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The steps seemed simple on paper: start the thread (two wraps forward, then wrap back), dub the body (a little goes a long way), palmer hackle (evenly of course), and secure the elk hair wing. Under his mentorship, each step came alive with subtlety and precision. He taught us how to choose the perfect patch of elk hair: coarse enough to float well, yet soft enough to flare gracefully under thread tension. He shared tricks I hadn’t seen in books or on YouTube - like trimming the hair before tying it in to create a cleaner thorax. As we tied side by side, I came to understand just how critical proportions are and the importance of not crowding the eye.
But perhaps the most satisfying moment was learning the whip finish by hand. No tool, just fingers, muscle memory, and a bit of patience. He walked us through it slowly - loop, spin, pull. That final flourish, the whip finish, locked everything into place and left me with a deep sense of accomplishment.
Fly tying is fun on its own - but doing it in the company of those who’ve mastered the craft brings it to another level. It’s not just about flies - it’s about stories (say the word “lake” loud enough for Dave to hear you and you’ll see what I mean), skills passed down, and the joy of making something yourself.
If you’ve never tied your own flies, or if you’re looking to improve, I encourage you to come down to the Fly Tyers Roundtable. Chances are, the group will be thrilled to share their knowledge and you might learn what “palmering hackle” means.
Tight threads!
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MEET OUR MEMBERS
Bob & Lee Widgren
I’m from the Great Lakes and Lee is a native New Mexican. I met Lee while in the Army stationed at the old Sandia Base in the late 60s. Been married since 1971 and after returning from a tour in Europe in 1980, we decided to start our own custom fly rod building company called Los Pinos Custom Rods named after the Rio de Los Pinos River at the northern border of NM and CO. We built our home on the east side of San Antonio Mountain between Tres Piedras and Antonito CO. while working for the Museum system in Santa Fe as an exhibit installer. We started building custom fly rods for the local shops and eventually had to spend more time in ABQ for shipping and receiving logistics as we expanded to 32 dealers for our rods. Being in ABQ also gave us the opportunity to join NMT and to serve on the NMT board over the years. I was vice president and Lee was treasurer at one point. After retiring from the Army as a chief warrant officer, our small custom rod business evolved into a full-service fly shop called Los Pinos Fly Shop, I became a IFF Certified Casting Instructor, which I really enjoy teaching fly casting and eventually sold the shop after 28 years in business. We still have an internet-based business call Custom Fly Rod Crafters and we sell components and supplies worldwide to rod builders. Lee is still busy putting personal inscriptions on rods for other builders. We love to travel and fish and have the luck to fish on several continents but trout fishing in the Rockies is still our first love, although Lee has been my best catch ever!
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Annunciation Catholic School
With the middle of May upon us, we saw the end of our fly-fishing elective program at Annunciation Catholic School.
We started the program back in March with some bug identification and how those relate to the flies we tie to imitate them.
We ended the program with a casting competition on May 15th and then a field trip to Tingley Beach on May 20th.
The students showed their stuff during the casting competition, and all did very well trying to hit a 15” diameter target from approximately 30 feet.
The field trip to Tingley Beach seemed to really excite the students. While none landed any fish, we had a number of bluegills hooked for a short period of time. Tingley Beach and its trees and bushes provided an excellent venue to teach the students how to roll cast. We were accompanied by a few of the student’s parents who took a keen interest in what New Mexico Trout is all about. Late morning we had a nice BBQ lunch and the students seemed to be all about the food and less about the fishing!
Ms. Alicia Eiler, the elective course teacher and New Mexico Trout member, sent a thank you email to the students and their parents. We are hoping to get a few of the families or even just the students to join us.
The hope is this program, along with the family members we have with children, could be the basis of a youth program for New Mexico Trout to help us build the next generation of fly-fishers and conservationists.
Brian Beaudoin
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We Found a Winner
Ron Loehman
Conservation Chairman
Each year in April New Mexico Trout sponsors two special awards of $100 at the Central New Mexico STEM Research Challenge (aka the Science Fair), one in
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each of the senior and junior divisions. Our awards are for the best projects, in our estimation, that address the interests and goals of New Mexico Trout. The senior division had no entries this year that fit our criteria. However, the Junior division had an excellent project on a topic that we all are concerned with.
