Ice fishing season opens in northern New Mexico

Information provided by New Mexico State Parks Department
New Mexico anglers wanting a change of pace can dig out their ice-fishing gear and drop their lines at any of three northern state parks: Eagle Nest Lake, Fenton Lake and Sugarite Canyon.
“We welcome ice-fishing enthusiasts to enjoy this winter fishing season,” New Mexico State Parks Director Toby Velasquez said in a news release. “However, we ask that they take precautions to ensure that their outings are safe and enjoyable.”
The parks department offered some vital tips for staying safe while ice-fishing:
• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Fishing is only permitted on foot.
• Check for the latest ice conditions before setting out to fish.
• Show caution and avoid marked hazards along pressure ridges. Ice fishers are asked to stay at least 50 feet away from cones or barrels marking danger zones.
• Don’t fish alone and inform someone of both your intended fishing destination and your expected return time.
• Report any hazards to park staff so additional warnings can be issued if needed.
• Dress in layers, including thermal underwear, fleece or wool wear and windproof, waterproof outerwear, especially for feet, hands and head.
• Keep fishing holes smaller than eight inches in diameter to reduce safety hazards for others.
• Stay cautious around weak ice areas such as feeder streams, springs, or cracks. Ice spikes are recommended for self-rescue.
• Distribute weight and fishing poles to avoid overcrowding in one area.
Trout fishing remains good at other lakes
In southern New Mexico, trout were biting on PowerBait at Trees Lake near Deming.
At Young Park Pond in Las Cruces, trout were being caught with PowerBait Salmon Eggs, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
In Lincoln County, trout were biting at Bonito Lake on flies, lures, and worms.
At Corona Pond, trout fishing was good using earthworms. At Grindstone Lake, fly fishing for trout was slow to fair.
At Oasis State Park near Portales, fishing for trout was very good using PowerBait and Pistol Pete red worm flies. Bass fishing was slow.
There will be fewer reports available during the cooler seasons when fishing slows. The Department will make every effort to provide as much information as possible during the winter months.
This fishing report, provided by the Department of Game and Fish, has been generated from the best information available from area officers and anglers. Conditions encountered after the report is compiled may differ, as stream, lake and weather conditions alter fish and angler activities.
Anglers in New Mexico could face higher fees for fishing licenses if legislation calling for major changes at the Department of Game and Fish becomes law. The story in on A3.