Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. –Henry David Thoreau
It’s been almost 30 years since the movie A River Runs Through It was nominated for three Academy Awards. It launched a wave of interest in the fabled art of fly fishing which dates back to the time of Christ and may be even older.
The movie generated sales of clothing, fishing equipment in general and fly fishing gear in particular. The spectacular setting inspired people who were feeling the crunch of civilization to seek the majesty of nature in an effort to deal with the noise in their heads.
The high country of Northern New Mexico offers anglers some of the most beautiful and adventurous places to pursue the age-old art and enjoy the great outdoors. Unless fishing is a survival skill, most serious anglers will tell you that the greatest attraction is being surrounded by nature.
The Red River runs through the heart of town and flows all year long. It’s always cold and it runs high, fast and turbid in the spring, low and slow in summer and fall.
The trout love the river and the river loves them.
Anglers love the whole fish/nature experience.
High country lakes are special, too. Goose Lake, Middle Fork Lake, Lost Lake, Fawn Lake and Cabresto Lake are trout angling delights. Nearby Eagle Nest Lake boasts trout, kokanee salmon, small-mouth bass, perch, channel cat, sunfish, and northern pike.
Hiking to these lakes can be as much fun as the fishing. In fact, hiking adventures are everywhere. Several trails, for instance, will take you to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. The trails are accessible from Red River’s Upper Valley and from Taos Ski Valley. They require some commitment and preparation.
Goose Creek Trail #65 is six miles long, ending at Goose Lake. The trail starts about two miles up State Road 578 (Upper Red River Canyon Road). On the west side of the road, it requires some physical commitment.
For a recreational hike closer to town, the Nature Trail is 3.2 miles, a moderately trafficked out-and-back trail located in town on the west side of the river.
Mallette Park Nature Trail is ¼ mile long and begins in the park. There are several abandoned mines along the trail. It’s fun and easy for all levels of hikers.