Jicarilla Fishing Blog

March 2nd, 2023

Folks,

This winter can't quite figure out what it wants to do. Last night we got about 5 inches of snow and now it is sunny, but we are under an extreme winter weather advisory. Yesterday Ice conditions at Mundo were approximately 12" of ice and 4" of packed snow. If it were to warm up there will be deep slush/water on the ice sheet. This is the latest in the year and the thickest ice we've had in the last ten years. Not sure what that means.

Packed snow, drifting snow, and ice are possible on all roads, use caution. If it warms up the road into Mundo will be extremely muddy, Department suggests accessing the lake from the east side as it limits damage to the road if this is the case.

No reports have been submitted and limited evidence of anglers could be seen from the week.

February 21st, 2023

Folks,

Lots of anglers out this week though no reports have been submitted. If you'd like to submit a report or a photo to be featured in the blog please write the Fish Crew an e-mail at jicarillafishqs@gmail.com

The ice sheet is starting to begin degrading, Sundays day daytime high temperature of 50 degrees didn't help. Snow was melting by 9:00 this morning at the office and the road into Mundo was soft and very muddy. With warm days will bring lots of slush on the sheet making ice sheet observation very difficult. Ice fishing is inherently dangerous, use at your own risk. 6-8" of ice with 14" of packed snow/slush ice.

It is very rare to have ice at the end of February, and the sheet can't last forever.

Of course the weatherman is calling for a week long winter storm system to come in this evening. Hopefully it brings lots of snow, but it also sounds like high winters are in the forecast as well. Snow does not build ice.

Hopefully the snow keeps up and we can get a big finish to the 2022-2023 winter season.

St. Valentine

Happy Valentines Day Fish Folks,

Chris Tomer said this storm is going to stick around till Wednesday next week and is potentially (!I hope!) going to bring a lot of snow to Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. We sure could use that.

That being said this weekend was pretty darn warm and it did impact the ice sheet. Today Mundo had 6" of ice and another 8-10 inches of hard-packed snow and slush ice which due to the cold temperatures was firm but not consolidated. There is a stiff breeze this morning drifting the fresh snow across roads and blowing across the lake.

Be careful it is most likely going to be winter driving conditions for a while.

No fishing reports have been submitted, no anglers were on the lake when the Fish Crew checked the ice this morning.

Enjoy some time with your sweet heart today!

February 1st, 2023

Folks,

The year is seemingly flying by. One report from Mundo was recieved from this weekend and it indicated about a trout an hour most of the day in 12' to 16' feet of water. The report also indicated some folks bringing in some nice catfish as well. Angler was using the good ole standard jig and wax worm tipping. Pretty standard stuff out there. Ice was reported at 8" with 4-6" of compact snow on top.

The Fish Crew has been out of the office sick this week, if you left a message on the voicemail and wonder where I am please use the contact us tab on the website!

January 27th, 2023

Folks,

Some reports from yesterday came in and I'd thought I would pass them on. Yesterday a group had a slow day of fishing and only had one bite in 6 hours using all sorts of common rigs. Another group mentioned multiple trout in the 14-16" range as well as some catfish for fish tacos, all fish were caught on white or purple marabou jigs. I guess location is key as is time of day.

Just a quick update. Keep submitting reports! Good or bad days of fishing happen, there is no reason to be ashamed or secretive. Help the greater community and submit reports to jicarillafishqs@gmail.com or use the contact us tab on the website!

January 26th, 2023

No fishing reports have been submitted, but many anglers are been spotted out and about. Ice is averaging 8.5-10" at Mundo this morning, with snow on the sheet. Roads range from snow packed to muddy.

Please use your best judgment and always remember to submit a fishing report.

January 17th, 2022

Folks,

Winter came this weekend! Road conditions are poor at best, with snow/packed snow, and single lanes plowed in many areas. I think this is a good time to stay home. This weather is supposedly going to stick around for a few more days and that makes me very happy! The ice sheets are covered in approximately a foot of fresh snow.

Use extreme caution.

Be safe, and stay home.

January 9th, 2023

Folks,

Jicarilla Game & Fish Department is back in the office. I hope you all enjoyed your holidays. Ice fishermen have been out and about, but no fishing reports have been submitted. Ice this morning at Mundo near the boat ramp was 5-7" with a few inches of snow coverage. Warm day time temps and high sun have been the norm the last two days and today appears to be similar. Allegedly we are getting another storm system mid-week.

I sure would appreciate getting more feedback from anglers...That being said I hounded a local contact and they mentioned trout between 14-21" this weekend with limits being easily caught. That was a few days ago but it sounds like the potential for good fishing.

Hope all is well and Best Wishes from the Fish Crew for you and yours in 2023.

Happy New Year!

Folks,

It's officially 2023. For the Fish Crew's new years day, we drilled holes. Roads especially to the lakes are rutted and snow-packed, very icy in spots. It is hard to complain about heavy wet snow to start the new year, but if you're an ice angler you may have a decent argument.

I can say I'm not overly thrilled with the ice sheet as of yet. It is above freezing and this causes lots of safety issues. There is approximately 3-5" of ice on Mundo as well as 5-6" of slush and water on top. This slush and water makes it very difficult to see the sheet and covers most all of the warning signs of poor quality ice.

Embom has not developed a safe enough sheet for testing, and neither has Stone.

The real problem in the long run with so much water is it insulates the ice sheet slowing the freezing process. I can't complain in the long run wet snow is what the lakes really need so I'm trying to stay positive.

I'll include some photos for you to get an idea of what I'm trying to explain.

December 22nd, 2022

Folks,

I hope everyone is settling into the holiday spirit as Christmas is just a few days away. The weather really doesn't want there to be ice fishing this year, but with this new system coming in hopefully temperatures will drop consistently enough to start building a quality ice sheet. As of now there is NO ICE FISHING. Mundo and other lakes are 100% covered but very thin ice.

I will keep you all informed with the most recent info as it comes it. In the mean time enjoy the holidays!