Jicarilla Fishing Blog

April 30th, 2026

Folks,

Three or four reports have trickled in and they tell a pretty standard story. First off a big thanks to folks like Mr. Kurt and Mr. Robert for sending along their hard earned knowledge (Double thanks to Mr. Robert for the photos!!), it's kinda the gas that makes this machine run.

14-18" trout most common at a rate of five per hour at the slower side of things, and one 23" monster reported.

Prince nymphs, dragonfly larvae, damsels, simi-seal leeches, buggers, double bunnies, chironomids, basically it seems as if trout probably eat most things. Location and depth are probably what is separating the "oh golly geeze, that was an amazing day" from the " I only caught twenty fish it was kinda slow".

There have been quite a few citations being written. Many folks have not taken the time to read this year's proclamation... I'd do that, save yourself the ticket.

The water situation is not great, as with the rest of the west... Lakes like Embom and Stone may not make it through the summer. Fingers are always crossed for the monsoon and eL Nino.

April 21st, 2026

Folks,

No reports have been submitted. It seems maybe the blog isn't as useful as it once was to anglers.

Spring is here and so is the drought. I borrowed the recent US Drought Monitor map for the state of New Mexico and put it below. 92 % of Rio Arriba County is currently at Severe or Extreme Drought Intensity

I feel it goes without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that we (most of the American West and New Mexico as a whole) are currently in a fire ban due to the extreme regional fire risk.

Please understand that when you purchase a Jicarilla Permit you are agreeing to the terms and conditions. This means you have read and understand the Annual Fishing Proclamation... It has been a productive year thus far for law enforcement, I'd say it is easier to follow the rules in the long run...

April 1st, 2026

Folks,

Season Opener today. Online and in office permits are now available for the 2026-2027 season which starts today. Please review the new Fishing Proclamation as there are some new changes which may be of interest. By purchasing a permit and validating it you are certifying that you have read and understand the Proclamation.

Fishing has been pretty average for springtime. Five to ten fish an hour being reported nothing below 17 inches and many in excess of 23" being noted. Simiseal leeches and olive scuds. Midges and callibaetis in the shallows. One of the anglers mentioned hooking into what he thinks may have been the biggest trout of his career, just everyday Jicarilla fishing stuff.

Best of luck fishing. The ladies are winning on the fishing this week.

March 17th, 2026

Folks,

No reports have been submitted. Plenty of anglers out and about.The drought is in full effect, but I guess the weather is pretty darn nice.

Go fish enjoy it before it gets too hot. Kids are catching them which is cool and happy smiling.

March 11th, 2026

Folks,

Permit sales are heating up, but fishing reporting is not keeping pace. 2026-2027 Permits will go on sale at the end of the month, as the new season starts April 1st.

Anglers that did report mentioned fishing 14-18" rainbows with some consistency.

Leeches and buggers, not exactly relevational rocket science.

Water is extremely low and there seems to be no additional moisture in sight.

It would be super cool if you were so inclined to submit some photos of your outings, it does liven up the blog.

February 23rd, 2026

Folks,

A quick update. The weather has been a wild mix of bad the last little while. The drought is by no means loosening its grip. There hasn't been much to report at all, no reports have been submitted...

No ice at Stone or Mundo except depending on nighttime temperatures there is light sheet ice in the mornings. Sometimes covering large portions and especially the edges. Water temps are still low, so fishing is probably very slow, but you don't know if you don't go.

If you were wanting to catch a nice fish at Stone I would consider early spring your only opportunity in the foreseeable future. Water is quite low so it will be an effort but could be worth it depending on your personal proclivities.

This winter is tied with 2002 for the worst on record. A few more snow storms wouldn't hurt my feelings.

January 29, 2026

Folks,

I don't have good news if you are interested in ice fishing:

Less than one inch at all lakes with open water still showing up at Mundo and Stone during the heat of the day.

The better half of the Fish Crew (not me) got to witness a giant pressure ridge break across the lake today, which is quite a humbling experience if you've never had the fright.

I don't have good news if you are interested in fishing in surrounding waters:

For our anglers that fish the San Juan below Navajo Dam please use extreme caution as that area has been found positive for New Zealand Mudsnails, which are an aquatic invasive species. Decontamination is needed to ensure you don't transmit these to other waters you may love.

January 21, 2026

Folks,

Not much to update. About 0.25" of ice covering less than half the lake first thing in the mornings and covering much much less by lunch time. Not quite open enough for shore fishing in most locations.

It is not looking like ice season will be here any time soon. I've included a photo for all the critical ice experts in the audience. These extreme temperatures and drought are pretty crazy, probably going to be one heck of a wildfire fire season.

January 12th, 2026

Folks,

Just two quick updates:

-No Ice lasting through the afternoon at Mundo, the edges can be iced in the mornings.

-No reports submitted.

Have a great week,

January 6th, 2026

Happy New Year Folks!

Looks like a pretty drought riddled 2026, if winter doesn't show up soon...

A few reports came in over the holidays. Excellent fishing per usual. 14-24" fish with consistency. Photos care off Mr. and Mrs. Q from Christmas day.