New Mexico Weekly Fishing Report - 9/30/2008
September 30, 2008
Lake levels — Click here for the latest water storage reports from New Mexico reservoirs.
This fishing report has been generated from the best information available from officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ, however, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.
Catches of the week
Ute Lake: Sept. 26, David McWilliams of Border, Texas, caught an 8.44-pound walleye. He was using a jig.
If you have a catch of the week story or just want to tell us about your latest New Mexico fishing experience, send it to us at fishforfun2@hotmail.com. We may include your story in our next report. For catches of the week include name, date, location, type of fish, length and bait used.
NORTHEAST AREA
CHARETTE LAKES: Trout fishing on the lower lake was fair-to-good using marshmallows, corn, salmon eggs, worms and Pistol Petes. A few perch were taken on worms.
CIMARRON RIVER: Water flow below Eagle Nest Lake as of Monday was 37cfs. Trout fishing was fair using worms, spinners, beetles and copper john barrs. Fishing at the Gravel Pit Lakes was slow-to-fair using salmon eggs.
CLAYTON LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species. Fishing pressure was very light.
CONCHAS LAKE: Fishing was fair using night crawlers, liver and dough baits for catfish. A few smallmouth bass and largemouth bass were taken by anglers using jigs, spinner baits, tubes and power worms. Fishing was slow-to-fair using minnows and jigs for a mix of white bass and crappie.
COYOTE CREEK: Trout fishing was good for anglers using worms, power bait and small spinners.
EAGLE NEST LAKE: Trout and kokanee fishing was fair this past week for anglers fishing from boats and from the bank. Best baits were power bait, garlic cheese, spinners tipped with corn and salmon eggs. A few perch were taken on worms and power bait. Kokanee snagging season opens October 1.
HOPEWELL LAKE: Trout fishing was fair using salmon eggs and copper john barrs.
LAKE MALOYA/LAKE ALICE: Trout fishing at Lake Maloya was good using power bait, salmon eggs, Pistol Petes and wooly buggers. This past week, several 3-to-5 pound and one 8 pound rainbow were stocked along with 200 brown trout between 6 and 8 inches. Fishing at Lake Alice was good using power bait and salmon eggs.
LOS PINOS RIVER: We had no reports from anglers this week.
MAXWELL LAKES: Fishing was slow for all species.
MCALLISTER LAKE: Due to poor water quality, the lake will remain closed until further notice.
MONASTERY LAKE: Trout fishing was fair using power bait and salmon eggs.
MORPHY LAKE: Trout fishing was very good using power bait, salmon eggs, Pistol Petes, spinners and worms.
PECOS RIVER: Water flow near the town of Pecos as of Monday morning was 43cfs. Trout fishing was good using worms, salmon eggs, spinners and copper john barrs.
RED RIVER: Water flow below the hatchery was 78cfs. Trout fishing was good using spinners, streamers, salmon eggs and night crawlers.
RIO GRANDE: The water flow Monday morning at the Taos Junction Bridge was 262cfs. Trout fishing on the upper river was good using streamers, spinners, copper john barrs and night crawlers. We had no reports on other species.
SHUREE PONDS: We had no reports from anglers this week.
SPRINGER LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species.
STORRIE LAKE: Trout fishing was fair using power bait, cheese and salmon eggs. Best reports again this week came from anglers fishing near the inlet.
UTE LAKE: Fishing was good using jigs, minnows, night crawlers and spoons for catfish. Fishing was slow for walleye with only a few taken by anglers using assorted jigs, spoons and baits at depths of 28-to-45 feet. Fishing was slow for smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. A few were caught by anglers using tubes, spinner baits and jigs. Fishing for white bass was slow.
NORTHWEST AREA
ABIQUIU LAKE: Fishing was slow with reports of only a few walleye, smallmouth bass and brown trout caught. Best baits were Gulp shiners, crank baits and minnows worked over suspended fish at 16 feet. A few of the bass were caught on tubes and spinner baits worked at 10-to-20 feet.
ANIMAS RIVER: We had no reports from anglers this week.
BLUEWATER LAKE: Fishing was very slow for all species.
CANJILON LAKES: Trout fishing was slow. A few were taken by anglers using worms and salmon eggs.
CHAMA RIVER: Monday morning water flows below El Vado and Abiquiu were 593cfs and 656cfs respectively. Fishing below El Vado was fair-to-good using night crawlers for brown trout and salmon eggs and night crawlers for rainbow trout. The water was murky. Fishing below Abiquiu was fair using worms and salmon eggs for rainbow trout.
