Jicarilla Fish Weblog

Fishing Report 12-29-08

The year’s first ice anglers have been out on Mundo Lake and were successful with powerbait. Mundo Lake is the only lake that is currently accessible, considering that the roads crews are still battling the Christmas storm that left over 2 feet of fresh snow. Even though Mundo has been plowed to the spillway, 4 wheel drive is highly recommended. 2 wheel drive vehicles should utilize the pull out off j-8 that overlooks Mundo. The ice conditions remain hazardous and fishermen should use extreme caution. I measured the ice in front of the spillway and below the j-8 pullout. There is approximately 7-8”s of ice with a significant slush layer between ice sheets. The top layer is 2-3”s and the bottom layer is 5”s. The slushy layer varies in terms of density and is a significant concern. Right now the Jicarilla Game and Fish Department’s recommendation is to use extreme caution at Mundo Lake. Fish in pairs or more, bring safety/ rescue gear including blankets and rope, and enter the ice conservatively by drilling pilot holes every 10 meters or so. Remember that ice fishing is never completely safe and that fishing safely is up to you. The other fishing lakes are technically open, but fishing is not recommended due to our inability to access the lakes for measurement. As the plow crews open up the roads, we will update the ice conditions on the website.
The 3rd annual Jicarilla Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday February 7th, 2009. Registration fees will be 25$ for adults, and 5$ for children 12 and under. Adult participants who have a valid Jicarilla Fishing Permit will be 20$. The format will be very similar to the past 2 years with a few new twists, and the registration/ weigh in station will be at the same location (j-8 pullout). There is over $ 2,000 in prizes this year, and the derby should be a great time for everyone. Details will be posted shortly. May everyone have a great and safe New Year’s holiday.


Kevin Terry
Fisheries Biologist

Fishing Report 12-22-08

Conditions are still considered to be extremely dangerous on the Jicarilla Fishing Lakes this week. All four lakes do have ice cover with weak and open water spots on each. The ice thickness is estimated at less than 2” and fishing is highly discouraged. We predict that conditions will stabilize around the New Year, and will report lake conditions as they become safe. We have set the date for the third annual Jicarilla Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held on Saturday February 7th, 2009. Details, including registration fees and locations, as well as prizes available will be posted early in January. Mark your new calendars now for what is sure to be a fun day on the Jicarilla Lakes.

Kevin Terry
Fisheries Biologist

Fishing Report 12/16/08

The Jicarilla Fishing Lakes have finally given in to winter. The lakes are all iced over with a few open spots remaining. Conditions are very dangerous right now, and fishing is not recommended. Ice thickness monitoring will begin next week, and conditions will be posted. We are getting set for the ice derby, and information will be posted next week. Have a great week and stay safe.

Kevin Terry
Fisheries Biologist

Fishing Report 12/10/08

Yet again I am surprised and happy to let folks know that open water fishing continues at the Jicarilla Fishing Lakes. Boats can be launched at both Mundo and Stone Lakes. Mundo is slightly cooler with 36° water, and Stone is hovering at 37.5° water. Enbom Lake has recently opened back up with patches of ice around the edges. Enbom should be considered a last resort, but is worth a look if you are driving by to get to Stone. Stone Lake is open to non-tribal anglers through the winter this year. Ice anglers will be able to purchase their ice-season only (annual includes ice fishing) permits beginning Dec. 15th at any Jicarilla Fishing Permit vendor or at the Game and Fish office here in Dulce. Planning is underway for our third annual ice derby, and information will be available soon. Horse Lake is highly discouraged right now due to poor road conditions and spotty ice coverage.
Mundo Lake has been fishing well with bait from the shore. Several larger than average fish (15-16”) have been caught recently. Fishing pressure has been very low lately and the reported bait of choice is salmon eggs on the bottom. Other baits are probably working well but there haven’t been any reports to say so. There has been ice around the edges in the mornings but open water fishing is possible from a boat, tube, or the shoreline.
Stone Lake continues to produce big fish to the few tough anglers still making an effort out there. A coworker of mine has been fishing Stone from the shore daily between 3 and dark and has had good success, catching between 2-4 fish per day. He is using large hardware including spoons, rapalas, and spinners. The bay on the NE side of the lake is holding good numbers of large fish and is a good place for tubes. Black flies are still in the report, and a salamander pattern is worth bringing. Time is running short, but I know a few of you want to get the hog that got away earlier this fall.
The ice season is very close and any changes in conditions will be updated on the www.jicarillahunt.com website. As always have a great week of fishing.


Kevin Terry
Fisheries Biologist

Fishing Report 12-2-08

The Jicarilla Fishing Lakes are fishing fair with very cool (high 30’s) open water conditions. Enbom Lake is approximately 50% frozen in the mornings and should be the first to go which will be any day. Both Mundo Lake and Stone Lake are primarily open water, and boats can be launched at both lakes. Windy overcast weather is in the forecast and might help hold the ice off. Stone Lake is still producing big fish on lures, jigs, and flies. The best reports are up to 8 fish a day, and most anglers are hooking 2-3 fish. The fall gill net was positive, with several distinct age classes represented. Gut samples of the larger fish were interesting, with the majority containing at least one salamander. The road to Horse Lake is bad with heavy mud and fishing is not recommended. There haven’t been any reports from Mundo this week. Conditions are apt to change at any time right now, and changes will be posted as they occur. Good Luck everyone.

Kevin Terry
Fisheries Biologist