Everyday is a great day for fishingFor the past seven years, Jeff “Fingers” Fagan has been guiding visiting anglers on fishing expeditions in the waters around Red River. Go with Jeff and your odds of catching fish are very high. (You should get such odds in Vegas.)
Jeff has been fishing the high country since he was a wee prat of a lad, a Texican escaping the heat in the cool of the mountains. Moving to Red River over fifteen years ago seemed like the thing to do.
He fishes year-round, even in the dead of winter, and it seems that he always catches trout. That’s a good thing for the trout because Jeff is a “Catch and Release” kind a guy.
“Gives me a chance to catch ‘em again sometime,” Jeff admits with a wry smile.
A musician by trade, he finds the melodies of the singing waters to be soothing and even inspirational. His song “Carpe Mañana” tells a true story inspired by fishing the high lakes.
While he loves the streams and rivers of New Mexico, in particular the Cimarron River and the Red River below the Fish Hatchery south of Questa, it is the high country lakes that hold a special attraction for the Panhandle transplant.
“Middle Fork is my favorite,” says Jeff. “No question. It’s beautiful and so peaceful.
“Of course, Goose Lake is great, too.”
Like all fishermen, Jeff relishes the experience of being in the middle of Mother Nature, taking in every breath and enjoying the blessings of the day.
Want to go fishing with Jeff? Book a guided trip at Big Horn/New Mexico Adventure, Sitzmark Sports, or Williams Trading Post.
Fishing in town
The Town of Red River stocks and maintains two fishing ponds in town. You are required to have a New Mexico state fishing license. The ponds may be closed for administrative purposes at any time.
The East Pond is open to fishing for children 12 years of age and under and handicapped individuals. A license is required for 12 year-olds. The fishing season runs through November 15.
The Middle Pond is open to the general public, with no age restrictions. A New Mexico state fishing license is required (age 12 and over). The Season runs through November 15.
Signs are posted at each pond. Read them. Carefully.
Purchase a NM license at The Starr, Williams Trading Post or Frye’s Old Town.
The Red River also flows through the heart of town and provides an excellent opportunity to experience trout fishing in America.