COCHITI LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species. A few small white bass were taken by anglers using minnows and spoons.
EL VADO LAKE: Trout fishing was slow-to-fair using power bait, salmon eggs and spinners.
FARMINGTON LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
FENTON LAKE: Trout fishing was good using worms, salmon eggs and power bait for fish up to 12 inches.
HERON LAKE: Kokanee fishing was good for some but slow for others. Several anglers reported catching limits. The fish were scattered and were hitting a variety of baits. Anglers are reminded that it is unlawful to possess a kokanee from October 1 thru November 13.
JEMEZ WATERS: Water flow on the Jemez as of Monday morning was 17cfs near Jemez Springs. Trout fishing on the Cebolla, East Fork, San Antonio and Rio Guadalupe was good using worms, foam beetles, red and black ants and adams. One angler reported doing very well while floating worms on the Cebolla.
LAGUNA del CAMPO (Burns Canyon Lake): Trout fishing was slow-to-fair using worms and salmon eggs under a bubble.
MANZANO LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
MCGAFFEY LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species.
NAVAJO LAKE: Fishing for smallmouth bass and largemouth bass was slow but there were a few taken by anglers using jigs, cut tail worms and tubes at depths of 20-to-25 feet. A few northern pike were caught by anglers using spinner baits and jigs. Kokanee snagging season opens October 1.
RAMAH LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
RIO PUEBLO: We had no reports from anglers this week.
SAN JUAN: Water flow below Navajo Lake as of Monday morning was at 702cfs. Trout fishing in the Quality Waters was good for anglers using small gray and chocolate emergers, pheasant tail nymphs, red annelids and San Juan worms. Fishing through the bait waters was fair-to-good using night crawlers, jerk baits, salmon eggs, streamers and spinners.
SANTA CRUZ LAKE: Trout fishing was fair using salmon eggs, worms, Pistol Petes, spoons and spinners.
SEVEN SPRINGS BROOD POND: We had no reports from anglers this week.
TINGLEY BEACH: Fishing at the Youth and Central Ponds was good using worms and night crawlers for bluegill. Fishing was fair using stink bait for catfish. A few bass were taken by anglers using flies and spinners. Trout fishing at the Catch and Release pond was poor.
SOUTHWEST AREA
BEAR CANYON: Fishing was slow for all species.
BILL EVANS LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
BURN LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species.
CABALLO LAKE: Fishing was slow-to-fair using cut bait and liver for catfish. We had no reports on other species. The water was quite murky.
ELEPHANT BUTTE: Fishing was fair using grubs, minnows, crank baits and spoons for white bass. Fishing was fair-to-good with rod and reel and with trotlines using cut bait, dough bait, night crawlers and liver for catfish. Fishing was slow but a few largemouth bass and smallmouth bass were caught by anglers using worms, tubes, spinner baits and jigs. We had no reports on other species.
ESCONDIDA LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species.
GILA RIVER: Water flow on the Gila as of this past Monday was 86cfs. Fishing on the Forks was slow for all species.
GLENWOOD POND: We had no reports from anglers this week.
LAKE ROBERTS: We had no reports from anglers this week.
PERCHA DAM: Fishing was slow but a few catfish were caught by anglers using liver and night crawlers. We had no reports on other species.
QUEMADO LAKE: Trout fishing was fair-to-good using power bait, worms, wooly worms and Pistol Petes. We had no reports on tiger musky.
RIO GRANDE: Water flow below Elephant Butte on Monday was 39cfs. Fishing was slow.
SOUTHEAST AREA
BATAAN LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
BONITO LAKE: Trout fishing was good using spinners, wooly buggers, salmon eggs under a bobber and power bait.
BOSQUE REDONDO: We had no reports from anglers this week.
BOTTOMLESS LAKES: Fishing was slow. Stocking has been suspended.
BRANTLEY LAKE: Anglers are to practice catch and release for all fish here as high levels of DDT were found in several fish.
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species.
GRINDSTONE RESERVOIR: Trout fishing was fair-to-good using salmon eggs, corn, power bait and spinners.
JAL LAKE: We had no reports from anglers this week.
LAKE VAN: We had no reports from anglers this week.
PECOS RIVER: Water flow on Monday below Sumner Lake was 109cfs. Fishing for catfish was slow-to-fair using night crawlers and stink bait. Fishing for all other species was slow.
PERCH LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species.
RUIDOSO RIVER: Water flow near Hollywood on Monday was 4.2cfs. We had no reports from anglers this week.
