Steve Lein On The Chama

Fishing Trip On The Chama River

Fly Fishing With Steve Lein

October 2012

The Chama River, just below El Vado Dam, is a highly productive stretch of river. Our family has been fishing this section of the river for more than 50 years and we are never disappointed. If you are interested in doing some serious fly fishing in New Mexico, our recommendation for you would be to have you contact David Cooper, owner of Coopers El Vado Ranch. Coop has a dozen really great cabins, located right along the river. These cabins offer all of the amenities that you will need to be completely comfortable in your stay at the ranch.

Steve Lein traveled down from Tulsa, Oklahoma and spent 3 days hiking and fishing with me. We covered a 10 mile stretch of water during the 3 day trip. Steve and I really had a great time together and caught a ton of gorgeous rainbow and brown trout during the fishing adventure.

Coopers El Vado Ranch offers super easy access to the river for fishermen of all levels. Steve and I choose to take on some of the more remote fishing spots which required some serious hiking. We hiked approximately 6 miles per day during our 3 day adventure. Our treks included river crossings which aren't for the faint at heart. The Chama is a wild river that gets pretty wide in spots. Even though Steve is a banker back in Tulsa, he crossed the river just like he did when we were kids.

Steve Lein - Fly Fishing A Very Productive Bend In The River

The area pictured above is approximately 1 1/2 miles below El Vado Dam. It's a challenging hike to get into this particular fishing spot, but, well worth the effort. Our grandfather and father fished this stretch of river some 40 years ago and caught 25 to 30 inch rainbows and brown trout routinely from this section of the river. Today, you can see expect to catch fish in excess of 20 inches in this area. 

One Of Our Favorite Fishing Spots

This particular fishing hole requires some serious hiking. I don't recommend fishing this area unless you are extremely physically fit. The hike into this section of river is approximately 3 miles and takes us approximately 1 1/2 hours of steady trekking. You will also need to cross the river at least once to get to this gorgeous spot.

Steve Lein - Crossing The Famous Swinging Bridge & Fishing Downstream Approximately 3 Miles From El Vado Ranch. 

Trip To El Vado Ranch

Chama River - New Mexico


I don't think there is any place on earth better than El Vado Ranch, in Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico


Just spent a few days there earlier this month with my wife, mom and dad. We had an awesome time. The ranch is owned by my good friend David Cooper. The cabins you see belong to David and are available for rental. Cost is less than $115 per night. Incredibly affordable and the ranch and river are just outstanding! 




Here are more photos from the trip. Hope you enjoy them. 

Elk Mountains

Colorado

Winter Has Been Cold!

How is Winter going for you? Don't know how you feel about it, but, I am ready for Spring! I generally don't do much fly fishing during the winter and quite frankly, I miss it! 

Even though I don't do much fishing in Winter, I find that it is a great time to plan for new Spring and Summer fishing adventures. Like traveling to the Elk Mountains in Colorado to do some fly fishing and back packing in the wilderness.



Hurry Spring!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! 

You Are Looking At My Favorite Fishing Spot In The Whole Wide World!

Can't wait to get back to New Mexico this Spring to do some fishing. The first thing I am going to do is give my friend David Cooper a huge bear hug! Second, I am going to make the 3 mile hike down to the spot you see in the photo and just sit for a moment and thank the Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for another incredible day on the river.

As beautiful as this stream is, I can only imagine the beauty that God has in store for us all in heaven! I really hope we get to Fly Fish when we get there :-)!

Merry Christmas and Thank You For Following Our Blog! 

Tailwaters Anglers

Tailwater Anglers

Matthew Clifton
Owner & Guide

www.SanJuanRiverFishing.com

505-334-6758

Matthew Clifton, owner of Tailwater Anglers is now using Flyline Search Marketing to design and manage his Google Adwords advertising program.

Matt has been guiding San Juan River float trips and wade fishing on the historic San Juan for more than 5 years. The photo shown in the upper left of this post is that of Mark Lein, CEO of Flyline Search Marketing. Mark and his father Roy Lein, spent a day on the San Juan, fishing with Matt. The fishing was incredibly productive as you can see from the photo above. As fishing tends to do, the day also produced a new friendship.

Roy Lein Enjoying The San Juan River

New Mexico's Most Productive Fishery

Chama River

El Vado Ranch

Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico

One of New Mexico's best fisheries is the Chama river. I have been fishing this particular stretch of river for more than 45 years. The fish we caught this year during our visits in April and September were a bit smaller than the 36 inch monsters my pops and grandfather used to pull out 40 years ago. That said, they were still incredibly solid fish and full of fight. Check out the photo to the right. This Brown Trout was caught in September during a huge rain storm. The Chama river is absolutely loaded with native brown trout, similar to the one pictured. The river offers the perfect breeding area for these fish. There are major bug hatches during year, plus the rainbows spawn in April filling the river with minnows. The Browns spawn later in October, again providing food opportunities for the larger fish. 

Beware - Monster Browns Are Lurking In These Waters

  

Getting To Know Fishing Regulations In Your New Area

It is important to learn the local fishing regulations when moving to a new area. This could save you the trouble and needless expense of facing a hefty fine for a rule infraction. Each state has specific rules and regulations in regards to fishing.  Keep these tips in mind when you relocate after a move:

Your Best Source for Information

It is imperative that you receive accurate information about the specific rules and regulations of fishing in your new area. The last thing you want is to receive a citation and pay a stiff fine simply for lack of local fishing regulation knowledge. Turn to your state’s fish and game website. This can be easily hunted down on Google by typing your state’s name and the keywords, “fish and game.” Click on your state’s link and research the regulation section. Most websites allow you to download the fishing guide for future reference.