This year’s winner in the Junior division is Augustin (Augie) Cutrufello, who is just finishing the seventh grade at the Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science (AIMS), the UNM College of Engineering -sponsored charter school. Augie’s project was titled, “Lured by Knots. The Strongest Line to Hook Knots for Fishing”, a subject that is of considerable interest to our members. Augie tested six common fishing knots: snell, uni, clinch, improved clinch, Orvis, and double Davy. He, his Dad, and his Mom each tied three of each knot to heavy saltwater hooks using 15 lb mono. This gave 9 examples of each knot x 6 knots = 54 total tests on a device he built to exert an increasing force on the knot with the tag end of the mono attached to a digital scale. Augie and his parents are experienced fly fishers who are familiar with tying knots in mono. For example, Augie told me that in January they were in Belize fishing for bonefish and tarpon.
Here are his results. Average breaking strength of the knots from highest to lowest: improved clinch (13.6 lb), uni, Orvis, and double Davy (13.2 lb), clinch (10.6), and snell 10.1 lb). The improved clinch uni, and Orvis knots showed low variation in strength from knot to knot, the snell and double Davy had intermediate variation, and the clinch knot showed high variation in strength from knot to knot. I was glad to learn this result, since the improved clinch knot, along with the non-slip knot, are my two favorite knots for tying my fly to the tippet.
Our STEM Challenge award includes a one-year membership in New Mexico Trout. Augie is already taking advantage of it by volunteering for the next fish monitoring project in the Valles Caldera NP. I hope to see him at other of our activities and, if any of you meet Augie, please give him a warm welcome to our club.
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SpiritFly Expeditions
By Brian Beaudoin
I was fortunate to win the 50% discounted trip with SpiritFly Expeditions that owner and guide Nick Campos donated to New Mexico Trout for the 2025 Conclave.
We spent day out on a stretch of the Pecos River south of Santa Rosa fishing for smallmouth bass mostly, but this area also holds carp and trout. The fish didn’t co-operate, as they often don’t, but the trip was so much fun anyway. Having never seen this stretch of the Pecos before it was unbelievable to me how much water was in the river with almost nothing being let out of the dam at Santa Rosa Lake. Many parts of it reminded me of some of the streams in the Hill Country of Texas, especially at the put in location.
Nick also teaches casting and fly tying, and he also guides on the San Juan and other locations. You can’t ask for a friendlier and more knowledgeable guide than Nick. I guarantee you that even if the fish don’t cooperate Nick will make sure the day is enjoyable.
If you are looking for something a bit different, then contact Nick, you’ll remember the experience.
www.spirtiflyexpeditions.com
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Flamimg Gorge Green River Review
Rick Luitich
This year’s trip to the Green River at the Flaming Gorge started out awesomely with the sighting of a young moose on the drive over the hill from Vernal. Some people even reported seeing a flock of turkey, and even a full strutting Tom turkey was spotted, but the moose is the hands down winner on wildlife sightings for this trip.
| | | After ogling the moose, we were anxious to get busy fishing. We made a quick stop at the lodge to ask about early check in before heading to the river to try our hand at tricking the local trout. Some people had scheduled float trips for the first day and some fished the tail water river. Everyone reported a good day fighting fish. | |
After checking in and searching the fly shop everyone moved into their rooms and began preparing our nightly feast. To say we ate like kings may be a bit of an understatement. I gained 5 pounds on this trip but enjoyed every once of that journey.
As dinner was being prepared that first night, I thought I saw someone I hadn’t seen in a long time so I investigated and found out that Lifetime New Mexico Trout Member who moved to Washington state, Kevin Angevine his brother and a friend, had checked into a second-floor room for the week. After catching up for a while I invited them all to our traditional Friday night get together to share food, fishing stories and a few laughs.
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The Flaming Gorge Resort is located in the Uinta Mountains and offers a variety of fishing options from small stream with big fish, to lake fishing, either on shore or in the lake, and tailwater fishing in the Green River. As we ate dinner that first night we planned the next days’ fishing excursion at a small stream with wild browns swimming around.
By the time the Friday night pot luck dinner brought everyone together to share tall tails and food everyone had caught memorable fish both nymphing and on dry flies. I caught more fish on dry flies this year than nymphing and it was the first time I have actually caught fish (18”+ size) dry fly fishing in the rain. I was grinning hard in the rain.
