Jicarilla Fishing Blog
August 2nd, 2022
Folks,
The last five days have been quite interesting here. Monsoon really decided it wanted to rearrange things on the ground and it turns out that what monsoon wants monsoon gets. This means some interesting things for anglers as J8 near the Aiport was washed out and is currently closed. This means to access Stone Lake and Embom Lake one must use 537 to J15. To access Mundo Lake J8 must be used from Dulce. There is no way to Access Stone and Embom from Dulce until J8 is repaired, this process does not have a current schedule for completion. Likewise, you cannot access Mundo Lake from the southern J15 route.
On a positive note, all lakes received a nice boost in storage from the rains, Stone is currently up 12" and rising, Mundo is up 12" and Embom is full and spilling over. This is awesome news, in the drought happiness is a rain storm for lakes.
No fishing reports have been submitted.
J.
July 21st, 2022
Folks,
It sure has been hot, with quite a bit of afternoon monsoon activity and its associated lighting. More moisture is always good, but I sure could go without the thunder booming all the time. That being said it has been very hot and sunny before the storms and that has impacted fishing. One group of anglers fished most of the morning on Tuesday and managed to creel 9 beautiful rainbows in the 14-17" range. The warm water fishing is amazing right now as it always is best during the warm season for some reason. The Fish Crew just stocked some amazing Channel Catfish with an average size of over 25 inches, so if you like fried fish sandwiches or fish nuggets then come catch a few in the wild!
We are still under moderate to high fire danger and a burn ban.
No fishing reports have been submitted...
I sure would like to include some photos of fish caught this year if you would like to share I'd gladly make you Fish Crew Blog Famous.
J.
July 5th, 2022
Folks,
Hopefully, you all enjoyed the Independence Day Weekend! The Nation has been blessed with a good amount of moisture and we can't be upset about that. Roads during times of precipitation can be muddy, please stay off roads when wet if possible. Despite the moisture, the region is still in severe drought, as such the complete fire ban is STILL IN EFFECT.
Excellent catches of 9-10" bluegill were reported as was a 25" catfish this weekend.
Whoever made it rain keep up the good work!
J.
June 24th, 2022
Folks,
The weather has shifted slightly and all things are pointing to a monsoon cycle hanging around the area over the weekend at least. Cooler temperatures are a blessing as is the rain, but we are still under extreme fire risk and complete fire ban. It sounds like with the closure of New Mexico Forests there is a much larger desire to come long term camping on the reservation, please fully read the camping rules found in the fishing proclamation and be good guests of the Jicarilla.
Big surprise no fishing reports have been submitted. The better half of the Fisheries Crew through investigations of his own has found fishing to be best in the morning and evening and some good catches of trout still possible, but warm water fishing is starting to outshine as it always does in the summer.
If you enjoy reading the fishing blog please consider submitting a post fishing trip report to jicarillafishqs@gmail.com or through the contact us link on the website.
Enjoy your weekend,
J.
June 16th, 2022
Folks,
Supposedly it is going to rain this weekend. Let us hope this rumor is true!
We are still under extreme fire danger and a complete fire ban, despite the forecast there is little chance the fire ban will be lifted anytime soon.
Weeds are starting to grow at Embom though it is still fishable it is getting more difficult and most likely not a place for those who desire to bounce bait on the bottom, bobber anglers will fair much better.
No fishing reports have been submitted...
The best half of the Fisheries Crew likes fish nuggets, he has been having good luck on both pan-sized bluegill and channel catfish. But has noted trout fishing is slowing down as is normal during any 90-degree period of time. Fly and bubble and elk liver are his go-to baits.
Damselflies and dragonflies are in abundance.
Have a great weekend and a Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there,
J.
June 7th, 2022
Folks,
Amazingly no fishing reports have been submitted, despite record permit sales...It may be since we are seeing a higher volume of new anglers, but I know plenty of regulars are fishing and just keeping all their success to themselves.
