Managing Editor:
James Perry

While attending this month's Jeep Jamboree in Red River, New Mexico, July 14-16, people should remember that the state's north-central mountains offer some prime trout fishing, and Red River seems to be right in the middle of some of the best angling in the state. 

Like most of the other rivers and streams in and around Red River, this is small-water angling and long casts will not be necessary. Leave that 8-weight rod at home; instead, bring the 4-weight and matching line. A good floating, double-tapered 4-weight or lighter line will work well as most casts will be just 20 feet or less. More important than long casts is the ability to get a drag-free drift as your nymph enters a pool and ticks the bottom from beginning to end. Anglers will find themselves fishing riffles and other fast water as well as pockets and pools that will require patience and quick reactions. 

Of course, first things first. Anglers need to stop by a sporting goods store on the way into town, or one of the several sporting goods outlets in Red River, for a license and Habitat Stamp. A New Mexico fishing license for a resident will run $17.50, while a nonresident can expect to pay $39. In addition, there is a $1 vender fee attached to each license purchased. Juniors and seniors pay a little less. One-day and five-day licenses are available as well, allowing an angler with limited time to dip a hook the chance to save a few bucks. Anglers who'll be fishing on federal lands (Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management)--which means just about anywhere around Red River--also need to pick up a $5 Habitat Improvement Stamp. 

With a license in hand, it's time to get down to planning a fishing trip. Most of the fish anglers will find in this mountain community are rainbow trout, but browns and cutthroats are not out of the question, nor is an occasional brook trout. But while trout are the "fish de jour" in and around Red River, a short drive will put an angler into the middle of bass, crappie, salmon, lake trout, and other species just waiting to find your bait-tipped hook or carefully crafted fly. The best advice for knowing what will work where and when, stop by a local sporting goods store or fishing shop. There are several in Red River and they'll be more than happy to help direct you to where the fish are biting and sell you the magic bait, lure, or fly. 

Some anglers who find trout just fine will never leave town at all. The river for which the town is named flows right through the middle of town. Rainbows and browns swim in these waters, but anglers should take care to avoid private property. Fishers can follow this water all the way to the Rio Grande, and there is plenty of access through Red River Canyon. Campgrounds along the way provide plenty of places to stop and rest or set up a base camp whether for a day or the weekend. The Red River carries special regulations--and the rules are different depending on where you are--so be sure to pick up a fishing proclamation when you buy your license and read up on "Special Trout Waters." One thing is certain, however: You'll need to use a fly or lure with a single, barbless hook. Bead-head nymphs are popular in this stretch, as are the blue-wing olive or elk-hair caddis. Terrestrial patterns like hoppers and ants will work at times as well. 

As anglers move on down through the canyon toward the Rio Grande, the fishing seems to get better along the way. Some of the best fishing on the Red River is between the Red River Hatchery and its confluence with the Rio Grande. Rainbows and browns to 20 inches are caught, and fishing is generally good year-round. While in the area, don't fail to give the Rio Grande upstream from its confluence with the Red River a shot. At times, this is some of the best fishing in the state. The area known as The Box is well worth the effort it takes to get there if you have the time. 

An angler willing to put a few miles on his or her vehicle can find good fishing for trout and kokanee salmon at Heron Lake, El Vado Lake, Eagle Nest, along with a host of rivers and smaller ponds in the region. Also, Heron offers the only population of lake trout in the state with 20-pounders common; the state record was caught there a year ago. The Latir Lakes to the northwest also gave up a state record--a cutthroat trout. Some of the farther destinations can range up to about two hours away, however, so plan accordingly. 

Closer to Red River, there is plenty of fishing for those who like trout and want to get in a quick trip or two. In and near Red River are several opportunities, including a couple of chances for kids to catch trout without worrying about competition from adults. The Red River city ponds are only open to kids under 12 years of age and the handicapped, and the Red River Hatchery Pond near Questa is only open to anglers under 12 years of age, seniors 65 years or older, and the handicapped. Other special regulations may apply. 

Other options for anglers include Fawn Lakes, located two miles downstream from town on the Red River behind the Elephant Rock Campground. Goose Lake is a shallow lake located at the head of the Goose Creek tributary. Cabresto Lake is a 15-acre lake six miles northeast of Questa. Six-acre Middle Fork Lake sits at the head of the Middle Fork of the Red River. The Red River Beaver ponds are located at the end of the pavement on New Mexico 578. Horseshoe Lake and Lost Lake are both accessed by foot in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness area. The Shuree Lakes, located north of Red River in the Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest, carry stringent regulations on manner of take and bag limit. 

So don't leave your rod and reel at home when you come to July's Jeep Jamboree in Red River. While there is plenty to do in the Red River area and nobody ever complains about being bored while in town, there are just too many good fishing opportunities to pass up if angling runs through your veins. 

For more information on this and other Jeep Jamborees, please visit http://www.jeepunpaved.com/jamboree/index.html.