|
Hi Everybody,
I hope you have had a good winter and are enjoying spring!
We are starting to get quite a few nice days here in New Mexico,
albeit often quite windy. The fishing is starting to get pretty good and getting better with each passing day. Land of Enchantment Guides has made some big changes this spring. First off we have completely rebuilt our website and changed our web address to www.loeflyfishing.com - check it out. We also have changed our newsletter format; all of this in attempts to come, whole hog, into the 21st century. I hope you all like it.
|
|
THE CHAMA: The best way to describe the fishing at all the spots on the Chama for these early spring days is "hit or miss". One day the fishing will be excellent and then the next it will be completely in the dumper. There is no rhyme nor’ reason to it and I guess the only explanation is that it is spring fishing. This being said, the fishing will get continually better and more consistent as the water warms up. The run-off is starting in the upper stretches of the Chama and the water is a bit off color and cold from the snowmelt. The flows are still below the average for this time of year. We are going to keep hitting the Chama because there should be epic fishing very soon and, we know there are some really nice fish in the river. Photo taken on 3/10/2011
PECOS RIVER RANCH: The Pecos River Ranch is fishing very well and, as of this writing, the run-off hasn’t really started. We have made a few trips out to the ranch over the last week or so and had great success. The fish are still bunched up a bit and in the deeper pools but they are very healthy, strong and seemed to want to eat pretty well. One thing we have noticed is how colorful the browns were for this time of year. As well, the river looks great and the landscape is as beautiful as ever with all of the leaves getting ready to pop. Nymphs and small streamers have been the ticket. The real killer though, is the new, XXX secret, caddis pattern. Photo taken on 3/22/11.
OTHER SPOTS TO CONSIDER NOW: Conditions are improving daily throughout Northern New Mexico and we are trying to fish lots of spots to stay on top of things. Here are a few quick looks at some other rivers and streams we have been to recently: THE RIO GRANDE is fishing fairly well, especially in the middle of the day til' the late afternoon. THE SAN JUAN is good to great as is usual for this time of year. Lots of good size fish throughout the quality waters. The only issue has been the wind which has made some days a bit tough to cast and get good drifts. All in all though, “the Juan” has been fishing really well. THE CONEJOS is low and clear with all of the ice gone from the lower river. It is starting to fish well and it’s worth thinking about a trip to the Abeyta Ranch.
|
 Brazos River Ranch
This is just a brief heads-up to anyone who is considering making a trip to the Brazos River Ranch this year. I just wanted to let everyone know that there aren’t many open days left. Here is what is still available: 4 days in June (the 12th thru 16th) and 2 days in July (the 14th and 15th). The last 3 weeks of August still have a fair number of days available, but they are starting to get filled up. Don’t wait too long to book your trip if it is something you have been really counting on doing this season. Photo taken on 6/14/10.
|
Stoneflies
With the warmer weather of spring's arrival, these big bugs are starting to crawl around again. Stoneflies represent a large meal for hungry trout coming off of a long cold winter of trying to subsist on midges in frigid water. I am sure that to a hungry trout, when compared with a size 24 midge, a size 6 stonefly is like putting a T-bone steak next to a peanut. In some rivers fish will get the bulk of their caloric intake for the year in a few short weeks gorging on stoneflies.
Stoneflies hatch by crawling out of the river and go through the metamorphosis of becoming a winged, flying adult. Before, during and after the stonefly hatch, the fish go a bit loco and tune in to eating these big insects. You can catch fish on both wet and dry fly patterns. Fishing big, dry stonefly patterns can be an absolute gas. The Conejos and the Guadalupe are known for great stonefly hatches and many of our other rivers and streams offer up good success using stoneflies throughout the late spring and early summer. The pictures are on the Chama. Top photo taken on 3/17/11; bottom photo taken on 6/18/10.
|
|
Well that’s all for now. Give us a call anytime for up to date
fishing and weather conditions or just to say hi and "talk trout".
Stay Well,
Noah Parker
Land of Enchantment Guides
(505) 629-5688 or (505) 927-5356
| |
|
New Guide
Peter Mosey |
We are pleased to announce that Peter Mosey, a really great guide, has come on board with us, here at Land of Enchantment Guides.
Peter started fishing as youngster in Indiana chasing bass and catfish. In 1994, after graduating from high school, he headed west and found new roots in New Mexico where he has lived ever since. It did not take Peter long to find the many great rivers and streams here and to take up fly fishing. Seldom did any free time go by when he was not out, with a fly rod in hand, exploring the many remote fishing spots New Mexico has to offer.
Peter has been guiding professionally since 2007. People he takes fishing always enjoy his easy going approach to the “art” of fly fishing. Peter's fishing skills coupled with his knowledge of the birds and animals of the Southwest, assure that you will have a wonderful experience and a memorable day on the river, with him as your guide.
| |
