Wounded Warriors ...

I'm ever amazed by the resilience and toughness of our wild trout. When you stop to think about the cycles of drought, flood, fire and other impacts that have occurred over the course of thousands of years, you begin to wonder how they find ways to survive. Add to this the normal predator / prey relationships found in nature and the impact man can impose, the respect for these fish goes up even higher. On a recent trip to New Mexico I caught two wounded warriors in one morning that wore some horrifying scars from recent encounters with predators. In spite of this, a Charlie Boy Hopper didn't get past either of them, and I would have never believed how badly injured they were until I had them in the net. imagine the stories this little warrior might tell. Till next week.... ItsAboutTheFish

Land of Enchantment Part II

Part II of my recent trip to New Mexico was spent camping in Rio Costilla as part of a mission to connect with a Rio Grande Cutthroat. Along with completing that goal, I had the opportunity to meet some incredible people, take in some remarkable scenery and see mountain lion tracks not far from our camp. While we caught fish on PMDs, hoppers and other patterns, most fish came on flies that imitated Spruce Moths cast close to the stream banks. I’m always amazed by the variety of trout species we find across the country, and these trout of the Rio Grande drainage are remarkably beautiful! Today’s pic is Comanche Point where the waters of Commanche Creek and the Rio Costilla join. More pics on my social media profiles. Till next time ….

Fishing in the Land of Enchantment Part I

I recently fulfilled the dream of visiting and fishing in New Mexico. Part I was spent fishing the waters in Valle Caldera and the surrounding area. An amazing experience fishing for the “Trout of the Tall Grass” as my great friend characterized it, in what was an active 13-mile-wide volcano 1.25 million tears ago. As a Pennsylvania angler; hopper fishing and meadow streams are something I truly enjoy, but this experience was more about fishing by sound rather than site, and more about dapping than casting in the narrow stream meanders between the grasses. This truly is a “Land of Enchantment” and I hope to get a chance to return again in the future. Today’s post is one of those locals that stopped to say hello. More trip pics on my social media profile. Till next time ….