Here in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado many of our waters are right on the edge of the desert southwest and are threatened by drought. If forecasted climate models are correct, some of our fishers are threatened to run dry. As someone who relies on the healthy trout habitat for my livelihood, it is important to do what I can to keep rivers and streams healthy. Going carbon neutral is one step I can take to help mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Emerger Strategies walked me though the process and made it simple and clear how to go Carbon Neutral the correct way.

I would like to share with you the sign on letter I wrote to congress to try to get a gated intake tower installed at El Vado dam. The tower would help with the chronic turbidity issue on the Rio Chama caused by the dam and could dramatically improve the fishing. The Bureau of Reclamation is planning to do repairs on the dam sometime in the next couple years allowing for an opportunity to install the tower during the reservoir draw down. The letter below details the proposal. I would be happy to hear your thoughts. Special thanks to all who helped with this letter and everyone who signed on.

Northern New Mexico Fishing Report for March 20, 2020

I thought now is a good time to put out a fishing report because for many people ample fishing time is one of the few benefits to this awful situation we are all dealing with. I hope everyone stays healthy and safe in the coming months and we are able to collectively minimize the impact of Coronavirus.

This spring has been excellent so far in terms of quality fish being caught in our lower elevation rivers. It has been unusually warm and dry for most of March making for comfortable and productive days on the water. This is not the best possible weather pattern to set us up for the summer season, but snowpack is currently only a little below average and I think we should be just fine, especially if we get a few more snowstorms.

Published January 22, 2019 by Taos News -

Private Waters vs. Public Access Debate

What is at Stake for Fisheries Health, Recreation, Tourism and Economy

New Mexico is currently deciding the fate of recreational public access on a large percentage of rivers and streams. A recent opinion by the Attorney General has landowners outraged at the possibility that the public may have access to waters flowing through their lands. Recreationalists and supporters of public lands argue stream access is a legal right for all to enjoy. With expanded stream access likely coming, it’s time to consider the impact it will have and what we can do to prepare.