Posts Tagged ‘jemez’

Paving Project Begins

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Hwy 126 Paving Project

Paving on a 1.3 mile stretch of NM Hwy 126 began on Monday April 2nd and will conclude later this year in October. The project will extend the existing pavement beginning at MM27 west 1.3 miles. The new pavement will end just west of the Seven Springs Fish Hatchery turnoff.

General Contractor is Steve Manning Construction out of Redding, CA and according to project manager Debbie Kullman (Federal Highway Administration) there are four or five sub-contractors that are local. This project will cause traffic delays especially for those accessing the Kid’s Pond at the hatchery. One lane traffic will be the norm with pilot vehicles leading the way. While complete closures will occur, the delays should be no more than 30 minutes. While this project will shrink the length of dirt road on Hwy 126 between La Cueva and Cuba by 1.3 miles, there are no immeadiate plans to pave the remaining twelve miles.

Now is the Time

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

Rio Cebolla Above Fenton Lake

Springtime at Fenton Lake

The thawing of Fenton Lake is nearly complete and now is the best time of the year to fish Fenton. The fish are hungry, active and anxious to attack your offering. Some of Fenton’s larger fish become a little careless this time of year….so, now is the time to latch onto that trophy. In spite of its small size, the lake holds some Browns up to 32″ and many Rainbows in the 14 to 20 inch range. For the larger fish, use a large spoon or spinner. Big bait = big fish. The lake was stocked recently with over 2000 Rainbows and anglers were doing very well this past weekend with most baits. Any color of Powerbait seemed to be the most effective.

Most streams in the Jemez Mountains are running high and muddy right now and fishing can be considered difficult at best. The exception is the Rio Cebolla both above and below Fenton Lake. This little stream is running high but clear and has been recently stocked. Fisherpeople did well this past weekend using Powerbait of any color…it seems.

Spring Break – Jemez Mountains

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Rio San Antonio Spring Runoff

Here is some important information if you are planning to spend some time in the beautiful Jemez Mountains during your spring break vacation. While things can be very ‘spring-like’ in the city it is still kind of ‘winter-like’ here in the Jemez Mountains at higher elevations. Much of the Jemez is still covered in snow, forest roads are closed, as are most campgrounds. Fenton Lake is still (as of today) completely covered in ice. Fenton Lake State Park is open for camping with limited space…six spots. Additionally, Vista Linda Campground at mile marker 13.2 on Hwy 4  is completely open with 13 units. There is a $10 per night charge at both Fenton Lake and Vista Linda.

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Wintertime Fishing in the Jemez

Saturday, February 11th, 2012

Upper Jemez River

While most of the streams in the Jemez Mountains and Northern New Mexico are frozen and covered with snow right now, the Jemez River  just an hour from Albuquerque, provides an excellent opportunity for Winter fishing. The Jemez River is formed at Battleship Rock by the confluence of the San Antonio River and the East Fork. The river flows south along State Hwy 4 and provides excellent trout habitat for about twelve miles where the bridge for Hwy 485 crosses the river. It is this section of river that is stocked throughout the winter months. (more…)

Hunting New Mexico 2012….What's New?

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Valles Caldera Bull

Nice Jemez Buck

Much is new for hunting in New Mexico for 2012. First and foremost the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is going paperless for all draw applications. The paper application no longer exists.

All hunters must purchase a new license. All hunters wishing to purchase or apply for any big game or turkey license, must first purchase an annual Game hunting (small game) License or combination Game-hunting and Fishing License. By itself, a Game-hunting License is valid for hunting all small game and both upland and migratory game birds. The purchase of a Game-hunting and Fishing License is valid for fishing in addition to hunting small game.

Applications will only be accepted on-line or via the telephone (888-248-6866). Application deadline is March 28, 2012. The application fee and full license fee will be charged at the time the application is submitted. Credit cards, debit cards and “electronic checks” are acceptable forms of payment. If requested at time of application, refunds will be offered for the Game-hunting License, but not the combination Game-hunting and Fishing License. Refunds will be issued in May. Hunters who are unsuccessful in the draw are encouraged to keep their Game-hunting License and use it for hunting small game during open seasons.

