Checkout our new video page that features videos from the Jemez Mountains.
You can also find a link to the video page at the top of every JemezCentral page on the main menu.
Checkout our new video page that features videos from the Jemez Mountains.
You can also find a link to the video page at the top of every JemezCentral page on the main menu.
Conditions have changed….so I am modifying this post. (modified Tuesday July 3rd).
The rains have arrived and the forest closure has been postponed. As of now the forest is open. While we have received some rain, it is still very dry, and we are still under Stage II Fire Restrictions. All campgrounds and forest roads are open. No campfires or charcoal are allowed anywhere within the Santa Fe National Forest-Jemez Ranger District. Propane is ok in all campgrounds and picnic areas. Fenton Lake State Park remains open for camping and fishing. Rain is in the forecast for the next week or so. My recommendation now is to come on up and enjoy this 4th of July holiday in the Jemez.
Memorial Day Weekend is traditionally the busiest and most profitable of the year for the store. We thank you for your friendship and patronage.
More importantly, today we pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country. Please take a moment, as we will today, to remember those that have served and given so much.
May your Memorial Day be safe and rewarding.
Photos such as this are normally reserved for July and August. A combination of Gulf moisture and New Mexico mountains will form afternoon thunderstorms almost every afternoon during the summer months of July and August. To see this activity during the month of April is pretty unusual. While this storm dropped very little rain on the Jemez, I am hoping that this is a good sign. Weather forecasters are saying that the ‘La Nina’ pattern is loosening its grip and is being replaced with ‘El Nino’ which historically means more moisture for the Southwest. Our snow totals for this past winter were not bad, as I calculated about 80% of normal snowfall here in La Cueva. Perhaps, with a return to El Nino conditions, we can get back to average or better moisture in New Mexico and the Jemez Mountains. The seven day forecast is showing an increasing chance of rain towards the end of this week. Maybe we’ll get a drop or two.
Sunday April 15th was the opening day for Spring turkey season in New Mexico and the Jemez Mountains (unit 6A/6c). The Spring hunt runs through May 10th. Spring turkey hunters will be issued two carcass tags with their license. Bag limit is two bearded turkeys. Cost of a license is $25. In addition, a game hunting license ($15) is required along with Habitat Stamp ($5) and Habitat Management Stamp ($4).
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.
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.
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.
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…)
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.