This wild rodent, favored for its fur and at one time reviled for its destructive habits in riparian areas, has received new respect from environmentalists. These creatures are being welcomed into the landscape as a defense against the withering effects of a warmer and drier climate. Recent studies have shown that beaver dams have beneficial effects by raising the water table alongside a stream, aiding the growth of trees and plants that stabilize the banks and prevent erosion. They improve fish and wildlife habitat and promote new, rich soil. And perhaps most important in the the arid Southwest, is that ... Read More
November 19, 2014
Ron Loehman, Conservation Chairman From the October/November Newsletter For the past several years Noah Parker has been working to have the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMG&F) designate parts of the Rio Chama as a catch and release fishery. He has received support from most, if not all, of the people who guide on the Chama, as well as a number of the local residents and many of the anglers he meets on the river. However, Noah has not received any encouragement from the responsible staff at NMG&F. Noah convinced me that catch and release would significantly improve ... Read More
November 19, 2014
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced that New Mexico's state fish, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, is no longer a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. According to the report, aggressive conservation efforts by the department and its partners have enhanced or restored pure-strain native cutthroats in 127 streams that are open to public fishing. Rio Grande cutthroats now occupy about 700 miles of stream habitat. According to the commission's report, the most impressive restoration effort has been the ongoing project to restore pure-strain native cutthroats to the Rio Costilla watershed, which consists of more than ... Read More
November 19, 2014
The intrepid tiers of the Fly Tying Round Table, which have met every week since before recorded history, have begun to offer tying classes on the third Tuesday of every month, from 7-9pm. Each class will feature a specific fly to demonstrate some particular technique. An experienced tier will demonstrate the fly to the class while students follow the steps. Students can bring their own equipment or it will be provided. The lesson will include advice on how to fish the particular fly and the times and places in New Mexico where it would be a good choice. The first offering in October was a ... Read More
November 19, 2014
by Ron Loehman From the October/November 2014 Newsletter Earlier this year I was the successful bidder in an on-line auction for a guided fishing trip donated to the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. I redeemed the award in late October for a trip on the Rio Chama below the El Vado dam, guided by Noah Parker, the trip donor and owner of Land of Enchantment (LOE) Guides. Noah is a long-time friend and supporter of New Mexico Trout, who many of our members know through his contributions to our Conclave and through trips they have taken with him. I had never ... Read More
November 19, 2014
by Jerry Burton, NMT President From the October/November 2014 Newsletter After trout eggs that have been buried in the stream gravel hatch, the emerging fry need areas with cover and low water velocity. They need the cover to escape being a snack for larger fish and the low velocity to be safe from being washed downstream into areas with less cover. The mortality rate during those first days and months after the eggs hatch is tremendous and can have a major impact on a trout population. When fishing in late summer or early fall and I see fingerling trout darting ... Read More
November 19, 2014
The club is in need of some folks to step forward and volunteer for the vice president position and the director for youth activities. The basic duties for the vice president position are to fill in at the monthly general meeting for the president when needed, to make arrangements for speakers for the general meeting, and attend monthly board meetings. The director of youth activities coordinates with various state, city, and other groups that serve youth should they want to have the kids to learn how to fly fish or learn how to tie flies. The club has a large number of members ... Read More
November 19, 2014
This is a simple and quick knot to tie, creating a non-slip loop in almost any size line. It is also extremely strong, retaining 95% of line strength. This loop can be used for larger streamers, to allow more action especially when using heavier leader. A disadvantage of the knot is that it uses a large amount of leader. Step 1: pass the leader through the hook eye and double back over the desired length of standing line, form a loop in the doubled line Step 2: twist the loop 3-5 times, keeping the loops level and not allowing them ... Read More
September 27, 2014