Jicarilla Fishing Blog
April 28th, 2022
Folks,
Fishing season has begun in full force, despite the high winds, dust, and generally less than optimal weather. Reports are trickling in and indicate excellent fishing at Mundo using every manner of technique. Flies with orange and coneheads or beads to get down and lures and baits of the common variety are all productive. Rainbow trout from 8" to 20" have been reported as well as some large catfish up to eight pounds.
No reports from Embom have been submitted and I'd say you are missing out if you don't try it sooner rather than later.
A lot of folks are using the online permit portal, some with better success than others. The number one issue as it appears is the card issuer (the fishermen's card company) declining the purchase as the address does not match what they have on file. Also, just a reminder if you enter the wrong e-mail address twice and do not receive your permit that is your responsibility, not the JGFD's. Read the terms of service as well as all other provided information before purchasing a permit.
Go fishing,
J.
Fire Ban
April 18th, 2022
Folks,
Fishing reports are trickling in mostly from Mundo. Most reports included a "pushed off the lake earlier than expected by the wind" comment. The afternoon winds have been brutal and I would be very careful on the lakes with boats especially float tubes or other unpowered craft. Don't forget your tennis shoes just in case you have to walk back to the truck. No one wants to walk a mile in wader booties, and I've given a few unfortunate souls rides of shame back to their trucks in the past. The surface temperature at the lakes has been around 49 degrees.
Reports have indicated on average 2-4 fish an hour on flies from leeches, wooly worms, midges, and nymphs. No bait or lure reports have been submitted. The largest fish reported was 18" with an average of 14-16" on Rainbow Trout. Many fly anglers have also been getting into catfish with some over 20".
One report from Stone Lake indicated no catches but visuals on many small sub-catchable trout which were stocked this spring. Hopefully, these little guys continue to grow and should be catchable-plus in time for fall fishing.
No reports from Embom have been submitted. Today the Fish Crew installed water quality equipment into Embom. This equipment records temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH. A buoy can be seen on the southeast side of the lake. PLEASE AVOID THIS BOUY. If you snag the line or buoy break off your snagged tackle. DO NOT TAMPER with the equipment as it is collecting important environmental data needed to continue to provide excellent fishing. This type of equipment is deployed in Stone, Embom, and Mundo and the same rules apply to all equipment.
Be careful out there this wind surely is very strong and it may be best to avoid the afternoons in general until it calms down.
J.
April 11th, 2022
No fishing reports have been submitted as of yet. The road to Mundo has been graded and all gates are now open at Mundo and Embom.
Send fishing reports. I know we are selling permits so someone out there has been fishing. The weather has been very windy, so that may need to be taken into consideration when planning a trip.
Hope all is well,
J.
March 31st, 2022
The less than best half of the Fish Crew will be on vacation next week. That means there will not be a blog post next week. Hence a two-fer this week. This also means e-mails and phone calls will be returned the week of the 11th.
As of this afternoon, the ice conditions are rapidly changing with the warm temps and high winds:
Mundo: 80% open water (camping access gate is still closed as the road is impassable, the main road is rutted and 4x4 recommended. The road will be graded as soon as conditions allow.)
Stone 95% open water
Embom: 30% open water (the gate is still closed as the road is unpassable currently, walk-in access only)
If you are using the online permit system please read the instructions, it's not complicated but there are rules, and those rules are there for a reason. If you do not want to use the online system you can always still come swing by the office in Dulce during normal business hours and get your permit the old-fashioned way. No outside permit vendors will be selling Jicarilla fishing permits.
On a side note if you call the Fish Crew and leave a message please include your phone number so we can call you back. Despite our amazing memory, we do not have everyone's numbers on speed dial.
Enjoy your weekend.
March 29th, 2022
Folks,
This weather... Currently, Mundo is about half open. Which half depends on which way the wind blows. Very similar ice coverage at Stone and Embom as well.
This is the latest we have had ice coverage in my time here.
I'll keep you updated as the situation develops, fishing soon seems reasonable but not quite yet.
J.
Updates
Folks,
Things are moving toward spring and the ice sheets are slowly receding with runoff water inflow. No open water fishing as of yet but warmer nights and days things should start opening up sooner rather than later.
That all being said I would hope open water fishing should coincide with the April 1st beginning of the 2022-2023 fishing season. I obviously cannot tell the future and this ice season has been stranger than most as this is the longest we've had any ice coverage since I've been here.
Online permits will be available for the new permit season to Non-Tribal Member anglers. Permits must be printed, signed, and on the angler's person when fishing. Permits can only be purchased for you and those in your household who share the same address. Annual and Daily Permits will be available. You may still purchase your permits in our office in Dulce during normal business hours if you wish, but no outside vendors will be selling Jicarilla Fishing Permits.
J.
Season Wrap Up
Folks,
The end of ice season last week means there won't be much to report as there will be no fishing until the water opens. This winter isn't over yet but it is feeling more and more like spring every day. I didn't even have to scrape my windshield this morning. There are some exciting things in the works so I look forward to sharing those when they come about.
The new fishing season opens on April 1st, 2022. We are excited to be able to again offer NTM annual permits for this upcoming season.
As always if you have questions you can use the contact us tab on the website or e-mail the Fish Crew directly at jicarillafishqs@gmail.com
As always the Fish Crew will keep you updated as information becomes available,
J.
03 March 2022
Folks,
Due to melting low land snow, warm weather (65 degrees today), and quality of ice remaining we are closing all lakes to ice fishing until further notice. At the rate of ice decline and if temperatures remain elevated, we will be having open water season very soon.
!!ALL JICARILLA LAKES ARE CLOSED TO ICE FISHING!!
Enjoy your weekend and hopefully, you got your ice fix while it lasted!
j.
28 February 2022
Folks,
No fishing reports have been submitted. The winter storm from last week has given way to 50 degree days. Those nice days mean mud and deteriorating ice sheets. More and more slush ice is building on the sheets making a visual inspection of the ice sheets difficult and in the afternoon making a wet mess. This morning the Fish Crew went out when the air temp was still below freezing.
Mundo Lake: 6" ice, 5" slush ice, 2" of snow
Stone Lake: 5" ice, 2" slush ice, 2" of snow
J.