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We plan to return again next year and have reserved rooms already for that trip. We already have 6 fishermen verified for next year’s trip so we have room for a bunch more. If you are interested in joining us on this week-long fishing adventure please contact me.
Tight Lines
Your President
Rick
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Vice President's Message
Brian Beaudoin
Our organization is currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our board and take on other volunteer opportunities that play a vital role in guiding our mission and fulfilling our promise to our membership.
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about leading New Mexico Trout into the future. As a board member or other volunteer, you would be part of a collaborative group that helps shape our strategic direction, raise vital funds, and work together to improve our conservation activities and fly fishing community.
Your time and commitment would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please feel free to contact me directly;
Via email @ vicepresident@newmexicotrout.org
Or via phone @ 505-918-6776
We have an immediate need for a newsletter editor. Duties include the organization of content provided by the officers and committee chairs into a clean and readable format using Constant Contact. Some content can be acquired from the internet that can include fly fishing or trout conservation quotes and short anecdotes that apply to organization. We are happy to train and guide before and during your volunteer period. This position is not technically a board position, but we would like the newsletter person to attend board meetings, when available, and stay in communication with the board and members of the organization.
As you may or may not know our officers run on a two-year staggered term, President and Vice President end together as do the Secretary and Treasurer positions. This year the President and Vice President positions are up for election.
We need nominees to fill these positions before the election in November. As a registered 501(c)3 non-profit corporation we are required to maintain a board and along with that a President and Vice President are crucial to our operation and future.
President – primary responsibilities - Oversees the overall direction and operation of the organization. In this capacity the president drives the direction of organization, ensures that the direction and objectives are consistent with the mission and values of New Mexico Trout. Aid the other board members to achieve their goals.
Vice President – primary responsibilities – Support the President in achieving the goals of New Mexico Trout. Aid the other board members to achieve their goals. Contact and arrange for speakers and a gathering place for the monthly get togethers.
At large board members - These positions are in the works, but we would like to have potential volunteers to fill these when the new by-laws are completed, voted on, and approved by the membership. These positions will be for those who want to learn the inner workings of running New Mexico Trout. We like to think of these positions as officers in training with the hope they will move up to help with the direction of the organization in the future.
We are also still in need for volunteers for the Valles Caldera fishing clinics, the New Mexico Trout fishing clinics, and help with the conclave including but not limited to running the raffle and help with other facets of organizing the conclave.
I would be happy to discuss the details with any interested party.
Thank you for considering these opportunities to make a difference.
Sincerely,
Brian Beaudoin
Vice President
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Conservation and Volunteer news
Ron Loehman
Conservation Chairman
With the conclusion of the Memorial Day weekend and the availability of our public lands partners, we are learning of opportunities for volunteer projects this summer. Some dates are set, while others are still being planned. What we know for now is listed below.
June 11 (Wednesday) Construction of in-stream flow control structures (BDAs, Beaver dam analogs) and planting willows on the Rio Cebolla above the Seven Springs hatchery. Contact Karen Menetry at karen@riograndereturn.org to reserve a spot, with a copy to me ronloehman@gmail.com.
June 20 (Friday) Construction of a water level control structure (a beaver deceiver) on the beaver pond on the Rio Cebolla upstream of Porter’s Landing. The beaver and their pond have been there for at least twenty-five years, but it is only recently that the water has begun to threaten FR 376. This approach eliminates the threat to the road without having to remove the beavers.
The pond leveler is a simple device consisting of 40-60 feet of 15” diameter PVC culvert with one end submerged in the pond and the other passing through the beaver dam. The level of the outlet controls the water level in the beaver pond. The inlet is enclosed in a sturdy wire cage constructed on-site. The cage around the inlet prevents the beavers from blocking the flow of the inlet. Here is a video showing the design and construction of a beaver pond leveler. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2WLwleKVW4
In the current political environment, the USFS is unable to fund such projects, so we have stepped in to donate appx. $1500.00 to buy the culvert and some incidental supplies for them. I believe Trout Unlimited will be donating a little over $325.00 to the project. The FS will need about six volunteers to help construct and install the leveler. The cage will be constructed on land, but the installation will require wading in the pond. I know from my experience installing temperature loggers that there are several feet of mucky sediment on the pond bottom. Working in the pond will require waders. Contact me at ronloehman@gmail.com if you are interested in helping.