SANTA ROSA LAKE: Walleye fishing was slow-to-fair using minnows, Gulp shad and bottom bouncer/worm rigs at 20-to-30 feet. Fishing was slow-to-fair using tubes, power worms, jigs and spinner baits for smallmouth bass. We had no reports on other species.
SUMNER LAKE: Fishing was slow for all species but we did have one report of a mixed limit of largemouth and smallmouth bass taken off main lake points. The angler was using a spinner bait.
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Florida Fish Busters’ Bulletin - Fishing remains a fun, healthy tradition available to everyone
September 29, 2008
Freshwater fishing is one of the many outdoor recreational activities encouraged by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The FWC views outdoor recreation as a tremendously beneficial opportunity that should be available to all residents and visitors, and it strives to provide quality fishing, hunting and wildlife-viewing opportunities.Â
Cheryl Charles, president of the Children and Nature Network, points out, “People throughout the world are increasingly connected by a resonance and passion, to create a new common sense for the good health of children today and generations to come.”Â
Dr. Andrew Lepp, assistant professor of recreation, park and tourism management at Kent State, said the benefits from outdoor recreation are varied and plentiful. Outdoor recreation has psychological benefits, including the prevention or reduction of stress and improved self-esteem, confidence and creativity. Lepp also contends it adds to spiritual growth and leads to an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from life. Getting outside provides physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as improved functioning of the immune system.
It even offers benefits for the social life. The great outdoors affords social benefits, such as bonding with like-minded people who also enjoy outdoor activities, and feeling an increased pride in your community and nation.
The economy benefits from all of this activity as well. Outdoor recreation creates job opportunities for others, which leads to economic growth and preservation of the natural areas needed for outdoor recreation increases property values. The workplace wins because people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation tend to be more productive at work, Lepp said.
The list continues with positive outcomes for the environment. People who participate in outdoors activities usually have increased environmental awareness. This awareness translates to increased involvement in environmental issues.
Specific activities such as fishing can add to the enthusiasm and provide a fun challenge to become increasingly skillful. In Florida, the abundance of natural waters (7,700 named lakes, 12,000 miles of fishable rivers and canals) means the opportunity is available to everyone. From digging worms and making your own cane pole, to casting a lure, you develop a connection with nature that comes naturally and has been an American tradition since long before Mark Twain’s tales of the adventurous Huck Finn.
Every year the FWC works with the Florida Disabled Outdoor Association at its Sportsability event, and this year we joined them at the Family CafĂ© event in Orlando. These opportunities reinforce the pure fun of experiencing nature, and we redouble our commitment to making fishing accessible for everyone.Â
Clay Dyer - a professional bass fisherman who was born without lower legs, no arm on the left and a partially developed arm on the right - inspired hundreds of individuals with physical and mental challenges during his motivational presentation at the Family Café event. Clay is a hero and inspiration to virtually everyone he touches with his life story, which he calls “The View from Down Here is Just Fine.” He is also a spokesperson for the C.A.S.T. for kids program.
The FWC is doing its part by teaching kids to fish, sponsoring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman events, helping create bank-fishing access and building accessible boat ramps, courtesy docks and fishing piers. Most importantly, the FWC is dedicated to conserving and enhancing fisheries habitat and fish populations for everyone.Â
We invite you to get outdoors and take someone with you, so you can enjoy all the benefits of getting back to nature.
Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling *FWC or #FWC on your cell, or 1-888-404-3922. Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Updates for more Fish Busters’ columns.
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Delaware Youth Waterfowl Hunt Scheduled for October 4
September 29, 2008
The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife is again providing young and disabled (non-ambulatory) hunters a special opportunity to hunt waterfowl Saturday, Oct. 4. Hunting is permitted statewide on private and public lands, including state wildlife areas and federal refuges. Check specific area regulations for lottery times and blind availability.
Young hunters must be between 10-15 years of age and accompanied by a licensed non-hunting adult at least 21 years of age. Hunters 13-15 years of age must have completed an approved hunter education course and possess a Delaware junior hunting license. Standard daily duck bag limits and regulations apply, with hunters also permitted to harvest snow geese and two Canada geese. Young hunters should be of sufficient size, physical strength, and emotional and mental maturity to safely handle a firearm.
The Division of Fish & Wildlife annually provides this and other special hunting opportunities to promote hunting and outdoor recreation among young hunters and provide additional opportunities for disabled hunters. Studies have shown that youngsters who participate in outdoor recreation activities are more likely to continue these pursuits as adults. In addition to the waterfowl hunt, a youth deer hunt is scheduled for November 1.
