According to officials from the Valles Caldera, fishing is resuming on the Preserve starting this Saturday June 23rd. Less than a year after the Las Conchas Fire and floods devastated the streams on the VCNP, the fish are making a comeback. A series of scientific field surveys conducted since the first of the year indicate a gradual resurgence of the fish population. To supplement these studies VC Trust officials asked veteran New Mexico fishing guide Bob Gerding to test the waters and gauge the quality of fishing.
“After fishing the San Antonio creek for the first time after the fire, I was amazed at how the river has recovered, ” said Gerding. “On one stretch, I had more action from nice, healthy brown trout than ever before.”
The fishing program will run thru the end of the season and will be open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
In order to preserve a quality fishing experience, daily access will be limited to 14 anglers spread across the reaches of the San Antonio creek and 8 anglers will be allowed on the East Fork of the Jemez River. Anglers will be able to drive to their assigned reaches of the San Antonio, where “catch and release” rules will be in effect. The East Fork will feature a two fish bag limit.
For more information on reservations, fishing guidelines and requirements, go to http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comvevisit/fish/index.aspx. Reservations can be made on line or by calling 866-382-5537. Also this weekend marks the first of four remaining youth and adult Fly Fishing Clinics headed up by NM Trout instructor Francis Peter.
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I fished the San Antonio this last Saturday (first day of the season) and I can say without out a doubt the river is recovering. I had the best day I’ve ever had on that part of the river and probably one of my best days fishing ever. While the fish population was devastated the remaining fish are bigger and stronger and a couple of times shocked me.
I’ll be going back soon :).