JemezCentral Up to Date Fishing Report

November 19, 2021
   

 

As we transition into winter NMDGF has restricted stocking operations to include only the Jemez River and Fenton Lake. 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 Report November 19, 2021…Rating…(Recently Stocked) The Jemez River has been stocked recently and will continue to be stocked. Favorable water conditions exist throughout the course of the river from Battleship Rock on south to the Gilman turnoff. This stretch of the river is an excellent wintertime fishery.

 Salmon eggs, worms and meal worms can be very effective for the stockers and the resident browns. Spinners are a good bet this time of year (gold or brass blades are recommended).  Any sub-surface nymph pattern or streamer should bring action for the fly fisher.

The Jemez River was stocked on Thursday, November 4th with 750 Rainbow Trout and most recently on Friday, November 19th with 750 Rainbows.

 

 

 

 

                  

East Fork Jemez River

Fishing Report September 21, 2021…(Rating…Good) .

 The river is running low and clear making for stealth fishing conditions. Fly fishers are doing well for the small resident browns. Try big and flashy sub-surface flies or spinners for the spawning browns.
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 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…October 13, 2021. (Rating…Recently Stocked With RGCT)

Rio San Antonio is running very low but water temperatures have improved to enable a visit by the stocking truck. The river was recently stocked with catchable sized (8-10 in) Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout. This is a real treat for anglers seeking to catch our New Mexico state fish. The section of river north of Hwy 126 and the section between La Cueva Picnic Area and Battleship Rock has a good population of resident browns that are self sustaining and are eager to feed on most well presented flies, spinners and worms.

Rio San Antonio was stocked on Tuesday, September 29th with 550 Rainbow Trout and most recently on Wednesday, October 13th with 1000 RGCT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fenton Lake

Fishing Update November 19, 2021(Recently Stocked)

 Fenton Lake State Park is open for day use from 6am to 9:00pm every day. The park has closed all loops of the campground effective September 16th, except for the five electrical sites which are available by reservation year around. Water conditions are good and the lake will be stocked consistently throughout the fall months. Worms, meal worms and green Power Bait have been most effective as well as olive Pistol Petes. Fishing from a boat always improves your chances but not necessary for success.

 

Fenton Lake was stocked on Thursday, November 4th with 750 Rainbow Trout and most recently on Friday, November 19th with 750 Rainbow Trout.

 

 

 

 

 Rio Guadalupe

Fishing Update September 21, 2021…. (Good) 

 FR 376 will remain open through the end of the year allowing for great access to this river.  Rio Guadalupe is in good shape right now with low, clear and cooling water conditions. As temperatures cool the resident browns will begin to become more active as they transition into fall spawning mode. Try something large and flashy for the bigger browns.

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.

 

 

 Rio De Las Vacas

 

Fishing Update September 21, 2021 (Rating…Fair)  

The Vacas is running low and clear and is cooling, but has not been stocked since the spring, making for tough fishing conditions. Fishing should be fair for the small resident browns and a few of the holdover rainbows.

 
 The Rio de Las Vacas was stocked on Wednesday, April 21st with 500 Rainbows, on Tuesday, April 27th with 500 Rainbow Trout and most recently on Wednesday, May 12th with 500 Rainbows.
 

 

 

 

 Rio Cebolla

Fishing Update October 20, 2021 (Good).

This little river is a good bet for stocked Rainbows as it continues to be stocked by NMDGF. Try right above the lake or within the state park below Fenton. Worms or salmon eggs should provide some action. The upper section, above the hatchery is full of browns and native cutthroats anxious for a well placed fly. 

 Rio Cebolla was stocked on Tuesday, September 29th with 300 Rainbows and most recently on Wednesday, October 20th with 600 Rainbow Trout.

   

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Gregorio Lake

Fishing Update September 21, 2021…(Rating….No Reports)

 This high altitude, wilderness lake is accessed by a beautiful one mile hike. San Gregorio was not stocked this summer with catchable rainbows, so fishing will be marginal at best. NMDGF did, however, pack some Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout into the lake recently as an experiment to see if they can survive and thrive through the harsh high altitude San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

San Gregorio was last stocked in June of 2020 and will not be stocked this year.

 

 

 

 

 

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, 2020 through March 31, 2021. 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).