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Flounder Limit of 10 Fish Enacted in Alabama
September 29, 2008
For the first time, Alabama anglers are now restricted in the number of flounder allowed in the daily creel limit. Barnett Lawley, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, signed the new saltwater fishing regulations, which contains a 10-fish daily creel limit on flounder, as well as increases in the minimum size limits on triggerfish and amberjack.
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Before, there was a 12-inch minimum size limit on flounder but no creel limit.
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“For a variety of reasons, there has been a shift in fishing effort from offshore species to inshore,” said Vernon Minton, Director of the Marine Resources Division. “To ensure flounder are not overfished, especially during the vulnerable times when the fish are migrating in and out of Mobile Bay, we felt a creel limit was the appropriate measure. A 10-flounder limit is still a liberal creel.”
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The regulations also increased the minimum size on triggerfish to 14 inches fork length and on amberjack to 30 inches fork length to comply with federal regulations that went into effect Aug. 5.
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Commissioner Lawley also signed a regulation that removes the prohibition of the use of nets to catch mullet in Mobile Bay and Bon Secour Bay north of the Intracoastal Waterway from the day after Labor Day to Oct. 31.
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“In years past, the food value for mullet wasn’t worth much,” said Chris Blankenship, Acting Chief of Enforcement at Marine Resources. “Now, the price of food mullet is about equal to roe mullet. The removal of this restriction allows net fishermen more access to mullet for the food market.”
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Blankenship also reminds anglers that all fishing licenses expired on Aug. 31. Fishing licenses for the 2008-2009 season went on sale Aug. 27.
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The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.
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Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week in Your State October 12-18, 2008
September 29, 2008
Whether it’s taking a walk among the fall colors, spotting a rare bird species, or learning about the cultural resources that are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s conservation mission, National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 12-18, 2008, celebrates the diversity and resources of America’s 548 national wildlife refuges. And it’s a great opportunity to find a family event in your community.Â
National wildlife refuges are dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. They also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation–from hunting and fishing to wildlife observation, wildlife photography, nature interpretation and environmental education. The Refuge System includes 2,500 miles of land and water trails, and there is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
“America’s wildlife refuges offer great places to teach our children the importance of making a lifelong commitment to our nation?s natural resources,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall. “Exploring the outdoors and learning how all living things are connected to one another is what National Wildlife Refuge Week is all about.”
This year, the annual Refuge Week celebration also highlights the 75th anniversary of the Federal Duck Stamp and the 50th anniversary of the Small Wetlands Program. These two programs have helped the Refuge System expand to its current size of 97 million acres.
Ninety-eight cents of every dollar generated by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps goes toward the purchase or lease of wetland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. To date, Duck Stamp sales have helped purchase or protect more than 5.2 million acres of wildlife habitat. For more information about Duck Stamps, go to http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/.
The Small Wetlands Program was created in 1958 to allow proceeds from the sale of Duck Stamps to also be used to acquire waterfowl production areas (WPAs). These WPAs provide habitat for migratory birds, protect native plants, help filter groundwater, control flooding and capture carbon from the atmosphere.  Close to one million acres of land acquired through the Small Wetlands Program is open to hunting, wildlife watching and photography and other outdoor recreation.
National Wildlife Refuge Week events:
Many special events are planned for National Wildlife Refuge Week. Here’s a sample:
The Big Sit!
Celebrate the birds on a national wildlife refuge on October 12 by participating in The Big Sit! National wildlife refuges from Wheeler, Alabama, and Pelican Island, Florida, to DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge in Salem, Oregon, are hosting this annual international birding event.Â
Families and individuals find a great spot for bird watching and sit in a circle, counting all the bird species they see or hear. Not everyone needs to stay in the circle for the whole day.   Many people come and go, but only birds seen from the circle can be included in the Big Sit count. Bird Watcher’s Digest tallies the totals and identifies prize winners in several categories.
For a list of The Big Sit! sites, including many not on national wildlife refuges, go to: http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/funbirds/bigsit/results08/circles_registered.php.
