JemezCentral Up to Date Fishing Report

July 14, 2017

 

Because of lower volume and warming water conditions, many waters in the Jemez Mountains become unstockable during this time of year. Rio San Antonio, Rio de Las Vacas and the Jemez River all fall into this category. Cooling monsoonal rains in July will hopefully improve conditions.  You can find information about specific Jemez area waters below. Also if you have  info to add, please send to: fishingreport@jemezcentral.com. All photos in this report are of summer time conditions unless otherwise noted.

 

Jemez River

Fishing Update June 28, 2017…(Rating… Fair)  Due to warm water conditions, stocking on the Jemez River has been temporarily suspended. The river should provide quality fishing for awhile for the residual populations of stocked Rainbows. Salmon eggs, worms and meal worms can be very effective for the stockers and the occasional resident brown. 

Alan Bray, local angler and frequent contributor reports…”Thurs. 6/22/17: Fished Main Jemez early to avoid heat and fish stress (ABQ temp 101). Fished two fly rigs with squirmy worm (top) and pheasant tail nymphs or caddis pupa point flies. Found a few rainbows, one 14 incher, but slow.” Thanks for taking the time Alan.

 The Jemez River was stocked on Tuesday, May 16th with 1000 Rainbow Trout and most recently on Thursday, June 1st with 247 Rainbows.

 

 

 

 

                  

East Fork Jemez River

Fishing Report May 10, 2017….(Rating…Fishing Well) The upper East Fork (Las Conchas area) is running a nice volume with good color and is fishing well. Anglers are doing well for browns and the occasional rainbow or cutthroat using bait and sub-surface flies.  Just a reminder that the East Fork is now being managed as a Brown Trout fishery and is no longer being stocked with Rainbows. The brown trout population has come back after the burn scar flooding of a couple years ago. Please, because of the delicate nature of this population of browns, I would encourage a strict catch and release practice.

 

 

San Antonio

 

Fishing Report June 30, 2017…(Rating…Fishing Well Higher Up For Browns)  

Stocking on Rio San Antonio has been temporarily suspended due to warm water conditions. It is pretty tough fishing right now in that section of river between San Antonio Campground and La Cueva Picnic Area. However, upstream to the San Antonio Hot Spring north from Hwy 126, fishing for the resident Browns is really good. Generally the fish are small (5 to 9″) but they will keep your fly busy. Terrestrial patterns (Hoppers, Stimulators, Ants) will be very effective. Small spinners and live worms will entice this population of Browns. Tenkara Dave stopped in the store earlier in the week and reported catching and releasing 30 plus browns and one beautiful Rio Grande Cutthroat on that section of the river above Hwy 126 north about three miles. Thanks for the report Dave.

Rio San Antonio was stocked on Wednesday May 10th with 750 Rainbow Trout and most recently on Thursday May 18th with 750 Rainbows.

 

 

Fenton Lake

Fishing Update June 28, 2017…(Rating… Slowing But Still Fishing Very Well)

Although the weather in the Jemez has turned hot and dry, the lake is still in pretty good shape and is fishing very well. All anglers are catching fish, some do better than others. Live worms, nightcrawlers and meal worms (all available from Amanda’s) seem to be the most consistent bait. After the sun goes behind the mountain each evening, the water boils with activity. Any dry fly placed on the water will bring action.

Alan Bray, local angler and frequent contributor reports…”Tuesday 6/27/17: Fenton Lake had an early hatch of small mayflies (14-16) and the fish went wild – from 7:30 to 8:30 they hit any small nymph, with #16 pheasant tail being the go-to. #18 blood worm midge nymphs worked late AM. Got a 14″ brown, an 18″ Rio Grande Cutthroat, and a 21″ rainbow(!) plus a dozen or so 8-11″ stocker rainbows between 2 fishermen. Fishing slowed in later morning, but fish were active on or near the top I=until 11 AM or so.” Thank you Alan for taking the time.

 

 Fenton Lake was stocked on Wednesday June 7th with 1560 Rainbows and most recently on Wednesday June 14th with 1560 Rainbow Trout.

 140 big (18-20″) Rainbows were stocked on Friday, June 16th.

340 big (16-18″) Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout were stocked on Friday, June 16th.

