Gone Fishing!
The sign read, Back after Memorial Day Weekend!
I chuckled, this Taoseno had the right idea. Unless you’re a bike aficionado, the noise levels of thousands (well, maybe hundreds) of bikers tearing through town on their way to their annual rally in Red River, might make you want to run for the hills (or rivers) as well.
Spring and early summer bring people from all over to fish in our rivers and streams, perhaps now’s the time to join them?
I fished (or tried to) with my father as a child growing up in South Africa. My brother and I were taught the rituals of fishing, about hooks, bait, line and mostly, silence. Quiet brings fish. Chatter does not.
Once one gets into the groove, it’s a delightful way to pass an afternoon, meditative and contemplative, just the antidote for our busy lives. Yes, we have busy lives, even aqui en Taos.
All around Taos there are a myriad of rivers, lakes and streams to fish in. It truly is a great place to get your fishing rods out for…but if you’re not living in or near Taos, not to worry! There’s plenty of convenient spaces in the USA to get fishing, including places like Key West, which is perfect for those of you who are just getting started as an FKF custom charter takes you round the best spots. Even your local river will have some great spots. And if the idea of a poor fish squirming at the end of your line is too much for your sensitive nature, it’s perfectly acceptable to throw him back. If you are just starting out at this sport, it’s best to keep it simple, and for those of you who are old hands with the reel, line and rod, well often (‘specially in summer) simple is best. A good way to track down those fish is to use marine GPS, click here to find out more about these innovative products.
Don’t forget to make sure you get all your equipment together before you go so you aren’t unprepared! Check out sites like CatchandFillet.com to see what they have on offer and what you can stock up on for your trip. Now onto the three easy to find, not hard to get to, fishing holes to cast your line into and enjoy yourself over the weekend with.
The Rio Grande Box located above the confluence of the Red River is a good place to start. Take plenty of water (the temperatures can hit 100% in the summer) along with your gear. You’ll be hiking into the Box and the trails along the canyons can pose all kinds of dangers in the hot weather aside from making you thirsty. Snakes are out sunning themselves so you may want to carry a stick. They’ll slither out of the way with fair warning.
About twenty miles southwest of Taos on Highway 68 there is an access route to the Rio Grande. Take N.M.570 from Pilar for five miles of great fly and bait fishing. Rainbows, browns and northern pike populate these waters. You need to purchase a day pass once you enter, so pack a picnic and spend the day in total serenity, knowing that when you head home, the bikes will be homeward bound as well!
The Rio Hondo river is just ten miles north of Taos. The lower section of the Hondo is accessible before it flows into the Rio Grande. The upper Hondo waters have been known to run faster, and the fishing holes in this section are not always fruitful. Fishing higher up, you may catch a few sizable browns. The Rio Chiquito watershed is another good spot and is always less crowded. Many of these streams are less than 10′ wide, but there are a few open areas and beaver dams scattered along the way.
I’ve included links to the weekly fishing report for our area and a couple of local fishing supply outlets who will be happy to take care of all your fishing needs.
You can thank me ;later for the great idea!
http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/fishing/weekly-report/
https://taosflyshop.com/flyguide/main
All images stock files
Rio Hondo River is a great place to fish. I love it.
Thanks Keira for commenting!