October 3
Visitors to Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge (North Dakota) will be building bluebird nest boxes. http://www.fws.gov/lakeilo/
October 4
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (Maryland) celebrates its 13th Refuge Open House with eagle prowls, live animal programs, a puppet show about invasive species and live animal exhibits. http://www.fws.gov/blackwater/
October 10
Patuxent Research Refuge (Maryland) joins with Smithsonian Resident Associates to offer a behind-the-scenes tour of captive breeding programs for whooping cranes and conservation-related research on kestrels and diving ducks. http://www.fws.gov/northeast/patuxent/
October 11
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge (Wisconsin) is planning a 5K run/walk along its auto tour route. Three hiking trails are located here, along with a floating boardwalk and bicycling and hiking access to the Wild Goose State Trail. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/horicon/
October 11Â Â
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia) celebrates the cultural resources of the National Wildlife Refuge System with an open house at the Chesser Island Homestead, where visitors can discover how people lived in Southeast Georgia at the time the refuge was established in 1933. http://www.fws.gov/okefenokeeÂ
October 18
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge (Illinois)
Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, the refuge gives visitors a chance to see the huge concentrations of waterfowl that arrive each October. The refuge’s riverbanks are also great places to see muskrat, beaver, turtles and frogs. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/tworivers/
October 21-22
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Florida) celebrates Ding Darling Days with free excursions to the protected Bunche Beach Preserve, a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail, which teems with shorebirds, wading birds, ospreys, bald eagles and other feathered friends. Join local bird experts for a tram excursion to this natural beach habitat at low tide.
http://www.dingdarlingdays.com/
Calendar of National Wildlife Refuge Week Events
For a more comprehensive list of National Wildlife Refuge Week events, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/SpecialEvents/FWS_SpecialEvents_Search.cfm
To find a refuge in your community, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuges/refugeLocatorMaps/index.html.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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South Carolina Saltwater Fishing Trends - 9/29/2008
September 29, 2008
Little River - Grand Strand - Charleston - Hilton Head - Tides - S.C. marine recreational fishing regulations (PDF file). Saltwater Fishing License site.
Fishing trends courtesy www.SCFishingReport.com. Check the site for recent updates and detailed reports.
- Bluefish: Good to very good. Bluefish around the jetties. These fish are concentrating on schools of mullet; dead finger mullet, cut bait, or shiny lures.
- Spanish mackerel: Good. Spanish mackerel around the jetties. Throw Gotcha Plugs, Hopkins Spoons, or live mullet under a float to hook up.
- Spottail bass: Fair. Fish live shrimp or minnows in the creeks beneath a popping cork.
- Flounder: Slow. Use a standard Carolina rig with a live mullet and the lightest possible weight to hold the bottom. Look for fishing to improve in the next few weeks.
- Cherry Grove Pier: Bluefish action has been very good. A few king mackerel have been caught, for the first time in a few months, and a few black drum and flounder are still being picked up.
- Bluefish: Very good. Large schools are running in the surf, and can also be caught in good numbers around the jetties. Use dead finger mullet fished on the bottom.
- Sheepshead: Good. Fiddler crabs and live or cut shrimp on a Carolina rig fished vertically are producing.
- Spottail Bass: Fair. At the jetties on most any live bait - mullet, mud minnows, or shrimp.
- Flounder: Slow. Carolina rigged mullet or mud minnows in the Murrell’s Inlet area.
- Springmaid Pier: Slow. A few bluefish, pompano, and whiting are being caught.
- Second Avenue Pier: A few puppy drum, flounder, sheepshead, and Spanish have been caught, as well as some whiting and pompano.
- Myrtle Beach State Park Pier: Slow, but whiting, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and very occasional pompano are being caught sporadically.
- Apache Pier: A few very large Spanish have been caught in the last week, and mullet schools are running. Bluefish, spot, and whiting are all around.
- Surfside Pier: Slow, but a few Spanish mackerel and some bluefish are being caught.
- Garden City Pier: A few bluefish, whiting and pompano are being caught.
- Tarpon: Very good. Fish the jetties, the north end of Bulls Bay, Stono Inlet and around the north of Edisto Inlet. Fish large live mullet, blue crabs, or menhaden in 6 to 15 foot deep slews between the sandbars.
- Trout: Good. Very early in the day topwater action is hot for spotted sea trout.
- Sheepshead: Good. Most any structure, from nearshore wrecks to the jetties to inshore piers and bridges. Fish fiddler crabs, clam pieces, or cut shrimp.
- Spottail Bass: Fair. Use live or cut bait and Gulp! shrimp or jerkshad around older docks with heavy barnacle growth on the pilings and especially those with deep holes underneath.
- Folly Beach Pier: A few trout, black drum, whiting, and pompano were all caught but everything was on the small side.
- Spottail Bass: Very good. Look for productive fishing in the evenings later this week and over the weekend.
- Trout: Good. Early morning topwater action is very good, and some big trout are being caught on lures such as Spooks. Good fishing is coming under docks or on the outgoing tide where feeder creeks are emptying into bigger water. Shrimp and