This year as with every year there was some misunderstanding around the free fishing day. Just a reminder the Jicarilla Apache Nation is its own separate entity and sets its own rules and regulations. Hence why you need a Jicarilla Fishing Permit when fishing here. We do not participate in a free fishing day.
Prize fish are being turned in slowly and a 17.5" rainbow from Mundo Lake was our last winner. The two grand prize tags are still swimming freely. Remember you do not need to kill the fish to collect your prize, just pull the tag off the trout's back and turn it into the Game & Fish or e-mail the Fish Crew at jicarillafishqs@gmail.com.
The weather is warming up quickly so I would recommend getting your trout fix in before the heat slows the fishing down till fall.
J.
May 31st, 2022
Folks,
I guess fishing has been good even though no reports have been submitted. I know 2 winning prize fish were caught this weekend one measuring 23" and one measuring 25". If you catch a tagged fish bring the tag into the Game & Fish Office to collect a prize. We still have many tags at large two, of which are for our top prizes of sit-on-top kayaks.
I know fishing has been good. With New Mexico closing down it has also been extremely busy here. The wind has also been a factor, very very high wind. Fire restrictions are still in place!!
J.
May 18th, 2022
Folks,
Fishing has been excellent, with some folks reporting large catches in excess of 40 fish a day with some trout reaching 24" in length, and an average catch of 14-18". Mundo and Embom low and slow with fly gear have been very effective, with some folks swearing by one fly or another, but it seems based on the reports everything from prince nymphs, dragonfly larvae patterns, and bead headed wooly buggers are equally catching. Bait and lures fished deep are also very productive. If you are interested in trout fishing I would recommend getting your fishing in before mid-June as water temperatures will exceed reasonable catch and release conditions by then. Obviously, trout fishing is best in the spring and fall. Once water temperature exceeds 65 degrees we recommend, and all ethical anglers should understand, that trout fishing (especially catch and release) should cease, and anglers should target warm water species or find cooler water.
We are getting a lot of questions and concerns from anglers about the rules and regulations. It is your responsibility to read and understand the 2022-23 Fishing Proclamation, by signing your permit you are legally attesting to the fact that you have read and understood the document.
We are under Extreme Fire Risk currently and there is a complete ban on outdoor fires. There are multiple active fires in the region and smoke is present. Please do your part to prevent fire. This ban will be in effect for the foreseeable future.
If you call and want to talk to the Fish Crew please remember to leave your phone number with the area code on your voicemail recording, we do not have your numbers memorized.
J.
May 10th, 2022
Folks,
Despite the high winds anglers are coming out in droves and really catching quite a few nice fish. Anglers are reporting 20-60 fish days at Mundo with fish ranging in size from 14"-20" on every conceivable technique. Embom is producing very well for some anglers and not so well for others. Anglers using float tubes are outfishing shore anglers in most reports.
If you are releasing fishing please use the heaviest line possible and release fish in a timely manner. We are getting a few reports of anglers using less than optimal techniques by using towels to handle fish, reeling fish onto shore, etc. Please release fish to fight another day. If you are a fly angler there is no need for a tippet below 3x or 4x at the absolute minimum, since leaving hooks in fish's mouths because you think you need 6x to catch a fish is not an ethical catch and release nor a good use of the resource. If you are unsure of the best catch and release practices I have embedded a video with some tips and tricks. There are countless resources for information of this nature with a simple youtube or google search.
J.
May 4th, 2022
The fishing season is in full swing despite the high winds. Anglers have been reporting catches of trout from Mundo up to 21" and one report indicated mouse patterns may not be the new hot fly for Embom.
As more and more folks are out fishing please be respectful of other anglers. Everyone wants to have a good time and an abundance of courtesy can ensure everyone does. The boat ramp is for launching boats, not for fishing, boat rigging, or frisbee. Please enjoy the lake but remember the best fishing in Northern New Mexico draws in a lot of people and if you think this is your secret spot, you are not alone.
Hopefully, the winds die down but until they do be careful in small craft.
J.