July 16 (Wednesday) Planting Willows and building BDAs with Rio Grande Return. Jemez location to be announced later.
TBA: Cleanup of the FR 376 corridor above the Gilman Tunnels The Gilman Tunnels were opened at the end of last week, just in time for the Memorial weekend. I didn’t get any advance notice so we couldn’t schedule the cleanup before all the traffic resumed. With the traffic, dust, and summer temperatures, doing the cleanup now will be unpleasant and possibly dangerous for volunteers, so we will consider it for the Fall when conditions are better.
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MODERN FLY FISHING
I no longer use fur and feathers when tying dry flies. I only use foam. I make the bodies out of foam, the wings out of foam and the legs out of rubber. The rod I now use is made out of carbon fiber and the tippet line is also a carbon fiber and is called spider wire. The reel is dye cast aluminum and the line is some type of plastic-coated stuff. The leader is monofilament.
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I remember when I first fished with a fly rod it was bamboo and ten feet long. It had a automatic reel and a line that my dad would every so often coat with something. As a boy it seemed heavy. About the only fly we ever used was small bunch of polar bear hair. The only time we used the polar bear fly was when we were at my grandmother’s cottage in northern Wisconsin fishing for bluegills. Most of the time we used it to fish for yellow perch and used night crawlers for bait. Because of that I became a good roll caster at a young age.
The biggest event that changed fly fishing was the Movie (A River Runs Through It). People saw the movie and thought that looks like something we should do. The result was loops on the end of fly lines and leaders, poppers (strike indicators) and people who knew very little about trout and where to catch them. But what a bonanza for fly shops and gear makers.
I fished recently using a mix of gear; a modern rod, line, reel and leader, but a foam fly and spider wire tippet. I fished two hours and caught 21 nice browns, all of which I clipped off their adipose fins. I could not have caught this many trout, in this much time, if I had used normal dry flies and four or five X tippet. I did not have to change the foam fly or dry so it would float, or replace the fifteen-pound breaking strength spider wire tippet. The use of the new stuff, foam flies and spider wire, made the day possible.
Jerry
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Saturday, June 7th: Defend National Monuments + Public Lands
Day of Action - In Person and Online
Thank you for your interest in supporting the effort to defend national monuments and our beloved public lands. On Saturday, June 7, ahead of the 119th anniversary of the Antiquities Act (June 8, 1906), communities across the country, particularly in states with national monuments in the Trump administration’s crosshairs, will unite to show support for all monuments, parks and public lands. Advocates will gather at national monuments and other beloved public lands, raising their voices peacefully with photos, signs, and solidarity.
Included in This Toolkit
Background
In April, The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration has a short list of six national monuments they’re considering slashing: Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon (AZ), Ironwood Forest (AZ), Chuckwalla (CA), Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks (NM), Bears Ears (UT) and Grand Staircase-Escalante (UT). President Trump has already signed a proclamation opening up the Pacific Islands Heritage National Monument to commercial fishing. And in late May, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed an order that could erase the stories and histories many monuments were designated to tell.
Public land advocates have a narrow window to push back and protect these and other places. In 2017, Trump led the largest rollback of public land protections in history, slashing Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand-Staircase Escalante national monuments by 85 and 47 percent, respectively. In response, nearly 3 million Americans rose up in protest. Let’s build a loud community of public land defenders across the country. Let the Trump administration know that these places are for the people - not billionaires or corporate polluters.
What Success Looks Like
We hope this day of action will generate media attention at local, state and national levels with visuals of people uniting across some of our country’s most precious landscapes, cultural areas, and historic sites. Even small rallies with honed messaging in critical locations are effective. Additionally, a social media element that reaches voters across the country who support public lands will create a powerful message.
We invite all public land defenders to participate, whether that’s by posting a photo of their favorite trails to social on June 7 or showing up in person on the land with friends and family.
How to Join
- Gather a Group: Bring friends, family, or your organization members to your favorite national monument, national park or other close-to-home public land.
- Before you go: If you are inviting a large group, call the land manager to see if a permit will be required for your expected group size or if there are any other considerations for first amendment activities. Some monuments have designated first amendment areas.
