Department stocks thousands of trout every week to try to satisfy the demand. There are limits to how much stocking thousands of hatchery fish can do. For a lot of anglers, catching their limit of five fish-fish –per-day is the goal. Stringers of freshly-stocked rainbow trout are commonly pictured on several of the Facebook websites dedicated to trout fishing in New Mexico.
Weekly Fishing Report: May 5, 2021
Spring fishing conditions are underway in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado.
Streamflows are rising, especially in the Chama River above El Vado Lake. Lakes are warming up but still cold enough for trout to be cruising the shallows looking for food. Warmwater species like smallmouth bass and walleye are becoming more active. Insect hatches are happening, particularly the caddis hatch on the Rio Grande.
New Mexico State Parks are open to all visitors. Overnight camping is still by reservation only. Call 877.664.7787 for reservations. It is beneficial to check the state parks website for conditions at individual state parks when planning a trip to one of them: emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/FindaPark.html.
Weekly Fishing Report: April 28, 2021
Los Alamos Daily Post
The spring fishing season is in full swing. This is one of the best times to go fishing. The lakes remain cool enough for trout to be active and cruising the shallows looking for food. Insect activity increases and there are hatches of caddis flies and blue-winged olive mayflies happening, triggering surface feeding.
Streamflows are rising thanks to the melting snow, but they are still well-below normal. It’s going to be another challenging year for farmers as reservoir levels are already very low, The recreational rafting and kayaking on the Rio Grande will have another tough year as streamflows will likely limit the season and make it hard to make the popular trip through the Rio Grande Box.
Weekly Fishing Report: April 20, 2021
Los Alamos Daily Post
Despite the recent return of winter weather over the weekend, snowpacks in New Mexico and Southern Colorado remain well- below normal. Streamflows are running less-than normal and reservoir levels are well-below capacity. The outlook for water supply this summer is grim.
The fishing is currently pretty good as the lower streamflows favor anglers. The problem is we need those heavy spring runoffs that used to put a damper on spring fishing conditions in previous years. They also helped fill our reservoirs and maintain the streamflows through the heat of summer to the benefit of the trout.
Weekly Fishing Report: April 13, 2021
Los Alamos Daily Post
The signs of spring are all around us. Fruit trees are blooming. Daffodils are brightening flower beds. Bees are buzzing around flowers. People are setting out their hummingbird feeders and watching for the first of these little buzz bombs to show up.
Gardens are being tilled in preparation for planting. The white snow of winter is melting and disappearing from the mountains. The streams are swelling with the increased water from the runoff.
With the warming temperatures, more water is opening up for fishing in Northern New Mexico. Lakes that just a few weeks ago still had ice on them. They are now open water and the fish that held over through the winter are hungry. They will be found in shallow water closer to shore because that’s where most of their food is.