Stream Report for December 5, 2005

Stream Report fo December 5, 2005

Attention All Anglers!
New Mexico's most plentiful trout, brown trout are into their spawn
right now. Please do not damage their spawning beds known as redds by
careless wading. A redd is an area of clean gravel usually located at
the tail of a pool. Sometimes the spawing pair is seen over their redd.
Please do not try to catch these fish as they clearly have something
more important to do. With the drought, forest fires, and rampant
overharvesting here in our state, we should all ensure that browns are
successful during their spawn.

San Juan River
Flows are currently at 507 cfs out of Navajo Dam. We are fortunate that
the Bureau of Rec is still releasing above the usual winter flow of 250
cfs. Fishing has been good on the Juan with good baetis hatches
mid-day. Best rports have been from the lower flats and baetis bend.
Fly choices are red and black midge larvae, brown UFO's, small pheasant
tails, rs2's. and baetis dries, parachute adams, and Griffith's gnats.

The Rio Grande
Flows are currently 273 cfs at Cerro and 434 cfs at Taos Junction. The
river has about 3-4 feet of visibility. Lots of midges hatching during
the sunny part of the day with the occasional baetis hatch. Fishing has
slowed some on the Rio. Best fishing has been late in the afternoon til
dusk. A few people have been catching some pike.

The Chama River
Releases are currntly 365 cfs out of El Vado Dam and 92 cfs out of
Abiquiu Dam. I've had a few good reports below El Vado, mostly from
anglers stripping streamers. Other fly choices would be #10-14 hares
ears, #8-12 double hackle peacocks under an indicator. The water is
quite clear on the Abiquiu stretch. Flies working there include crane
fly larva, black midges, small pheasant tails, baetis nymphs, woolly
buggers, and parachute adams, and Griffith's gnats. The area below
Abiquiu Dam is designated as a Special Trout Water with a reduced bag
limit. Please report violators to New Mexico Game and Fish at
1-800-432-4263. There is a serious overharvesting problem here and
better fishing will not happen through complacency.

Pecos River
The water is quite low, clear, and cold. Fishing above the village of
Pecos has slowed dramatically. I haven't seen a recent stocking yet at
Villanueva State Park yet. Fish the Pecos if you must, but their is
relatively better fishing elsewhere. Some of our guiding leases are
still worth fishing on an afternoon half day.

Jemez River
The water is low, clear, and cold over much of the Jemez streams.
Exceptions would be the East Fork below McCauley hot springs or the San
Antonio below San Antonio hot springs. Both require a bit of a hike
especailly San Antonio. Small dry fly dropper rigs work best.

Elephant Butte Lake
Hard to fish here with out a boat except for the dirt dam area. It can
be sheltered here depending on wind direction. I've had a few reports
of striped bass being caught from shore based anglers fishing the dirt
dam. It's a great way to make use of some of your saltwater gear and
catch fish measured in pounds rather than inches.

High Desert Angler
435 S. Guadalupe
Santa Fe, NM 87501
505 988 7688
www.highdesertangler.com
Fall/Winter hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Sat 12pm-5pm Sun