Forest Road 376 to the North of Hwy 126 is scheduled to open on June 1st. The gate has been closed and locked for the Winter and is opened historically on the first of June. This allows access to the San Antonio Hot Springs via a road….although an extremely rough one.

The three day weekend is over and a good one it was. Other than the persistant wind and a couple of small fires, the weekend was spectacular.

Kudos to the Forest Service and local agencies for their quick response and hard work to contain two fires that broke out this weekend. Both fires, one near Seven Springs (12 acres) and the other near Jemez Falls (4 acres) are contained as of Sunday night. Jemez Falls and Redondo campgrounds were closed as a precaution. The campground closure should not last long. Stay tuned to JemezCentral for up to the minute updates.

In spite of the low flows in the rivers…fishing was good to excellent all over the Jemez. Check out our fishing report for detailed information.

Pray for rain.

The La Cueva Picnic Area is now open. The opening of this beautiful picnic area was delayed for about three weeks. The gate was unlocked and opened on 5/24/11. Enjoy.

The NM Dept of Game and Fish is doing their best to provide a great fishing experience this weekend. The stocking truck was busy again today….Wed 5/25/11.

Fenton Lake….450 Rainbows.
Jemez River….960 Rainbows.
Rio de Las Vacas….700 Rainbows.
Kid’s Pond….140 Rainbows.

If you are bringing a trailer or RV to the Jemez this weekend….be sure and fill your water tanks before you come up. The water at the campgrounds has yet to be been turned on. There are no options to fill your tanks here.

Fenton Lake…586 Rainbows
San Antonio…750 Rainbows
Jemez River…684 Rainbows
Kid’s Pond…140 Rainbows

5/19/11

San Antonio River…700 Rainbows
Rio Cebolla…1819 Rainbows
Kid’s Pond (hatchery)…350 Rainbows

will go into effect Friday May 20th at 8:00am. This means that no fires, charcoal, or any open flame will be allowed within the Santa Fe National Forest except within established campgrounds. Dispersed camping =no flames. Please be careful and observe all fire restrictions.
From the Forest Service….

“First level (stage 1) restrictions limit campfires to Forest Service designated camp and picnic grounds where grills and fire rings are provided. Smoking is permitted only in vehicles or buildings, in developed recreation sites, or in areas cleared at least three feet in diameter of all flammable material. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devise is also prohibited.

Gas and propane stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted providing such devices meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety.

Violation of these restrictions are punishable by a fine  of not more than $5000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations and/or imprisonment for not more than six(6) months.

For more information regarding forest recreation opportunities and fire restrictions, please contact the Santa Fe National Forest at (505) 438-5300.”

We have had a bit of rain this afternoon.
Enough to settle the dust and make the air smell like it should at 8000 ft elevation in the Jemez Mountains.

As of April 13, 2011 all forest roads within the Santa Fe National Forest (Jemez Ranger District) are open for travel, hunting and camping. The one exception being FR376 north of Hwy 126 to the San Antonio Hot Springs. This road will remain closed until June 1st.

All Forest Service campgrounds are now open. The Forest Service opened the gates on May 6th. As of May 15th the water had not been turned on yet due to the chance of freezing. Please bring drinking water with you or Amanda’s is a nice option for water.