The state park is open for camping and other recreational activities.

 

Stop into Amanda’s. We have fishing tackle and fresh bait.

 

 

 Rio Guadalupe

Fishing Update June 28, 2017….(Rating…Good Conditions)  FR 376 is now closed at Gilman Tunnels restricting access to Rio Guadalupe. You can reach the river via FR376 from Hwy 126 from the north.

This gem of a river is being managed as a brown trout fishery so you will not see the stocking truck along this wild river. Perfect conditions can be found on Rio Guadalupe and fishing for the resident browns is fabulous right now. Two anglers stopped into the store recently and reported catching and releasing many limits of brown trout. Hopper patterns and stimulators seemed to be the best bet. Now is the time to visit Rio Guadalupe.

Alan Bray, local angler and frequent contributor reports…”Sunday 6/25/17: Fished Guadalupe River early, lots of browns on dry flies with 5x tippet. Best patterns were Yellow Sally – 14, Humpy -14, cicada-12 and caddis (elk hair and clown’s foot) – 14/16, in that order. Three nice brown trout (13″, 12″, 12″) and 20 – 25 others between 2 fishermen.” Thank you Alan for taking the time.

 

 

 

 Rio De Las Vacas

 

Fishing Update June 2, 2017 ( Rating…Good Conditions) The Las Vacas has been recently stocked and according to reports the river is running is in great shape and anglers are doing well for the stocked Rainbows and resident Browns. Best bet is to fish with worms, salmon eggs or brightly colored spinners or sub surface flies.
 The Las Vacas was stocked on Tuesday May 16th with 750 Rainbows and most recently on Thursday June 1st with 750 Rainbow Trout.

 

 

 

 

Rio Cebolla

Fishing Update July 14, 2017 (Slow To Excellent )  Rio Cebolla is stocked both above and below Fenton Lake when it is stockable. Right now the waters of this little creek are too warm to stock. However, if you are willing to hike to the headwaters and fish for the resident browns and native Rio Grande Cutthroats you will be rewarded. Kevin and Rob fished the upper Cebolla recently and reported catching and releasing many cutthroats, some in the 12 inch range. They fished light leaders (6x) and small dries. Most success was with size 16 to 18 olive caddis. Thanks for the report guys.

Rio Cebolla was stocked on Wednesday June 7th with 500 Rainbow Trout and most recently on Wednesday June 14th with 950 Rainbows.

  

 

 

San Gregorio Lake

Fishing Update June 19, 2017….(Rating….Recently Stocked) This high altitude, wilderness lake is accessed by a beautiful one mile trail. Fishing will be fast and furious over the next month or two as NMDGF stocked San Gregorio on June 19th.

San Gregorio was stocked on June 19th with 6500 catchable sized Rainbow Trout.

 

 

 

 

 

Fishing The Jemez

Children Are Welcome!

The Jemez is a great place to bring your young children to fish.  They can be successful fishing anywhere in the Jemez, but for those that are 11 yr and younger, the Kid’s Pond at the hatchery is a great place for the youngsters.  Stop in at Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store for any supplies or snacks that you might need. Make sure you take proper precaution with your children around the water.  Early Spring can often bring high water and strong currents, which can be a danger for kids and adults alike.

                         Fenton Lake Catch

Facts about Fishing

The cost of a license for New Mexico residents is $35 for a license that is good for the license year  April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017. Non-resident licenses are $65 for the year. Short-term licenses are the same price for residents and non-residents alike and can be purchased for one day ($22) or five days ($34). Seniors (ages 65-69) and handicapped can purchase an annual license for $18. Juniors (age 12-17) pay $11 for an annual license. Active duty military and military veterans that are NM residents are being offered reduced priced licenses.  Licenses are free for individuals over the age of 70. All necessary habitat stamps and fees are included in the pricing structure notated above.  A second rod validation (optional) is available for $4. Applicants for hunting and fishing licenses are required by law to provide the last four digits of their social security number. Special trout waters are found in the Jemez and are normally well-marked, but it might be a good idea to consult your fishing proclamation for special regulations that may exist.  The website http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us has complete fishing rules and information. Fishing and hunting licenses are available at Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store in La Cueva (575-829-4333).