Fish Fingers

Presented a few months ago with a bachelor weekend, amigo Anthony and I headed for the Jemez Mountains for a few days of fishing. As a rank fly fishing beginner I was looking forward to another opportunity to improve. Learning to fly fish was a goal in 2009 and I accomplished it, I guess, as long as we can consider accomplishment to mean 1) acquiring a rig, 2) learning how to cast a fly line, and 3) catching one and only one trout. For the record, I do, and I did.

Anthony snapped a couple of pics. Hey, there I am. Probably tying on another fly after getting snagged in the encroaching vegation for the who knows how many-ith time. Fishing the small waters of northern New Mexico sometimes requires a hobbit like nimbleness and an aptitude in precision casting. I possess neither quality. Fortunately it doesn't diminish the good times one bit.

 

The mighty Rio Guadalupe begins at the confluence of the Rio de las Vacas and the Rio Cebolla, two smaller streams a little higher up. Not longer after it joins up with the main stem of the Jemez River. The water was cool and the many small trout that call this place home were hungry. We caught many throughout the weekend, most no bigger than the size of your hand.

Many thanks to my friend and guide for the weekend.