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Make a sign (or print this one): Use example slogans or create your own.
- "Not for Sale / No Se Vende"
- “Protect Our Parks”
- “Public Lands in Public Hands”
- "Hands Off National Monuments"
- "Protect Sacred Sites"
- "Public Lands, Not Private Profit"
- Take photos and short videos (selfies are great and videos should be very short - under 30 seconds)
- Stand near a national monument sign, notable landmark or gorgeous view.
- Show your signs clearly - and make sure people are in the photograph! We love landscape shots, but it’s important to show that this movement is just as much about Americans who love these places as the places themselves.
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If you see signs of destruction and negative impacts from the DOGE firing spree (think: trash at trailheads, “closed” signs, etc), document them and upload to the shared Google drive folder.
- Share online - and pass forward
- Tag: #monumentsforall | #handsoff | #notforsale
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Tag: Sec. Burgum (@secretaryburgum) and your members of Congress (find your reps here)
- Tag: Up to 3 friends, nominating them to go to their favorite monument, park or other public land with a sign.
- Call your members of Congress at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to let the Trump administration know that their constituents want these places protected.
Who’s Invited to Join
- Local residents
- Tribal Nations & Indigenous advocates
- Business owners
- Outdoor recreationists (hikers, climbers, birders, campers)
- Hunters & anglers
- Conservation groups
- Faith leaders
- Artists & youth
- YOU
Why This Matters
The Trump administration is selling out our parks and other public lands to billionaires and big corporations, cutting off access to national public lands and destroying wildlife habitats. At the same time, they are attempting to whitewash the history and stories told by these places. Removing these monument protections is part of the broader scheme to privatize public lands - and erase Americans’ shared national heritage.
We say: Enough is enough. These lands are for all of us.
| | Some of New Mexico Trout's Environmental Projects | | | |  | Willow Planting on Rio Cebolla | | | |
Water Temperature
Monitor Placement
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Looking For Stream
Temperature Monitors
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Fly Tyers Luncheons
Come meet up with fellow anglers at noon every other Thursday at
The Cottonwood Range Cafe
Next Meetings:
April 3rd
April 17th
https://www.rangecafe.com/location/range-cafe-cottonwood/
Come and hang out, socialize, talk about flies and fishing, and eat some great food!
You don't need to be a fly tyer to come!
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GADGET OF THE MONTH
The FLY BANJO provides a chemical-free and efficient solution to drying any fly - wet, skunked or not floating adequately. You should still dress your fly with a silicone-based solution but you will not need to rely on excessive blowing, false casting or chemical powders to dry your fly. After catching a fish or dragging a fly through the water, simply pluck your fly a few times and it's just like it left the vice.
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Tips + Tricks + Tidbits
(click on the links)
| | | If you have a helpful, fun or interesting tip, trick or tidbit to share please let me know! | |
New Mexico Trout Merchandise
Get Some Swag!!
Wear With Pride!!
New Mexico Trout has arranged with Albuquerque-based Rowan Apparel to embroider items with the distinctive NMT logo.
You can get your NM Trout gear in the following ways:
- Go to the store and select from items in stock (or they can special order them)
Address: 7400 Montgomery Blvd NE #3,
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 344-9939
- Take your own items into the store and they can add the logo.
Rowan Apparel has a wide variety of shirts, hats and jackets in stock, and you can special order other items. Embroidery adds about $20 to the cost of any item (or you have your own item embroidered for the same amount). If you order online, just leave a comment to use the New Mexico Trout logo artwork.
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2024-2025 Fishing Licenses
Available On-Line
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FISHING LICENSES!
Available On-Line
While fishing in New Mexico, anglers 12 years and older must possess a valid New Mexico Fishing License or Game-hunting & Fishing License. Licenses are valid April 1 through March 31 of the following year.
Licenses are available to purchase year around
On-line renewal date starts March 24, 2025.
A New Mexico Fishing License is not required on tribal reservations and private Class-A lakes.
Click here to renew online at NMDGF
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New Mexico Trout Business Sponsors |
Yearly business membership entails the sponsor to a link and an ad in the NMT Newsletter and website. Contact the membership chair for more information if you or a business owner you know would like to become a sponsor, or visit our website at newmexicotrout.org.
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