For full information on all that is new please stop by Amanda’s for a new proclamation available now, or here.

The good news is that it appears that their will be no increase in license fees this year for the sixth straight year. Over the counter Game-hunting, Combination Game-hunting and Fishing and Fishing Licenses will be available for purchase at Amanda’s March 28, 2012.

Just a Friendly Reminder

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Open Containers and the Road...Not a Good Mix

As we approach the New Year Holiday and celebration let us all remember to celebrate responsibly. Bring in 2012 with a bang and have a great time, but please designate a driver and be safe. This past weekend (Christmas Eve) we had an incident in our parking lot that certainly ruined a couple peoples Christmas and beyond. Fortunately nobody was harmed but it certainly reminded me that “you drink, you drive….you lose”. Please, from your friends at Amanda’s, do not risk your future or become a statistic. Happy Holidays and enjoy responsibly.

"You Drink, You Drive....You Lose"

Feliz Navidad

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Amanda's Gingerbread Store

Heather and Her Gingerbread Store

Merry Christmas From Amanda's

Season’s greetings from the beautiful Jemez Mountains and Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store.
As we reflect on this past year, we recognize that it has been a rough one for many. With an extended recession affecting many, the Las Conchas Fire and a forest closure, it has been a challenging year. Having said that, we have been richly blessed. Many of our blessings come because of you, our friends and customers. We appreciate your patronage and friendship and wish you all a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a prosperous and Happy New Year.
We encourage all to consider ways to serve others, in the manner of the Great Exemplar. During this coming year may God richly bless you and yours.

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo.

And for a New Year’s resolution……
take a kid fishing…..often. (more…)

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

December 3rd Dusting

The much ballyhooed snowstorm for this weekend was a little more than a whimper….at least here in the Jemez. At the store we received three or four inches overnight and this morning. More is on the way Sunday and Monday according to the National Weather Service forecast.  If you are coming to the Jemez to play in the snow or to find that perfect Christmas Tree, here are some things to keep in mind. Dress yourself and your loved ones to stay warm and dry. Carry an emergency kit in your vehical. Bring extra food and water or better yet stock up at Amanda’s before heading off highway. All forest roads are still open but are snowpacked, muddy or icy…or all of the above. Hwys 4 and 126 are always plowed, sanded and maintained but caution is advised at all times. Reduce your speed. If you are dreaming of a white Christmas…. (more…)

Jemez Christmas Time Tradition

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011

That Perfect Tree?

It’s a most wonderful time of the year. While many spend the first few days after Thanksgiving at the mall or the superstore….some opt to build family traditions with lasting memories. Come to the Jemez and pick out that perfect Christmas tree. First, you will need to stop at the ranger station and pick up a permit. Permits are available at the Jemez Ranger District office just north of Jemez Springs (closed Sat/Sun) or the Walatowa visitor center at the Red Rocks (open weekends). These are the only two local options so be sure and get your permit first. A Christmas tree permit will cost you $10.00 and you may purchase five permits per family. You may harvest one tree up to ten feet tall per permit. Trees taller than ten feet may be harvested with an extra tag. All forest roads are open and generally clear of snow. The Jemez Ranger District will provide maps of suggested cutting areas. And why not bring your fishing pole. The Jemez River is full of fish and Fenton Lake was stocked November 22nd with 1386 Rainbow Trout. It usually takes a day or two for the fish to settle down, so this weekend…..perfect. (more…)

Kids And Their Fish in the Jemez Mountains 2011

Monday, October 17th, 2011

Sammie and Her Kid's Pond Rainbow

Success for Lucy

15 Inch Rainbow For Taryn

Take a kid fishing. Good advice and many of you did in 2011. Kudos to you. Here are a few pictures of happy youngsters. (more…)