I Got Skunked...So You Don't Have To!

I did more exploring than catching the last couple weeks, so I hope I can help you out by telling you where not to go.

The rivers are starting to be hit with run-off and the lakes are just thawing...it's a funny in between time, and of course this is right when my spring break was.  Not going to complain, because the winter moisture is desperately needed and will bode well for summer fishing.  

I tried out the Ohkay Owingeh lakes, which are managed by the pueblo of the same name.  I got there a couple days after opening day, which usually is a good strategy for these well-stocked and heavily fished lakes.  But I saw zero, zip, zilch fish activity.  No rises.  I tried small nymphs, medium nymphs, streamers, everything.  No strikes.  So, I'd give these lakes a solid no for the future.   Let me know in the comments if you've ever had luck there.

As of last week, Fawn Lakes were still frozen.  But, once thawed, you should be able to catch some eager winter hold-over rainbows!  Eagle Rock looks clear now.  Red River was running high in town, and I imagine that condition will continue.  

The Cimarron is ripe and ready to be fished.  Since it is a tailwater, it won't get quite as out of control as the other streams, but there will likely still be some discoloration from the recent snow storms.  Should still be great with a dry-dropper combo.  

I camped up toward Ghost Ranch this past week, so I went to a couple spots on the Chama with a beginner fly fishing friend.  I tried out the Chama below Heron for a little bit one evening.  I think if I had been able to cover a lot of water, I would have eventually caught a fish.  But, it was a bit high.  This is the location where I caught some carp over the summer.  If you're up for the challenge, try out sight fishing for carp late in the summer when the water is low! 

I also tried out my old staple water below Abiquiu dam.  No luck.  I've caught fish at the higher level the river was flowing at, but maybe they were out of wack from recent changes to the flow.  The river was a lovely green color...and I really thought I'd be able to get one.  I've never fished in March there, so the evidence does seem to suggest to focus on this area of the river only in winter.

Anyway, I hope that helps out!  This weekend I am heading out to Maloya and possibly Storrie or Charette Lakes (trying something new!).  

Tight lines.