Hunter Bradshaw Doin' His Thing
Labor Day weekend is upon us. Four days in the beautiful Jemez Mountains at a most beautiful time of the year.
The forest is open with no fire restrictions. It is gorgeous, green and inviting. All of the areas that folks normally use for recreation are accessable and unaffected by the Las Conchas Fire. Hiking trails, forest roads, hot springs, fishing access and all campgrounds are open for use.
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As of Friday August 19 Stage I Fire Restrictions have been lifted within the Santa Fe National Forest…Jemez Ranger District.
Fire restrictions at Fenton Lake State Park will be lifted effective 8:00am Friday (Aug 19th).
Lexi Loo and a Nice Rainbow
The Kid’s Pond at the Seven Springs hatchery is a wonderful place to take your kids to experience a successful day fishing. To access this fishery, drive approximately three miles past Fenton Lake on Hwy 126 and turn right onto FR314. After a short distance you will see the parking lot for the Kid’s Pond. There is no charge to park or fish. Fishing is restricted to children eleven years old and younger. There is a nice bathroom facility and the pond is open for fishing daily from 8:00am till 5:00pm. Catching fish at the Kid’s Pond is not a “sure thing” but it’s pretty close. Normal bag limits apply to the kids at the pond…five fish per day. Right now, fishing has been fabulous for Rainbows to 16 inches and the occasional Brown up to 20 inches.
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Redondo Creek Wildflowers
Although the Las Conchas fire had, and continues to have, a devastating effect on the forest and peoples’ lives on the eastern side of the forest….this side of the mountain is unscathed. With the recent rains, the forest is beautiful. It is green and wildflowers are appearing. Your sense of sight and of smell will be rewarded. (more…)
Successful Fenton Lake Fishermen
Fenton Lake reopened with a bang Saturday, July 30th. Most anglers reported catching limits of nice sized Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. Some up to eighteen inches.
Most baits were working Saturday and Sunday but worms and Salmon/Peach Powerbait seemed to be the hottest.
The water quality at the lake is very good right now and after a months rest the fish are active and hungry. Now is a good time to be at Fenton Lake.
Spence Hot Springs Parking Lot
The new Spence Hot Springs parking lot and access trail were opened today (Sat July 30th) in conjunction with the reopening of the Santa Fe National Forest. The parking area has been improved, paved and striped for seven parking spots. This renovation has greatly reduced the parking capacity of this popular area and according to the forest service, will greatly reduce the use and overuse of the Spence Hot Springs. It is also designed to reduce the threat of flooding and trail erosion.
In addition, a new trail head has been constructed on the east side of the parking area. The new trail is a bit shorter, a bit more direct and will also reduce erosion on the trail itself. The old trail head at the south edge of the parking area has been closed and blocked.
Some may love these changes….many others will dislike them.
According to sources, a decision was made yesterday (Wed Jul 27) to reopen the Santa Fe National Forest effective Saturday, July 30th.
The forest will revert to stage I fire resrtictions. All campgrounds will be opened, all forest roads will be opened, all picnic areas and fishing access areas will be opened. Stage 1 fire restrictions will be in place, which means campfires will be allowed only in designated campgrounds and picnic areas. Gas and propane stoves, and grills are allowed throughout the forest.
Exceptions are: Paliza Campground will remain closed indefinitely due to the close proximity to the Las Conchas fire. Jemez Falls campground will re-open, Monday, August 1st.
Fenton Lake State Park will also open for fishing and camping effective Saturday July 30th. Stage II fire restrictions will be enforced at Fenton. No campfires or charcoal grills anywhere within the park. Gas and propane grills and stoves are ok.