My Fishing Regulations

Each state has specific requirements. We encourage you to check into the regs once you move into a new area. Study the guide to familiarize yourself. Look for these items to see if your new location has different regulations.

·       Check on daily limits for caught fish.  Pay special attention to weight and size requirements.

·       Research special licenses for multiple poles and types of fish.

·       Know your setlines, trotlines, float lines and bank lines.  

·       Verify the size of throwbacks.

·       Check to see about licensing as you might be required to purchase separate fresh water and saltwater licenses.

·       Verify what your state says in regards to specific guidelines on displaying your license on your person.

·       Research specific catch and release information.

·       Familiarize yourself with types of equipment that can be used to catch fish.

·       Know the open and closing season dates on each species of fish you are interested in.   

·       Know your gear requirements. There are certain regulations for nets and lines.

·       You always need to be aware if you fish in a lake or river which adjoins two or more state lines, it might be necessary to obtain multiple state licenses.

·       If you have relocated to the coastal areas, check your local Marine Life Protection Act. It will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the ins and outs of marine life rules and regulations, which can be applied to your next ocean fishing trip.

 

Moving to a new state? Many states offer reduced rates for seniors as well as life-term residents. Learn the minimum age for obtaining a fishing license. Each state has different requirements. Some states are sixteen years of age, others fifteen years of age, and some require them to carry identification verifying their age.


View Photo Gallery of Historic San Juan River Fishing Trip

              

It's Fall on the Appalachian Trail

View of Hudson River & Bear Mountain Bridge From Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail

Georgia to Maine

2,181 Miles / 3510 Kilometers



Fall on the Appalachain Trail provides an incredible opportunity to do some long distance mountain trail running. You can connect to the Appalachian Trail by driving to Amicalola Falls and jumping onto the connector trails that lead to Springer Mountain. From the ranger station to Springer is approximately 8.5 miles. It's a challenging run so carry lots of water with you. On an average Summer day, I personally go through at least four 16oz drinks when making the round trip. That doesn't include the extra water bottle I take for dumping on my head to cool off. In the Fall, you can get away with carrying about half that amount. 

View of Roan Mountains from Appalachian Trail

  

The trails near the Amicalola Park are challenging, but, perfect for mountain trail runners striving to improve their game. There are many excellent pieces of trail, similar to those pictured above, that are very conducive for running. Don't be fooled though. The connector trails are loaded with technical opportunities, roots, rocks, downed trees and streams. Be prepared for a day of gorgeous scenary and challenging terrain.

                 

Tools for Finding Trails in Your New Neighborhood

La Luz Trail

Albuquerque

New Mexico

You have closed escrow and are done moving into your new house. Your clothes are put away and you are excited to discover and explore all your new neighborhood has to offer. The adventurer in you is ready to hit the nearest trail. But, before you head out to discover your local trails, use these tips to make the most of your next run, walk or hike:

1. Your Local Bookstore or Library: Your local library is still a valuable resource when searching for unknown trails. They offer books and maps which feature detailed trails and the best part is they are free. If you prefer owning your maps and books, head out to your nearest bookstore. Browse the hiking section for maps and books, which will lead you to undiscovered trails. And, don’t forget to talk to your new librarian or bookstore employee. You never know where you might uncover a secret trail near your new house.

2. The Internet: If you prefer to shop or search online, visit websites like www.trails.com to discover a variety of information on trail running. There is an array of websites devoted to trail running. It takes a little research time, but you can usually unearth running trails in your neighborhood. The Internet can also be a great resource for finding running buddies or websites devoted to local trails. Blogs or community boards can give you tips on little known trails off the beaten path. Connect with other local runners, walkers or hikers to discover some of the best running trails.

3. Local Government Entities: After you move, visit your federal, state or local government website or offices for detailed and informative information on local trail running. Websites like http://www.fws.gov/ provide accurate information on local trails near you. They will provide you with trail locations, weather conditions, special permits and other pertinent information to make your run a success. The same can be said about your state or local government. Most states and cities have comprehensive websites for residents. They offer detailed information and insight into your local community trails and outdoor activities.

4. Talk to Your Neighbors: Your new neighbors can prove to be the best resources for discovering local running trails -- even if you don’t think they are runners or hikers. Their brother or cousin might be an avid trail runner. You can never tell who has an interest in running, and you might just miss out on the opportunity to discover a whole new world right in your own backyard.

Fishing The San Juan With My Father

San Juan River

Near Farmington, New Mexico

If you have never fished the San Juan river you are missing a real treat. I took my father on a float trip down the San Juan a few weeks ago and he and I had a fabulous time. We caught a ton of fish and our guide, Matthew Cliffton, owner of Tailwaters Anglers, did an outstanding job.

The San Juan River area we fished was directly below the Lake Navajo State Park & Dam. In fact, the most famous section of the river, known as the "Texas Hole," was actually in sight of the dam. The water is crystal clear and the river extremely deep. We could actually see hundreds of huge trout swimming beneath our boat in virtually every section of the river we floated. We fished fast and slow moving sections and did equally well in both. The flys we used were called "Midges." The flys are incredibly small and are set up with barbless hooks. When you first see the flys your initial reaction is I can hardly see the thing, how are the fish going to find it. Don't worry, they will find it and they will bite it!    

Here are more photos of the trip so you can get some perspective on this incredible stream. To see the full gallery from the float trip, click here: (http://flylineusa.com/san-juan-river-float-trip.html).

I have been fishing with my father since I was a little boy. He made sure to introduce me, my brothers and my sister to the mountains and to fishing at a very early age. My dad and my mom both enjoy camping and being in the mountains. Given that dad has trouble wading these days, this float trip seemed like the perfect solution. It was and Dad and I both had a great time! Thank you Lord for giving us this special time together!

 

See a complete photo gallery of the trip, Click Here.